Catering Sales Manager

At Aramark, we empower our people to create moments that matter through exceptional hospitality experiences. We serve more than a dozen industries with pride and passion, building community, connection, and careers all around the world. 

You'll be surrounded by some of the most innovative minds in the industry and powered by our shared mission to pursue what matters. Here, you'll have the opportunity to do great things for our people, our planet, our partners and our communities. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and enable your growth. Supported by committed leadership, you'll be empowered to try new things and find solutions to tough problems. No matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is to help you reach your full potential and pursue what matters.

The Catering Sales Manager is responsible for growing catering revenue by working collaboratively with internal partners and actively developing new external catering business. This role serves as the primary sales lead for all catering inquiries and is focused on building long-term relationships, identifying new market opportunities, and converting leads into profitable events.

This position manages the full sales cycle—from prospecting and client consultations through proposal development and contract execution—while partnering closely with Culinary, Operations, and Conference Services to ensure outstanding delivery and client satisfaction.

Reports to: Director of Food Services (or General Manager)
Works closely with: Executive Chef, Catering Operations Team, Conference Services, Marketing

Key Responsibilities

Internal Collaboration & Account Development

•    Partner closely with internal departments, conference services, and client stakeholders to identify catering opportunities.

•    Proactively engage existing campus and internal partners to grow repeat catering business.

•    Act as a trusted advisor to internal clients by recommending menus, service styles, and budget-driven solutions.

•    Support client retention through consistent follow-up, service reviews, and relationship management.

External Business Development & Sales Growth

•    Proactively source and secure new external catering business within the corporate, social, community, and institutional markets.

•    Conduct outbound sales activity including prospecting, networking, site tours, and relationship building.

•    Identify and pursue new revenue streams beyond the core client base.

•    Represent the catering brand at industry events, trade shows, and networking opportunities.

•    Consistently achieve or exceed monthly and annual catering sales targets.

Client Sales Process & Event Booking

•    Serve as the main point of contact for all catering sales inquiries.

•    Conduct client consultations to assess needs and recommend customized catering solutions.

•    Develop and present proposals, menus, and pricing in collaboration with the culinary team.

•    Manage contracts, deposits, and confirmations through CaterTrax (or equivalent system).

•    Ensure all event details are accurate and communicated clearly to operations.

Client Experience & Service Excellence

•    Guide clients through the planning process to ensure seamless execution and satisfaction.

•    Maintain a high level of responsiveness, professionalism, and service at every stage.

•    Support on-site execution when needed to ensure client expectations are exceeded.

•    Collect client feedback and use insights to improve sales strategy and service offerings.

Marketing & Sales Strategy

•    Partner with Marketing and Operations on promotional campaigns and sales initiatives.

•    Support seasonal promotions, LTOs, and targeted sales campaigns.

•    Ensure catering menus and promotional materials are current and market-relevant.

•    Track and analyze sales performance, conversion rates, and revenue trends.

Financial & Administrative Accountability

•    Maintain accurate sales forecasts and pipeline tracking.

•    Ensure accurate invoicing and payment follow-up in partnership with Finance.

•    Support pricing strategy to ensure profitability and competitiveness.

•    Maintain accurate client and event records within the catering system.

Professional Standards & Compliance

•    Follow all brand standards, food safety guidelines, and health & safety practices.

•    Maintain professionalism and represent the brand with integrity at all times.

Key Skills & Qualifications

•    Proven experience in catering sales, hospitality sales, or business development

•    Strong relationship-building and consultative selling skills

•    Self-starter with a strong external sales mindset

•    Excellent communication, organization, and time-management abilities

•    Ability to collaborate effectively with culinary, operations, and internal stakeholders

•    Proficiency with catering sales software (CaterTrax, Caterease, or similar preferred)