Senior Catering Sales Manager | Full-Time | Iowa Events Center

Oak View Group

Oak View Group is the global leader in venue development, management, and premium hospitality services for the live event industry. Offering an unmatched, 360-degree solution set for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster that includes the most influential, highest attended arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions on the planet.

Position Summary

The Senior Catering Sales Manager will be responsible for the planning and execution of catering functions while maintaining the highest standards of guest service, compliance and presentation. This position will coordinate work assignments, oversee daily activities & development of Catering Sales Managers, and assist with the planning of menus and food utilization. The position requires knowledge of principles and processes involved in high-volume banquet/catering planning, coordination and execution. This includes but is not limited to strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership techniques and a working knowledge of food production methods.  

This role pays an annual salary of $55,000-$65,000.

Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays)

This position will remain open until December 31, 2025.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for providing a full range of oversight that is required to ensure successful onsite catered events and customer satisfaction to encourage repeat business and referralsPlan, direct, coordinate and review the work plan for events; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems; assign work activities, projects and programs; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures
• Oversee daily activities and development of Catering Sales Managers and Catering Coordinator(s) including BEO review and assisting in their events.
• Lead/participate in weekly Catering Sales Department meeting
• Direct and provide feedback to management team during events in the absence of the AGM
• Interview, select, train, motivate and evaluate direct reports; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures as required.
• Oversee planning, directing and managing the day-to-day functions of the Catering Sales Department with input from the Assistant General Manager/Director of Catering
• Responsible for negotiating and submitting finalized BEOs to Assistant General Manager and Executive Chef
• Oversees event coordination
• Responsible for ensuring that contract signatures & cut off dates, deposits are accurate and that all contracts are processed in accordance with company policies
• Ensures that the group folders are in order and all master contracts are signed completely; responsible for independently resolving and approving any revisions while ensuring that price quotes are aligned with budgeted target product cost
• Responsible for authorizing and communicating any BEO revisions to appropriate departments
• Promptly responds to all customer needs and inquiries in an efficient and expedient manner
• Develops event concepts from client’s visions and ideas
• Develops strong customer relations through frequent communication and the use of professional, courteous and ethical interpersonal interaction

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent. Associate of Arts/Sciences degree or Bachelor’s with hospitality or culinary concentration, or a degree in a similar field from an accredited college preferred.
• 4-6 years’ catering sales experience combined with food and beverage experience.
• A proven track record of experience providing clear direction, demonstrating leadership and evaluating performance in order to make recommendations for improvement.
• Proficiency of computer skills with advanced knowledge of Microsoft Suite in a Windows format. Ability to be available by company provided cell phone. Experience with Momentus or similar event management software preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, a professional appearance; ability to represent the company with employees, client representatives and guests.
• Ability to be self-directed while working in a team oriented environment; experience with high attention to detail and effective prioritization in a continuously changing environment.
• Ability to work well under pressure and time constraints with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including mornings, nights, weekends and long hours.

Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference

At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.