Associate Director of Catering Sales

Job Description

Job Description

Position Title: Associate Director of Catering Sales

Salary: $55,000 to $60,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Eligible for 3% Commission

CULINAIRE provides upscale food and beverage management services to a very diverse collection of national accounts to include art museums, cultural landmarks, hotels, performing arts centers, restaurants, and special event venues. While our portfolio is diverse, the one constant in every operation that we manage is our total commitment to our associates to put their career path, safety and success as our top priority, as well as to provide sophisticated, delicious food and warm service to our guests.

Job Summary

  CULINAIRE at the American Swedish Institute operates a full-service restaurant and catering program within a cultural museum and event venue in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The operation provides food and beverage services for private events, weddings, corporate meetings, social gatherings, receptions, and museum-related programs.

The Associate Director of Catering Sales is responsible for generating and managing catering business from initial inquiry through contracted event. This role works closely with culinary, banquet operations, and venue staff to ensure successful execution of events and a high-quality guest experience. The position supports both new business development and ongoing client relationship management.

The operation provides food and beverage services for private events, weddings, corporate meetings, social gatherings, receptions, and museum-related programs.

The Catering Sales Manager is responsible for generating and managing catering business from initial inquiry through contracted event. This role works closely with culinary, banquet operations, and venue staff to ensure successful execution of events and a high-quality guest experience. The position supports both new business development and ongoing client relationship management.

The operation includes a mix of daytime, evening, and weekend events, with event sizes ranging from small meetings to large-scale receptions and celebrations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Creates catering activities, books, plans & directed functions
• Creates proposals, contracts and banquet event orders
• Prepares and monitors budgets; financial targets and forecasts
• Maintains local clients database and builds and maintains relationship with vendors
• Ensures all safety and sanitation procedures are followed in compliance with HACCP
• Performs related duties and special projects as assigned

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree is preferred or equivalent professional experience
• Proven track record for meeting sales goals
• Strong knowledge of current food, industry trends and fine dining points of service
• A minimum of two years of experience in hospitality industry including one year experience in catering sales
• Supervisory, scheduling, training and coaching skills
• Ability to assess client requirements and deliver ensuring client satisfaction
• Must be able to write menu proposals in consultation with chefs
• The ability to supervise food preparation, service and clean-up is also essential
• Knowledge of A/V equipment with the ability to set up and break down for events.
• Superior quantitative, oral and written communications and problem- solving/strategizing skills
• Excellent leadership and organizational skills, flexible and adaptable to constant changes and must possess attention to detail
• Excellent overall computer skills with advanced knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint
• Proactive mindset and able to remain calm under pressure to anticipate and support changes in our business.
• Conformity to the highest standards of personal integrity and ethical behavior
• Exceptional client relations and customer service abilities

Apply to Culinaire today!

Culinaire is a member of Compass Group USA

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Associates at Culinaire are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

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Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details:

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Culinaire maintains a drug-free workplace.