Catering Sales Manager

Job Overview

This Catering Sales Manager role in Lansing, MI is all about driving revenue by connecting clients with memorable food and event experiences. You're the bridge between a kitchen's capabilities and a client's vision, whether it's a corporate lunch, a wedding reception, or a holiday party. The work is fast but rewarding; you'll juggling proposals, tastings, and contract details while keeping a sharp eye on profit margins. It’s a role for someone who thrives on closing deals and crafting custom menus.

Duties & Responsibilities

Your day to day will vary, but the core tasks are clear. You'll be the main point of contact for event inquiries, turning leads into booked events.

• Respond to inbound sales inquiries and proactively reach out to potential corporate and social clients in Lansing, MI.
• Conduct site tours and menu tastings, selling the venue and culinary options.
• Draft detailed event proposals and contracts, negotiating pricing and logistics to meet both client needs and business goals.
• Coordinate with the culinary and operations teams to ensure every event runs smoothly on the day of.
• Track sales activity in a CRM system and hit monthly revenue targets.

Requirements

You need a solid mix of sales instinct and event planning know how. Two to three years of experience booking catering or event space is typical.

• Proven ability to close sales and manage a pipeline from start to finish.
• Comfortable using CRM software (like Salesforce or Tripleseat) and Microsoft Office.
• Strong negotiation skills; you know when to hold firm and when to offer a discount.
• Able to work weekends or evenings occasionally for tastings or event walkthroughs.
• High school diploma required; a bachelor's degree in hospitality or business is a plus.
• Must be able to stand for long periods during events and lift up to 25 pounds for setup.

What It's Like in This Role

You'll operate out of a busy venue or hotel in Lansing, MI, splitting your time between an office desk and the event floor. The team is small; usually just a few salespeople and an event coordinator; so you'll wear multiple hats. Expect a lot of phone calls and emails, with occasional back to back meetings. Tools like Tripleseat or Aisle Planner help you stay organized, but there's still a fair amount of manual legwork. The pace picks up during wedding season or the holidays, but off peak months give you space to plan ahead.

Why You'll Like This Opportunity

You're not locked into one company's culture or sales approach; different employers in Lansing, MI offer unique client bases, from upscale venues to casual catering companies. Many positions come with flexible scheduling when you're not running events. There's real room to grow your book of business, and you'll learn the ins and outs of event logistics that apply across the hospitality industry. Plus, you get to eat some amazing food during tastings.

Schedule & Work Type

This is typically a full time onsite role, though some positions in Lansing, MI offer hybrid options after a training period. Expect standard business hours with some evening or weekend events required. Part time or contract arrangements exist for smaller operations, but most listing are for 40 hour weeks.

How to Apply

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