Vice President Full-Service Catering

Confidential Vice President of Sales – Full-Service Catering | Chicago

A premier Chicago-based hospitality company is seeking an accomplished Vice President of Sales to lead revenue growth and expand market presence for a successful full-service catering operation. This executive-level role will be responsible for developing and executing sales strategy, leading the sales team, strengthening client relationships, and driving new business opportunities.

The ideal candidate is a true sales hunter — a proactive, results-driven leader who thrives on prospecting, building relationships, creating opportunities, and closing new business. This role requires someone who is equally comfortable developing strategy and getting in the market to generate revenue through networking, outreach, and relationship-building.

This is an exciting opportunity for a proven hospitality sales executive who wants to make a significant impact by growing an established brand and leading a high-performing sales organization.

Key Responsibilities:

Sales Strategy & Business Development

• Develop and execute a comprehensive sales strategy aligned with company growth objectives.
• Personally drive new business development through prospecting, networking, relationship-building, and targeted outreach.
• Identify and pursue new corporate accounts, venue partnerships, RFP opportunities, and strategic relationships.
• Build and maintain a strong sales pipeline with measurable goals and consistent activity.
• Analyze market trends, competitive activity, and customer insights to identify opportunities for growth.

Sales Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing sales team.
• Create a culture of accountability, urgency, collaboration, and results.
• Coach team members on prospecting, relationship management, sales strategy, and closing techniques.
• Recruit and retain top sales talent while establishing clear performance expectations.

Client Acquisition & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, industry partners, and decision-makers.
• Lead high-level sales presentations, client meetings, and negotiations.
• Oversee contract discussions and ensure successful transition from sales to operations.
• Maintain a strong presence in the hospitality and business community.

Sales Operations & Execution

• Implement and improve sales processes, systems, and reporting tools.
• Track performance metrics, pipeline activity, and revenue results.
• Partner with operations and leadership teams to ensure exceptional client experiences.
• Participate in tastings, events, networking opportunities, and industry functions.

Qualifications:

• Proven executive-level sales leadership experience within catering, hospitality, events, or a related industry.
• Demonstrated success as a hunter with a strong track record of prospecting and winning new business.
• Experience building and managing a sales pipeline from the ground up.
• Strong network and relationships within the Chicago corporate, hospitality, and event community preferred.
• Experience leading and developing sales teams.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Strategic thinker who is also willing to roll up their sleeves and personally drive sales activity.
• Passion for hospitality, relationship-building, and delivering exceptional client experiences.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Base Salary: $125,000–$150,000 based on experience
• Competitive commission structure with significant earning potential
• Benefits package available
• Opportunity to lead growth initiatives for a respected Chicago hospitality organization

If you are a driven hospitality sales leader who knows how to create opportunities, build relationships, and deliver results, we invite you to apply for confidential consideration.

With 32 years in the recruiting industry and offices nationwide, EHS RECRUITING COMPANY has placed thousands of candidates nationally and internationally. EHS recruiters are career specialists who give our candidates first access to the best opportunities and partner to elevate and expedite the hiring process. We look forward to partnering with you!