Paramount Events - Catering Sales Manager (Full Service) at Paramount Group Chicago LLC – Chicago, Illinois

Do you thrive in a warm, positive environment with a clearly defined process, and do you have a friendly, approachable style? Are you naturally efficient and able to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining high standards for accuracy and follow-through? If these questions resonate with you, please keep reading.

The Catering Sales Manager at Paramount Events is a revenue-driving sales role responsible for generating, managing, and growing the catering business through proactive prospecting, relationship development, and exceptional client service. This position owns the full sales lifecycle from outbound outreach and inbound inquiry through booking, tastings, event execution support, and post-event follow-up. This is a hands-on, client-facing role ideal for a sales professional who thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment, is comfortable with outbound prospects, enjoys being present at events, and understands that consistent sales activity and relationship-building drive long-term growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Sales & Business Development

• Own and grow a book of catering business with clearly defined revenue goals

• Actively prospect new business through outbound outreach, cold calls, emails, site visits, venue partnerships, and networking

• Respond promptly to inbound inquiries and convert leads into booked events

• Build long-term client relationships to encourage repeat and referral business

• Identify upsell and enhancement opportunities to maximize event revenue

• Represent Paramount Events at networking functions, venue walkthroughs, tastings, and industry events

• Partner with marketing on lead generation, outreach initiatives, and brand visibility

Proposals, Tastings & Contracting

• Create customized proposals and pricing strategies aligned with client goals and company profitability

• Lead client tastings, presenting menus and guiding clients through culinary and service options

• Present proposals confidently, negotiate terms, and close business

• Manage contracts, deposits, payment schedules, and billing coordination

• Maintain an accurate sales pipeline and forecasts

Event Collaboration & Execution

• Collaborate closely with Event Producers and Operations to ensure smooth handoff from sales

• Provide detailed event information and client expectations to execution teams

• Attend all booked events as a standard sales responsibility and client-facing presence

• Support on-site execution to ensure guest satisfaction and successful events

Client Experience & Retention

• Act as a trusted advisor and brand ambassador for Paramount Events

• Conduct post-event follow-ups to gather feedback and identify future opportunities

• Resolve client questions or concerns with professionalism and solution-oriented communication

Additional Responsibilities

• Track and report on sales performance, prospecting activity, conversion rates, and pipeline health

• Maintain CRM and catering software with accurate, up-to-date client, prospect, and event information

• Stay informed on industry trends, market conditions, and competitive offerings

• Collaborate with leadership on sales strategy, forecasting, and growth initiatives

• Support continuous improvement of sales processes, pricing strategies, and client experience standards

Skills & Qualifications

• Proven sales experience with strong prospecting, negotiation, and closing skills

• Comfortable with outbound sales activity and relationship-driven business development

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and follow-through

• Consultative sales approach with a hospitality-first mindset

• Ability to manage multiple prospects, clients, and deadlines simultaneously

• Comfortable working cross-functionally with culinary, production, and operations teams

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with Caterease, Prismm, or similar platforms preferred

Required Experience

· 5+ years of experience in catering, hospitality, or event sales

· Off-premise catering experience strongly preferred

· Demonstrated success in a revenue-driven sales role

· Availability to work evenings and weekends to attend events off-site

· Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, event-driven environment

Benefits

· Daily lunch provided

· Free parking

· PTO Days

· Health, Vision and Dental insurance

· 401(k) plan Eligible after 1 year

· Snack and beverage bar