Catering Sales Manager | Full-Time | Penn State University Athletics

Overview

The Catering Sales Manager has a primary duty of making sales and obtaining orders or contracts for the venue. This position is responsible for generating, managing, and coordinating outside catering sales, as well as initiating, directing, and implementing marketing functions in the Catering Department. The Catering Sales Manager will independently manage and oversee all aspects of full group operations from reservation through contract negotiation and finalization to group reception and event catering. The Catering Sales Manager maintains a consistently positive and professional relationship with internal and external clients. The Catering Sales Manager will handle sales and customer service issues, including providing outstanding customer service; researching, resolving, and clarifying invoice questions; and providing knowledgeable and appropriate suggestions regarding menu selections. The Catering Sales Manager will facilitate the flow of information internally, as well as communicate with all guests and vendors. Must be available to assist with general catering and game day operations as needed.   

This role pays an annual salary of $60,000-$70,000 and is commission eligible.

Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays)

This position will remain open until October 23, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships by networking and prospecting with key decision-makers; establish and develop strong and effective relationships with influencers through the use of professional, courteous, and ethical interpersonal interaction.
• Coordinate and deliver effective sales presentations.
• Independently sources, identifies, and pursues outside networking opportunities through professional industry resources and community events or special events attended by prospects.
• Responsible for negotiating, authoring, and submitting finalized contracts and BEOs to the client and internal staff.  
• Address or coordinate all catering requirements and requests in a timely and helpful manner.
• Maintain accurate records for all catering sales activities in conjunction.
• Communicate daily with the Food & Beverage Manager, culinary staff, catering staff, and operations staff about the needs of our guests and their expectations.
• Maintain an extensive client database for follow-up sales calls and contact (in person, phone, email, mail, etc.)
• Assist with follow-up of guests’ experience at the venue, ensuring that all issues have been addressed.
• Assist in the planning and coordination of catered events as directed.
• Serves as primary group and convention contact once the contract is signed.
• Approves any inventory or other changes and responds to questions or concerns in a timely manner.
• Assists with oversight of accounts receivable in conjunction with assigned events.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.)
• 3-5 years in a sales role, with verifiable sales success. Catering sales experience in the hospitality industry is preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency and successful experience in catering sales generation, contract negotiation and pricing, event scheduling, training, catering, banquets, and menu development.
• Ability to work independently both on and off venue property with little supervision or oversight.
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer applications (Microsoft Office programs with an emphasis on creating Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and email); working knowledge of POS systems.
• Ability to adhere to a high standard of business etiquette and professional verbal and written communication.
• Ability to consistently represent the company in a professional, positive, and knowledgeable manner.
• Ability to adhere to the highest standard of confidentiality and discretion.
• Demonstrated ability to produce detail-oriented, accurate work.
• Ability to work a varied schedule, which may include weekends and evenings, as required to ensure an outcome.
• Ability to travel to outside sales calls and/or events.
• Proven ability to make appropriate and independent decisions.

Salary : $60 - $70