Job Summary: The Senior Catering & Sales Manager is responsible for selling, working on outreach sales strategies, and coordinating drop off, full-service and off-premises catered events in accordance with M&G’s standards. In addition to managing client relationships, this position leads communication on internal production for food, beverages, and service for drop offs and events.  

Core Tasks and Key Responsibilities

Drop Off Catering

• Manage all client communications via email and phone calls relating to the sale and production of drop off catering daily, ensuring the highest quality experience for clients is consistently delivered.
• Review incoming inquiries and ensure all necessary information for all inquiries are obtained from prospective client; seek clarification and further details as needed.
• Respond to all drop off inquiries within 24 hours.
• Prepare all BEOs, proposals, dietary sheets, invoices, and other client facing materials and send initial proposals within 24 hours.
• Ensure that pricing is appropriate and accurate on estimates and invoices.
• Ensure full payment is made by clients, 1 business day prior.
• Follow up with clients daily regarding hold dates and sign off on proposals.
• Create daily BEO’s for confirmed jobs 2 business days prior.
• Communicate all client updates and changes to both Kitchen & Operations teams.
• Attend drop offs as needed to meet and greet clients.
• Follow-up to thank client and collect feedback to be shared with team.

Event Catering

• Manage all client communications and inquiries relating to the sale and production of event catering on a daily basis, ensuring the highest quality experience for clients is consistently delivered.
• Prepare proposals, BEOs, contracts, and other client facing materials and send initial proposals within 48 hours for a standard proposal and 3-4 business days for a custom proposal.
• Oversee completion and sending of invoices and any updates as needed.
• Recommend venues and other event vendors, tailored to clients' needs.
• Arrange for and attend site visits, walk-throughs and tastings as needed.
• Communicate with client regarding event floorplans, time-lines, insurance, permitting, and rental equipment requirements.
• Manage internal team meetings and communications relating to the production of event, while meeting weekly deadlines relating to the completion of food, beverage, staffing needs and rental equipment orders.
• Communicate custom menu requests to BOH team, and manage process of on-going menu revisions.
• Create rental equipment orders, and coordinate billing with rental companies and clients.
• Ensure that appropriate staffing levels are in place for events, collaborating with staffing companies for maximum efficiency.
• Create and manage Event BEO’s, Rental Equipment Orders, Staff Briefing documents and all other documentation needed for the event.
• Oversee event set-up and service on-site as needed.
• Liaise between client and on-site team leaders to ensure success of event from beginning to end.
• Arrange for thoughtful gift during planning process, at event or as follow-up, when appropriate.
• Follow-up to thank client and collect feedback to be shared with team.
• Ensure full payment is made by client on a timely basis and follow-up until final payment is complete.
• Act as the client’s voice to ensure all other departments are fully aware of client expectations to ensure continuity and accuracy of all services.

Sales

• Meet or exceed total monthly Catering sales budget goals
• Implement successful and proven sales strategies designed to attract new clients and increase top line sales
• Increase top-line revenue by soliciting new business via in-person meetings, tastings, calls and emails as laid out by monthly goals.
• Create repeat business by cultivating strong, caring relationships with clients throughout and beyond the drop off and event-planning process.
• Work with management to cultivate relationships with specific sales targets as outlined and close business.
• Develop strong relationships with production venues, event venues and other event vendors in order to gain referrals.
• Seek feedback on reasons for lost business with the goal of improvement and keeping doors open for future opportunities.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Culinary teams on promotional mailings, gifts and events.
• Cultivate active understanding of annual events, competition, new venues, and trends in New York Metro area.
• Maintain awareness of progress towards sales budget goals

Team Management

• Manages team of Catering Coordinators in both Drop Off Catering & Event Catering tasks and ongoing development and training.
• Participates in hiring and managing training of new Office Staff members.
• Set the standards and always lead by example to create an inclusive and professional team atmosphere.
• Remain current and compliant with the correct HR practices and policies.

Other Qualifications

Relevant Knowledge, Skills, & Ability:

• 3-5+ years catering/event management experience
• Proficient knowledge of all systems and processes in catering & event management.
• Strong understanding of diverse cuisine and beverage
• Ability to embody, teach, and inspire our values
• Excellent interpersonal, written/ email and public speaking skills
• Strong computer skills and Proficient in MS Office and Catering Software.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree