Demo

Catering & Event Sales Manager

Wooden Paddle
Lemont, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 4/13/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/8/2026

IS THIS JOB FOR YOU?

  • Do you thrive on the thrill of sales, and the challenge of rolling up your sleeves to get things booked? 
  • Are you the kind of person who loves to check things off your list — and can’t rest until all open loops are closed? 
  • Are you a bit fanatical about the details, making sure things are buttoned-up and done just right?
  • Do you take pride in keeping things meticulously organized and up-to-date?
  • Are you the kind of person that people just like — warm, approachable, and easy to talk to?  
  • Are you the type of person that takes your career seriously, but doesn't take yourself too seriously?

Yes?! Then YOU should join our team!


WHY WORK HERE?:

Here are some of the perks!

  • PPO Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance - PPO plans, 50% company-paid 
  • 401K Retirement Plan - With 3% company match
  • Weekly Pay – In your bank, once a week, like clockwork
  • Paid Time Off - 1 week of paid time off
  • Bonus Days Off – Never work on Thanksgiving or Christmas - we’re closed!
  • Flexible Days Off – Typically scheduled back-to-back, with the ability to move them around
  • Monthly Leadership Book Club – Free book, free snacks, free drinks, and big ideas
  • Fast Growth – We’re scaling fast and we promote from within!
  • Access to Expert Coaches – If you’re hungry to grow, we’ve got the pros
  • Free Holiday Dinner Boxes – So you don’t have to cook on the Thanksgiving or Christmas!
  • $150 Monthly Dining Allowance – free food & drinks, that never expires
  • 20% Restaurant Discount – 20% off anytime, for you and your whole table
  • 20% Drop-Off Discount – 20% off anytime, for any size party
  • State of the Company Events – Fun team hangs with big updates and snacks galore
  • We Run on EOS – Clear roles, real accountability, & we’re always leveling up


WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?:

RESPONSIBILITIES

As our Catering & Event Sales Manager, you'll be on the front lines of all day-to-day sales. These are the results you'll be hired to accomplish:

» ① Lighting-Fast Client Communication

When a client reaches out, you’re all over it, bb! You're quick to respond and easy to connect with. From first contact to final payment, clients always hear from you right away. 

» ② Beyond-the-Inbox Business Development

You don't just wait for business to come to you — you go out and grow it! You’ll spend part of your week reaching out to past and potential clients, connecting with vendors who can refer us, and getting out in the community to build real-world relationships that turn into real business. 

» ③ A Calendar Full of Closed Deals

Keep our calendars absolutely brimming with booked business! You’ll guide clients through the full sales process with confidence and convert interest into income, over and over again. No deals left open, no dates left empty. 

» ④ Organized & Up-to-Date CRM

You keep our CRM up-to-date, all day, every day. Every detail is in there, logged in real-time. No digging, no wondering — just a clear view of what’s happening, and what’s next.

» ⑤ Flawless Handoffs to Operations

You’re the glue, boo boo! You hand things off with zero loose ends — contract signed, payments made, details organized for event day. Ops gets everything they need to execute the event, and it's crystal-freaking-clear. 

*As a disclaimer*: This is a new-ish position, in a rapidly growing company, in an always-changing industry. That means that this position and its responsibilities will continue to evolve. So, if you're change-adverse, this job ain't it.

That being said - if you're good with change, and are willing to try new things - you'll love this job, and it'll love you right back.

PAY

We pay a base wage of $50,000 - $55,000, depending on experience, plus a performance-based commission for booked events no caps, no mystery math. Total compensation for this position will likely fall between $75000.00 - $85000.00 per year. 

WORK SCHEDULE

This position is full-time, with a semi-set schedule designed around the demands of our sales volume. This position will work a mix of days and nights, weekdays and weekends based on sales activity, special events, and client meetings. Our Catering & Event Sales Manager will work 5 days, and typically 45-ish hours per week.


WILL YOU FIT IN HERE? 

Our team has been built - brick by brick - on shared core values. And no, they’re not just bullsh*t words slapped on a wall - they’re who we are - and they’re non-negotiables for working here. You’ll feel super *comfy* and right at home if these words describe you:

» You Come With Batteries Included

You’re a high-energy self-starter who jumps into action, and doesn’t need hand-holding to get things done.

» You’re Scrappy

You’re a resourceful problem solver who makes things happen; if there’s no door, you get in through a window.

» You Take Your Work Seriously

You take pride in your work, big and small, and you have a natural reflex to do things the *right* way.

» But, You Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously

You’re a positive team player who’s quick to laugh at your own mistakes, open to feedback, and humble about your wins.

And if these words *don’t* describe you? You’ll be decidedly *uncomfy* here. So, fair warning - If you’re a cranky a** problem-bringer who’s cool being super-mid at your job and needs constant hand holding… may we suggest… working literally anywhere else?


JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Here are some of our must-haves & would-like-to-haves:

  • 2 years of professional experience — preferably selling Catering, Venues, or Private Dining
  • Experience in an equivalent role, strongly preferred
  • A Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Event Management, or similar, a major plus!
  • Very comfortable communicating over email, phone, and face-to-face
  • Naturally wired to follow through and close open loops
  • Extremely detail-oriented — you triple-check your calendar and spell names right the *first* time
  • Tech-savvy and confident navigating new software systems
  • Must currently have have a reliable personal computer suitable for professional sales work (for daily use of cloud-based CRM software, video calls, etc.)
  • Must be at least 21 years old
  • Must have open availability - including nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Comfortable working about 45-ish hours per week, with regular nights and weekends
  • Must have a valid driver's license & sole access to a personal vehicle
  • Familiarity with Pipedrive, Toast, & Total Party Planner - a plus!

Wooden Paddle is 13-years-young restaurant & catering company, started in 2013.
Our purpose, and the reason we exist, is to be 'The Place You Want to Be'. 📍
Our niche, and the thing we work really freaking hard to do better than anyone else, is creating ✨ Super Fun Dining Experiences✨.
Our focus is shareable, wood-fired comfort foods 🍕, artsy cocktails 🍸, & good-time energy 💁‍♀️.
As a team, we're scrappy go-getters who don't take ourselves too seriously - but we take our food, drinks, and hospitality *extremely* seriously.
And we're all on a mission to hit 10 Million Good-Time Guest Experiences by 2033! Come for the pizza, stay for the party bb! 🎉

Salary : $50,000 - $55,000

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