Catering by Michaels Sales: Event Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

Join Our Sales and Event Planning Team

At Catering by Michaels, we believe an event is more than food on a plate. It is an opportunity to build a relationship, understand what matters to a client, and bring their vision to life through thoughtful planning and strong execution.

Founded in 1980, Catering by Michaels is a full-service catering and events company based in Morton Grove, Illinois. We produce events throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, ranging from intimate private gatherings to large-scale galas, corporate events, weddings, festivals, and major sporting and cultural events.

We are looking for an experienced Event Coordinator who combines strong sales ability with hospitality, organization, and attention to detail. This person will own the client relationship from the initial inquiry through the planning process and, ultimately, the successful execution of the event.

This is a position for someone who enjoys selling, building relationships, solving problems, and being involved in the details that make an event successful.

About Catering by Michaels

For more than four decades, we have built our reputation as one of Chicago's leading catering and events companies through quality, creativity, strong relationships, and consistent execution.

• Scratch kitchen with a commitment to culinary excellence

• Sustainability leader, certified by both Green Restaurant and Green Seal

• Experience executing major events including Lollapalooza, the NFL Draft, the Black Creativity Gala, premier golf tournaments, and the University of Chicago Alumni Weekend

• Member of the prestigious Leading Caterers of America organization

• Full-service and drop-off catering solutions serving Chicago and the surrounding suburbs

Our business is built on relationships. Our clients trust us with weddings, corporate events, celebrations, and major occasions that often take months of planning. The Event Coordinator plays an important role in earning that trust and delivering on it.

Why This Role Matters

The Event Coordinator is the primary point of contact for clients throughout the sales and planning process.

You will listen to what a client is trying to accomplish, understand their priorities and budget, present the right catering and event solutions, and guide them through the decisions required to bring the event together.

The job does not end when the contract is signed. You will continue working with the client, our culinary team, operations team, venues, planners, and other partners to ensure that the details are understood and the event is executed according to plan.

Our Event Coordinators are also onsite for their clients' events. You will see the planning process through to execution and have the opportunity to build relationships with clients in person while ensuring their expectations are met.

Key Responsibilities

Sales and Business Development

• Generate new business through inbound inquiries, prospecting, networking, referrals, venue relationships, and industry connections

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with prospective and existing clients

• Build relationships with event venues, meeting planners, corporate contacts, event professionals, and industry partners

• Conduct client consultations and understand event objectives, priorities, guest expectations, and budgets

• Develop customized catering and event proposals that meet client needs while supporting company goals

• Present menus, services, event concepts, and pricing to clients

• Guide clients through the sales process from initial inquiry through signed contract and deposit

• Identify opportunities to increase event revenue through additional services, menu enhancements, beverage, rentals, and other event needs

• Maintain an active sales pipeline and follow up consistently with prospective clients

Event Planning and Client Management

• Serve as the primary client contact throughout the planning process

• Prepare proposals, contracts, invoices, timelines, and other event documentation

• Develop a detailed understanding of each client's event, including menu, guest count, schedule, venue requirements, rentals, staffing, and special requests

• Coordinate menu meetings, tastings, planning meetings, and other client appointments

• Work closely with culinary, operations, staffing, and event teams to communicate client expectations and event details

• Attend sales, menu, production, and planning meetings as required

• Identify potential challenges before the event and work with the appropriate teams to develop solutions

• Monitor account balances and manage accounts receivable, including timely collection of outstanding payments

• Attend venue visits and client meetings as needed

• Attend and oversee assigned client events to support successful execution and strengthen client relationships

Business Development and Industry Engagement

• Participate in networking events, trade shows, venue open houses, and industry associations

• Represent Catering by Michaels professionally at community, hospitality, and business events

• Develop and maintain relationships that generate future business opportunities

• Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and opportunities within the Chicago catering and events market

• Stay current on Catering by Michaels menus, services, capabilities, and event offerings

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of successful off-premise catering sales experience with a proven record of results

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, or 4 or more years of relevant experience in hospitality, catering, event planning, or culinary sales

• Demonstrated ability to sell and manage events ranging from 10 to 1,000+ guests

• Strong understanding of the off-premise catering and events business

• Experience with Caterease or similar event management software preferred

• Strong relationship-building and client service skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Strong sales ability and confidence presenting proposals and pricing to clients

• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple events, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously

• Strong business judgment, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail

• Passion for food, beverage, hospitality, and live events

• Knowledge of wine, spirits, and beer preferred

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook

• Professional appearance and demeanor

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with culinary, operations, sales, and event teams

• Active involvement in professional catering, hospitality, or related organizations preferred

• Flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays based on client and event needs

Work Environment

This position is based at our Morton Grove, Illinois office and supports events throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.

The role combines office-based sales and event planning with client meetings, venue visits, tastings, networking, and onsite event execution.

Our Event Coordinators are present and onsite for their clients' events. This means the position is not simply an office-based sales or planning role. You will have the opportunity to see your work through from the initial conversation to the final guest experience.

Local travel is expected during business hours. Occasional evening, weekend, and overnight travel may be required depending on client and event needs.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly communicate with clients, team members, vendors, and venue personnel in person and by phone

• Frequently stand and walk during venue visits, tastings, meetings, and events

• Work onsite at event venues for extended periods

• Move throughout event spaces as needed during setup and service

• Occasionally lift and carry event materials, documents, supplies, or equipment weighing up to 30 pounds

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive base salary plus commission opportunities

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) with company match

• Paid vacation and paid time off

• Company discounts

• Professional development and networking opportunities

• Opportunity to work on some of Chicago's most recognized events

Why Work With Catering by Michaels

We have been doing this since 1980 because we understand that our clients are trusting us with important moments. Our job is to earn that trust, deliver on our commitments, and make the experience as successful as possible.

As an Event Coordinator, you will have a direct impact on the growth of our business and the experience our clients have with Catering by Michaels. You will build relationships, sell events, develop plans, solve problems, and ultimately stand alongside your client when the event comes to life.

If you are an experienced catering sales professional who knows how to build relationships, close business, manage details, and take ownership of the client experience, we want to meet you.