Catering & Events Manager

Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen, a Chicago institution since 1942, is looking for an energetic, organized, and sales-minded Catering & Events Manager to help grow and manage our catering, private events, corporate business, and off-site opportunities.

This is a hands-on position for someone who enjoys working with customers, building relationships, staying organized, and making sure every event is executed properly from beginning to end.

What You'll Do

• Manage catering and event inquiries from the initial call or email through completion of the event
• Respond quickly and professionally to customers and prepare proposals, menus, and quotes
• Build relationships with corporate clients, offices, hospitals, hotels, event planners, schools, organizations, and other potential catering customers
• Actively seek out new catering and event business
• Follow up with previous customers and develop repeat business
• Help customers plan menus, quantities, delivery, setup, staffing, and other event details
• Manage Manny’s private events and group dining opportunities
• Coordinate catering orders with our kitchen, managers, delivery team, and staff
• Create clear event sheets and communicate all details to the appropriate departments
• Make sure orders are accurate, properly packaged, on time, and presented to Manny’s standards
• Assist with larger off-site events, deliveries, setup, and execution when needed
• Maintain an organized calendar of upcoming catering orders and events
• Track leads, proposals, confirmed events, sales, and follow-ups
• Identify opportunities to improve our catering packages, menus, systems, and overall customer experience
• Help market Manny’s catering and events through community outreach, partnerships, and local networking

Who We're Looking For

The right person is:

• Extremely organized and detail-oriented
• Friendly, outgoing, and comfortable talking with customers
• A strong salesperson who isn't afraid to reach out and develop new business
• Responsive and excellent at following up
• Able to manage multiple events and deadlines at the same time
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced restaurant environment
• A strong communicator who works well with both customers and restaurant staff
• Willing to jump in and solve problems when necessary
• Comfortable with email, spreadsheets, calendars, proposals, and basic restaurant technology
• Available to work some evenings and weekends depending on event schedules

Previous experience in catering, events, hospitality, restaurant management, sales, or event planning is strongly preferred.

What Success Looks Like

We want this person to take ownership of Manny’s catering and events business—not simply process orders.

Success means bringing in new customers, growing repeat business, staying on top of every detail, and making it easy for customers to choose Manny’s for their next meeting, celebration, corporate event, or large gathering.

About Manny’s

Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen has been serving Chicago since 1942. Four generations later, we remain a family owned Chicago institution known for great food, generous portions, warm hospitality, and being a gathering place for people from every part of the city.

We are looking for someone who understands what makes Manny’s special while helping us grow the catering and events side of the business for the next generation.

Job Type: Full-Time
Location: Chicago, IL