Associate Director of Catering Sales

Associate Director of Catering Sales

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 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

Associates at Culinaire are offered many fantastic benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, holiday time off, associate shopping program, health and wellness programs, discount marketplace, identity theft protection, pet insurance, commuter benefits, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, paid parental leave, personal leave.