Catering Lead Generation

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Catering Lead Generation & Business Development Virtual Assistant based in Canada.

We are looking for an experienced Lead Generation and Business Development Virtual Assistant to help expand the catering operations of a growing food business with two retail locations in Southern California. In this remote, part-time role, you will identify new catering opportunities across corporate events, weddings, film productions, festivals, and other high-value occasions. You will take ownership of prospect research, outbound outreach, vendor registrations, and partnership development to generate a consistent pipeline of catering orders. Working directly with business owners, you will build and implement a lead generation process from the ground up. Your efforts will play a key role in increasing brand visibility, developing strategic relationships, and driving recurring catering revenue. This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive, results-driven professional who thrives on building new business opportunities independently.

Accountabilities

As a Catering Lead Generation & Business Development Virtual Assistant, you will be responsible for identifying potential clients, developing outreach strategies, and managing the lead pipeline to generate consistent catering opportunities.

• Lead Research & Opportunity Sourcing

  • Research catering opportunities throughout the Southern California service area.

  • Identify corporate event organizers, event planners, production companies, venues, and other potential catering buyers.

  • Discover relevant catering directories, vendor lists, and event platforms where the business should be listed.

  • Build, organize, and maintain targeted prospect lists and opportunity databases.

• Vendor Listings & Partnerships

  • Secure business listings on relevant catering, event, and vendor platforms.

  • Apply for inclusion in event planner directories and production company vendor lists.

  • Ensure business listings, photographs, catering packages, and service information remain accurate and up to date.

  • Monitor listing applications, track approval statuses, and follow up on pending requests.

• Outreach & Follow-Up

  • Contact prospective clients through email, phone calls, and direct messages using approved communication strategies.

  • Present catering packages and explain available delivery and pickup options.

  • Maintain consistent follow-up with interested prospects and previous inquiries to convert opportunities into bookings.

  • Qualify incoming catering leads and forward requests to business owners with complete event details.

• Pipeline Tracking & Reporting

  • Track outreach activities, prospect responses, vendor registrations, and catering opportunities.

  • Provide weekly reports covering new leads, listing progress, and confirmed catering orders.

  • Identify the most effective lead generation channels and event categories.

  • Recommend new prospecting strategies and business development initiatives to increase catering sales.

Requirements

The ideal candidate is an experienced lead generation or business development professional with excellent communication skills, strong research capabilities, and the initiative to establish an effective outreach process independently.

• Proven experience in lead generation, business development, or outbound sales.

• Excellent written and spoken English skills, with a native or near-native level of professional communication.

• Strong experience conducting online research and building targeted prospect lists.

• Excellent written and verbal outreach skills, including professional phone communication.

• Strong organizational abilities and experience managing lead pipelines, follow-ups, and activity reports.

• Ability to work independently, identify opportunities proactively, and develop new lead generation processes.

• Persistence and confidence in following up with prospects while maintaining a professional and approachable communication style.

• A results-oriented mindset, with motivation to generate qualified leads and secure confirmed catering orders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in catering, events, hospitality, or food and beverage sales.

• Experience securing business listings on online directories, vendor platforms, marketplaces, or event websites.

• Familiarity with CRM systems, lead-tracking spreadsheets, and sal