ABOUT THE ROLE
McEwan Group is seeking a sales-driven Senior Catering Sales Manager to grow our catering and events business. You will own the full client journey, from first inquiry through event completion, working closely with our Operations, Culinary, Staffing, Rentals and Accounting teams. As a senior team member, you will also support and mentor newer sales colleagues.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Sales & Business Development
- Develop and execute a catering sales strategy and annual sales plan, in collaboration with management, to grow revenue and meet or exceed monthly and annual targets
- Proactively prospect and secure new business through cold calling, email outreach, LinkedIn, referrals, and in-person sales visits to businesses, associations and event planners
- Identify and target key growth segments, including corporate offices, recurring corporate catering programs, associations, non-profits, event planners, venues and social/wedding markets
- Research the local market to identify new businesses, upcoming events and emerging opportunities, and monitor competitor offerings and pricing
- Build partnerships with venues, event planners, rental companies and other vendors to generate referral business
- Represent the company at networking events, trade shows, bridal shows and community functions - Conduct sales presentations, client tastings and site visits to convert prospects into booked business
- Convert one-time clients into recurring and annual accounts, and identify upselling opportunities, including beverage, rentals, staffing and premium service enhancements
- Collaborate with marketing on promotional campaigns, seasonal packages and new offerings for target markets
- Respond promptly to inbound inquiries, leads and RFPs, and follow up proactively to maximize conversion
- Maintain an active sales pipeline in the CRM, tracking outreach activity, conversion rates and revenue, and provide market insights to management
Event Planning & Client Management
- Serve as primary point of contact for assigned clients from booking through event completion
- Gather and maintain accurate event details, including guest counts, timelines, menus, dietary requirements and allergens, rentals and staffing
- Prepare detailed Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and communicate them accurately to all departments
- Resolve client concerns before, during and after events
Internal Coordination & Administration
- Coordinate with internal teams to ensure successful event execution
- Communicate changes and last-minute requests promptly and accurately
- Prepare accurate contracts and invoices, and monitor deposits, balances and payment deadlines
- Ensure pricing and margins align with company standards
- Maintain client records in the CRM and provide regular sales and forecasting reports
Leadership
- Act as a senior resource for the catering sales team
- Assist with training and mentoring newer sales coordinators and managers
- Help establish consistent sales and event-planning procedures
QUALIFICATIONS
- 2–3 years of experience in catering sales, event planning, hospitality or a related field
- Proven ability to manage the full sales cycle from inquiry to event completion
- Strong sales, negotiation and relationship-building skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Exceptional organization, time management and attention to detail
- Comfortable working with budgets, pricing and contracts
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM/event-management software
- Availability for occasional evenings, weekends and holidays based on event schedules
- Legally eligible to work in Canada
Assets
- Education in hospitality, event management, business or a related field
- Smart Serve certification
- Food Handler Certification and knowledge of allergen management
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
- Fast-paced catering and events environment. The role is primarily office-based, with periodic attendance at client venues, tastings and events, which may involve extended standing and walking.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Base salary plus commission & incentives
- Comprehensive benefits package (conditions apply)
- staff dining discounts, professional development
McEwan Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free workplace in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the AODA. Accommodations are available on request throughout the recruitment process.
