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Catering Sales Manager in Chicago, IL at Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

Date Posted: 12/25/2019

Job Snapshot

Job Description

GEM Catering is Seeking An Offsite Catering Events Manager: Join our Leadership Team!

GEM Catering, located out of Stratford on the Park, is hiring an OFFSITE CATERING EVENTS MANAGER. We’re looking for a polished, energetic professional who enjoys all aspects of offsite events … from transporting food and equipment to leading a team to cultivating an outstanding book of business.

If you’re equally gifted at leadership, sales and events, then please apply! We’re eager to hear from you. EOE. E-Verify. 

Requirements
  • 3+ years in sales and parties / events
  • Ability to cultivate and maintain an established client list 
  • Experienced with leading and supervising a team
  • Skilled in remaining on deadline and attentive to detail
  • Ability to load, set-up and transport items in a provided vehicle in Chicagoland area

Not ready to apply? Join Our Talent Network: Click Here!

We Offer:
 
  • Competitive pay (salary plus commission structure)
  • Restaurant discounts
  • Blue Cross/Blue Shield medical/dental insurance
  • Domestic partner benefits
  • Vision plan
  • 401(k)
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)
  • Pre-tax transit benefit (where applicable)
  • Nonsmoking working environment
  • Training, development & advancement opportunities
  • Paid time off including holiday, vacation, sick days, parental leave
  • And more

 
Lettuce Entertain You is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We Participate in E-Verify.

Job Summary
Manages and supervises offsite catering events, and drives growth of the business through sourcing, acquiring, maintaining and servicing catering clientele. Transports food and equipment as needed using a vehicle provided. 

Essential Functions 
  • Manage and supervise offsite catered events, ensuring smooth and efficient service 
  • Solicit new catering clients through prospecting and cold calling
  • Develop and accurately write catering proposals and contracts
  • Staff all catering events, supervise employees working the event, and clearly communicate all contract, event and host details to employees 
  • Load, transport and unload food, furniture and equipment to off-site events or designated storage space using vehicle provided in variable traffic (must provide proof of current drivers license and MVR compliance)
  • Follow specific offsite event instructions including but not limited to checklists, contracts, floor plan diagrams, table settings, inventory sheets and effectively opening and closing the event space
  • Attend tastings, weekly catering meetings, and communicate pertinent information to appropriate personnel
  • Utilize and maintain guest incentive programs and staff referral programs 
  • Accurately record and account for all items ordered, process payments, and balance all sales/receipts in compliance with restaurant policies and procedures 
  • Order and maintain supplies, decorations and equipment
  • Understand catering budgets and work toward achieving sales goals 
  • Respond to client and guest questions (including but not limited to questions regarding restaurants, menu items and availability of dates) and schedule catering events in online system
  • Use sales techniques to present current promotions to guests and increase sales
  • Follow all steps of service 
  • Maintain availability to work a variety of days and shifts, including late nights and weekends
  • Safely and effectively use and operate all necessary tools, utensils, equipment and software (for example, restaurant management software, etc.) 
  • Ability to effectively communicate in order to perform and follow job requirements in written and spoken direction
  • Ability to multitask calmly and effectively in a busy, stressful environment 
  • Work in a confined, crowded space of variable light, noise and temperature levels
  • Able to move and lift up to 10 pounds, frequently move and/or lift up to 25 pounds, occasionally move and/or lift up to 50 pounds 
  • Ability to stand and walk for an entire shift and move safely through all areas of the restaurant, which may include stairs, uneven or slick surfaces
     
Key Responsibilities and Duties
  • Review daily orders with chefs and managers in menu meetings and with hourly staff at pre-shift meetings 
  • Maintain and update client list as property of LEYE and a preferred third-party vendor list
  • Assist GM and Chef in developing catering menus
  • Partner with GM and designated managers/chefs to interview, hire, onboard, train, supervise and develop all catering events staff 
  • Monitor, address and document individual employee performance through recognition, coaching and, when necessary, disciplinary action up to and including employment termination 
  • Schedule, conduct and document formal employee performance reviews 
  • Understand and maintain proficiency in supervisor, server, bartender and coat check roles 
  • Model and promote teamwork across all teams 
  • Ensure the overall guest experience exceeds expectations and anticipate guests’ needs
  • Greet guests with a warm, sincere smile
  • Use tact and good judgement when dealing with guest challenges and respond with patience and courtesy 
  • Understand and follow the food allergy procedure and special orders/restrictions
  • Proficiency in the use and operation of all necessary tools and equipment
  • Comply with all safety and sanitation guidelines and procedures
  • Successfully complete alcohol awareness training
  • Follow all rules, policies, procedures and conditions of employment, including those outlined in the Employee Handbook
  • Ability to get along well with others and be a team player
  • Other duties will be assigned as needed