Catering Relationship Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

The Client Relationship Manager is an inside sales-focused role responsible for managing inbound catering inquiries, nurturing client relationships, and driving repeat and incremental business. This position serves as a primary point of contact for catering clients, guiding them from initial inquiry through event execution and post-event follow-up. The role bridges sales, service, and operations to ensure revenue growth, strong client retention, and seamless event experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Inside Sales & Catering Order Management (Primary Focus)

• Respond to inbound catering inquiries via phone, email, and online leads in a timely and professional manner
• Guide clients through menu selection, event planning, and service options
• Prepare and send catering proposals, contracts, and invoices
• Collect deposits and ensure timely payment processing
• Take and confirm catering orders, including menus, quantities, timing, delivery/service needs, and pricing
• Accurately input orders and client details into the catering/order management system
• Ensure all orders meet company standards, lead times, and operational requirements
• Identify opportunities for upselling, add-ons, and enhancements

Client Relationship Management (Primary Focus)

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned and repeat catering clients
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships to drive repeat business
• Proactively follow up on inquiries, quotes, past events, and warm leads
• Maintain an active pipeline of current and returning clients
• Follow up post-event to gather feedback, strengthen relationships, and secure future bookings
• Support tastings, menu consultations, and client meetings as needed

Sales Support & Business Growth

• Convert inbound leads into confirmed catering orders
• Proactively follow up with past clients, referrals, and warm leads to drive repeat and incremental business
• Contribute to team-based sales goals and revenue targets
• Collaborate with outside sales team members to support account growth opportunities

Event Coordination & Execution Support

• Coordinate event logistics including delivery schedules, staffing needs, and execution timelines
• Communicate order details clearly with culinary, operations, and delivery teams
• Ensure all event details are accurate and aligned across departments
• Respond to last-minute changes or challenges with urgency and professionalism
• Support event execution as needed to ensure client satisfaction and brand standards

Administrative & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of client interactions, sales activity, and order details
• Utilize CRM or ordering systems to track pipeline and client communication
• Participate in weekly sales meetings, pipeline reviews, and reporting
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure smooth event execution
• Support forecasting and sales initiatives

What Success Looks Like

• High conversion rate of inbound inquiries to booked events
• Strong repeat business and client retention
• Accurate, timely catering order entry and coordination
• Smooth, well-executed events with minimal issues
• Positive client feedback and ongoing relationships
• Consistent contribution to team sales goals

Why Join Us

• Stable, onsite role with consistent schedule
• Competitive salary with performance-based bonus opportunities
• Strong pipeline of inbound leads (minimal cold prospecting)
• Team-driven sales culture
• Opportunity to grow within a growing catering organization
• A role that blends relationship-building with execution excellence

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to protected status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Qualifications & Skills

• 1–2+ years of experience in catering, hospitality, event coordination, or inside sales preferred
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and customer service skills
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy in order entry and coordination
• Organized and able to manage multiple clients, orders, and priorities
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, team-driven environment
• Self-motivated with a proactive approach to follow-up and client care
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office or similar systems
• Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) is a plus
• Onsite role with consistent schedule, occasional evenings or weekends as needed

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting and computer use
• Occasional standing and walking to assist guests
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs as needed
• Ability to operate standard office equipment