About the position
The Catering Event Sales Manager at the Aquarium of the Pacific is a vital role responsible for managing the entire event planning process for clients. This position serves as the primary point of contact, addressing inquiries, preparing event proposals, creating banquet event orders, conducting site visits, coordinating logistics, and ensuring the successful execution of events. The manager plays a crucial role in driving revenue growth through the promotion, sales, and coordination of events, requiring a detail-oriented individual with excellent organizational and interpersonal skills. A passion for creating memorable experiences is essential for success in this role. In this position, the Catering Event Sales Manager will proactively pursue all leads for incoming event inquiries and cultivate relationships with prospective clients. This includes managing all phone and email communications, handling proposals, conducting site visits, and overseeing events from start to finish. The manager will collaborate with clients to customize event packages that include catering, audio-visual equipment, rental items, and other services tailored to meet specific needs and exceed expectations. Exceptional customer service is paramount, as the manager will address inquiries, understand budget constraints, proactively resolve concerns, and ensure a positive client experience throughout the sales process. The role also involves developing event timelines, schedules, layouts, and special event communications, ensuring meticulous planning and execution of all details. Building strong relationships with clients, vendors, and external event professionals is crucial for promoting repeat business and referrals. The manager will maintain a database of clients to maximize repeat business and will work closely with internal Aquarium partners and the Savor catering team to ensure seamless communication and event execution. Post-event debriefings will be conducted to gather feedback, assess event success, and identify areas for improvement. Additionally, the manager will attend community events and industry-specific meetings to stay informed about current marketing and event trends, driving informed and strategic decision-making.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the event planning process.
- Proactively pursue all leads for incoming event inquiries and cultivate relationships with prospective clients.
- Collaborate with clients to customize event packages including catering, audio-visual equipment, and rental items.
- Prepare tailored event proposals based on client requirements.
- Provide exceptional customer service throughout the sales process, addressing inquiries and resolving concerns.
- Develop event timelines, schedules, layouts, and special event communication.
- Foster strong relationships with clients, vendors, and external event professionals.
- Maintain a database of clients to maximize repeat business.
- Conduct post-event debriefings with clients and internal departments.
- Attend community events and industry-specific meetings and conferences.
- Maintain an understanding of current marketing and event trends.
Requirements
- 5+ years of Catering and Event experience with proven growth and increase in responsibility.
- Experience with calendar, BEO, and CRM databases.
- Associate's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Exceptional creativity, innovation, and attention to detail.
- Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Excellent negotiation and communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Ability to multitask, prioritize responsibilities, and work effectively to meet deadlines.
- Passion for the Aquarium's mission.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience in organizing and managing events and meetings from setup to teardown.
- Comfortable using technology to achieve results.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
Benefits
- Health savings account
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- 401(k)
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Employee assistance program
- Vision insurance
- 401(k) matching
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- Retirement plan
