Catering by Michaels Sales: Event Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

Join Our Sales and Event Planning TeamAt 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 MichaelsFor 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 excellenceSustainability leader, certified by both Green Restaurant and Green SealExperience executing major events including Lollapalooza, the NFL Draft, the Black Creativity Gala, premier golf tournaments, and the University of Chicago Alumni WeekendMember of the prestigious Leading Caterers of America organizationFull-service and drop-off catering solutions serving Chicago and the surrounding suburbsOur 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 MattersThe 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 ResponsibilitiesSales and Business DevelopmentGenerate new business through inbound inquiries, prospecting, networking, referrals, venue relationships, and industry connectionsDevelop and maintain strong relationships with prospective and existing clientsBuild relationships with event venues, meeting planners, corporate contacts, event professionals, and industry partnersConduct client consultations and understand event objectives, priorities, guest expectations, and budgetsDevelop customized catering and event proposals that meet client needs while supporting company goalsPresent menus, services, event concepts, and pricing to clientsGuide clients through the sales process from initial inquiry through signed contract and depositIdentify opportunities to increase event revenue through additional services, menu enhancements, beverage, rentals, and other event needsMaintain an active sales pipeline and follow up consistently with prospective clientsEvent Planning and Client ManagementServe as the primary client contact throughout the planning processPrepare proposals, contracts, invoices, timelines, and other event documentationDevelop a detailed understanding of each client's event, including menu, guest count, schedule, venue requirements, rentals, staffing, and special requestsCoordinate menu meetings, tastings, planning meetings, and other client appointmentsWork closely with culinary, operations, staffing, and event teams to communicate client expectations and event detailsAttend sales, menu, production, and planning meetings as requiredIdentify potential challenges before the event and work with the appropriate teams to develop solutionsMonitor account balances and manage accounts receivable, including timely collection of outstanding paymentsAttend venue visits and client meetings as neededAttend and oversee assigned client events to support successful execution and strengthen client relationshipsBusiness Development and Industry EngagementParticipate in networking events, trade shows, venue open houses, and industry associationsRepresent Catering by Michaels professionally at community, hospitality, and business eventsDevelop and maintain relationships that generate future business opportunitiesMonitor industry trends, competitor activity, and opportunities within the Chicago catering and events marketStay current on Catering by Michaels menus, services, capabilities, and event offeringsQualificationsMinimum of 3 years of successful off-premise catering sales experience with a proven record of resultsBachelor's degree from an accredited institution, or 4 or more years of relevant experience in hospitality, catering, event planning, or culinary salesDemonstrated ability to sell and manage events ranging from 10 to 1,000+ guestsStrong understanding of the off-premise catering and events businessExperience with Caterease or similar event management software preferredStrong relationship-building and client service skillsExcellent verbal and written communication skillsStrong sales ability and confidence presenting proposals and pricing to clientsHighly organized with the ability to manage multiple events, deadlines, and priorities simultaneouslyStrong business judgment, problem-solving skills, and attention to detailPassion for food, beverage, hospitality, and live eventsKnowledge of wine, spirits, and beer preferredProficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and OutlookProfessional appearance and demeanorAbility to work independently while collaborating effectively with culinary, operations, sales, and event teamsActive involvement in professional catering, hospitality, or related organizations preferredFlexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays based on client and event needsWork EnvironmentThis 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 RequirementsRegularly communicate with clients, team members, vendors, and venue personnel in person and by phoneFrequently stand and walk during venue visits, tastings, meetings, and eventsWork onsite at event venues for extended periodsMove throughout event spaces as needed during setup and serviceOccasionally lift and carry event materials, documents, supplies, or equipment weighing up to 30 poundsCompensation and BenefitsCompetitive base salary plus commission opportunitiesHealth, dental, and vision insurance401(k) with company matchPaid vacation and paid time offCompany discountsProfessional development and networking opportunitiesOpportunity to work on some of Chicago's most recognized eventsWhy Work With Catering by MichaelsWe 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.

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