Catering Sales Manager

Nothing beats the power of being at a live event. That's why we're proud to announce the launch of Sodexo Live!, our brand dedicated to the sports, events, and hospitality industry. We concentrate all of our skills, insight, and experience into one brand that instinctively knows how to make the most of every moment. Let's go Live! together.

We are seeking an experienced Catering Sales Manager for the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in Dallas TX.

The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas (KBHCCD) is one of the largest convention centers in the nation. Every year it welcomes over a million visitors attending major national and international conventions, meetings, concerts, athletic competitions, auto shows, and more. Located in the heart of downtown Dallas, the KBHCCD has been and continues to be a fixture in the Dallas skyline offering 1 million square feet of exhibit space, three ballrooms, 88 meeting rooms, 1,750-seat theater, and a 9,816-seat arena.

Principal Function: 

• The Catering Sales Manager will be directly responsible for creating unique dining experiences by directing, selling, up-selling and actively participating in the planning and production of catered functions.
• Working closely with clients, as well as with the sales, culinary and operations staff, they are responsible for ensuring that events are coordinated and executed smoothly and in accordance with all client expectations and specifications. 
• The Catering Sales Manager will focus on the development, implementation and measurement of the revenue objectives contained within the unit's annual marketing plan. He or she will direct and manage the sales team and all sales activities to meet revenue objectives and attain the top line financial forecast. This includes developing sales with existing business (forecasted group/local business) and executing strategies to develop new business.
• The Catering Sales Manager will support the planning of and preparation for events according to anticipated attendance, and will provide hands-on management and oversight in the areas of service and F&B operations during events.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Maximize Centerplate's catering revenue through creative sales techniques and customer focus. 
• Provide leadership and direction to operations staff.
• Contribute to goal of making Centerplate #1 in Event Hospitality and the #1 Employer of Choice through personal commitment and leading by example.

Qualifications/Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in business, hotel/restaurant management or a related field, and/or appropriate combination of education and experience to support on the job effectiveness.
• 5-7 years of catering sales experience, with at least 3-5 years in a management role.
• Prior experience in a similar venue with more than $5M in food and beverage sales.
• Demonstrated financial acumen; P&L accountability and/or contract-managed service experience
• Must possess strong knowledge of food and wine for menu development.
• Must possess strong knowledge of food and beverage financials, operations procedures, controls and administration, as well as awareness and ability to perform all sales-related functions.
• Solid and proven track record for sales and leadership success.
• Tech savvy, with high proficiency in all Microsoft Office programs.
• Demonstrated success in interfacing with a variety of organizational functions and divisions to accomplish tasks.
• Flexibility, ability to work extended or irregular hours to include nights, weekends and holidays.

Additional Requirements:

• Proven ability to work effectively with all levels of staff and management; Ability to promote and participate in team environment concepts.
• Self-starter who can work independently and on several tasks/projects simultaneously, and who can contribute to functional areas of the business outside of retail operations.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Initiative in identifying and resolving problems timely and effectively.
• Hours may be extended or irregular to include nights, weekends and holidays.

About Sodexo Live:

Sodexo is consistently recognized as an employer of choice by highly regarded external organizations, earning coveted spots on FORTUNE's list of the World's Most Admired Companies and Bloomberg's Gender-Equality Index, as well as a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index

Improving quality of life has been our mission for over 50 years. And this commitment starts with you. We strive to enhance and simplify your daily life while offering you the best working environment wherever you are, whatever you do.

We offer a diverse range of opportunities, in over 100 professions. Whether you're a recent grad, the transition from the military, or an experienced professional, our goal is to find your perfect fit.

Founded in Marseille, France, in 1966 by Pierre Bellon, Sodexo is the global leader in services that improve Quality of Life, an essential factor in individual and organizational performance.

Operating in 56 countries, Sodexo serves 100 million consumers each day through its unique combination of On-site Food and Facilities Management Services, Benefits & Rewards Services, and Personal and Home Services. 

40,000 employees dispersed throughout 500 sites around the globe with 80 different types of professional roles.

• What we do: We improve the Quality of Life of those we serve and our teams, and contribute to the economic, social, and environmental development of the communities, regions, and countries in which we operate.
• How we do it: We serve with care the essential daily needs of millions of people. We build inclusive progress; we drive engaged and responsible performance.
• Why we do it: We create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all.

Thank you for expressing interest in employment with Sodexo Live! While only those candidates considered for this position will be contacted, your resume will remain on file for 90 days.

Sodexo Live! is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, status as a protected veteran or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable Federal, State or Local law.