Catering - Assistant Manager of Catering Sales - IC

Columbia, SC, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $48,100.00 - $62,000.00

Work Schedule

Flexible

Weekend Shifts

Night Shifts

Benefits

Paid Time Off

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life insurance

401(k)

Parental leave

Bereavement leave

Holiday pay

Paid sick leave

meal plan

Employee Discounts

Tuition Discount

Job Description

SSA Group has been a trusted partner for more than 50 years, specializing in designing exceptional hospitality experiences within cultural attractions. By integrating admissions, culinary services, and retail with innovative approaches and human connection, SSA creates a seamless and memorable guest journey for diverse audiences. Their proprietary 452 Hospitality philosophy underscores a commitment to people, innovation, and operational intelligence to deliver special moments that have a lasting impact on both their partners and the communities they serve.

The Assistant Manager, Catering Sales at SSA Group plays a pivotal role in driving catering sales and revenue growth by actively promoting and selling a range of catering services. This position is onsite and reports directly to the Director of Catering and Event Sales, General Manager, and Assistant General Manager. It is an individual contributor role without direct salaried reports but carries significant revenue responsibility exceeding $200,000. This role demands a dynamic and highly organized individual with excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills dedicated to enhancing the client experience and ensuring the flawless execution of events.

In this capacity, the Assistant Manager, Catering Sales will leverage expertise in catering sales strategies, client relationship management, and event coordination to meet and exceed sales targets. Key responsibilities include negotiating and securing catering contracts, conducting site tours and menu tastings, developing promotional campaigns, and fostering long-term client partnerships to encourage repeat business. The role also involves critical vendor communication and resource management to support event success.

This role requires adaptability in a fast-paced environment, overseeing the entire client contract process, ensuring legal and company policy compliance, and meticulous attention to detail for event documentation. The Assistant Manager will work closely with cross-functional teams such as sales, operations, culinary, and other departments to cultivate innovative strategies and run seamless events. They are also entrusted with managing financial processes including payment collection, budget planning, sales analysis, and invoice verification, ensuring profitability and efficient event delivery.

Furthermore, the Assistant Manager is expected to uphold SSA's inclusive and supportive workplace culture, actively participating in sustainability efforts and community engagement under the 452 Hospitality framework. This position is full-time and non-exempt, eligible for overtime pay. The compensation package includes comprehensive benefits such as up to 144 hours of paid time off based on tenure, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options, participation in a 401(k) program with a company match, paid parental and medical leave, bereavement leave, holiday premium pay, meal plans, employee discounts, and tuition discounts.

SSA Group embraces diversity and inclusiveness, encouraging candidates from varied backgrounds to apply, even if their experience doesn't perfectly match the listed qualifications. The Assistant Manager, Catering Sales opportunity is ideal for those seeking to contribute to a leading hospitality organization that values innovation, client satisfaction, and operational excellence while making a meaningful impact in the cultural attractions industry.

Job Requirements

Minimum 2 years catering sales, operations and/or event planning management experience in off-site catering, hotel or cultural attraction catering venue preferred
Ability to stand for extended periods and lift/move up to 35 pounds as necessary to operation
Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Proficient leadership skills with team building/development abilities
Exceptional problem solving and decision making skills
Financial management and analytical skills
Computer proficiency for basic office functions
Must be at least 18 years old

Job Qualifications

Strong interpersonal and communication skills across all levels of an organization
Proficient leadership skills with an understanding of the importance of team building/development, while fostering partnerships
Exceptional problem solving/decision making skills combined with the ability to be organized
Demonstrates financial management, analytical, and planning skills
Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment
Computer knowledge and skill level for basic office functions
Minimum 2 years catering sales, operations and/or event planning management experience in off-site catering, hotel or cultural attraction catering venue preferred
Working knowledge of Tripleseat is a plus
All education backgrounds eligible, must be 18 or older

Job Duties

Negotiate catering contracts and secure signed agreements to align with company policies
Accompany venue sales team on site tours and conduct menu tastings to showcase event capabilities
Develop and implement strategies to sell, and upsell, catering services to new and returning clients
Plan and upsell functions with clients, including space requirements, times, equipment, menus, themes, and decorations
Respond to client requests promptly and ensure client satisfaction
Develop seasonal promotions or packages to increase sales
Prepare and manage catering contracts, banquet event orders (BEOs), diagrams, and other necessary documents
Maintain strong, positive relationships with internal and external clients to encourage repeat business
Proactively and transparently communicate with clients throughout the sales and detailing process
Drive strong partnership with venue sales and operational departments
Conduct post-event follow-ups to engage clients and foster continued development
Work closely with clients to understand their needs and provide tailored solutions
Maintain communication with vendors, including pricing knowledge and negotiation
Uphold an active list of resources for client and internal operational use
Walk event spaces before events to ensure everything is in working order and address any issues promptly
Manage last-minute changes and adjustments with a solution-focused approach
Communicate and collaborate effectively with the Partner Sales Team, Catering Operations, Culinary Team, and other departments involved in events, developing and implementing new strategies and procedures where necessary to ensure events are executed flawlessly
Ensure all client contracts, BEOs (Banquet Event Orders), and event details are accurately documented
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment
Maintain accurate records of event details and outcomes
Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures
Attendance at event start to ensure seamless execution of client’s vision and smooth transfer of authority to the operations team when appropriate
Collect and process payments, including deposits, in accordance with company policies and contractual payment schedules
Develop, meet, and exceed monthly and annual catering sales budgets and plans
Analyze sales and inventory to maximize opportunities
Review all invoices, bills, and accounting-related documents for accuracy and communicate necessary changes to Accounts Receivable
Thorough understanding of menu and event offering cost structure to meet profitability guidelines
Report weekly and monthly sales through Tripleseat to appropriate stakeholders
Analyze sales trends and client feedback to identify opportunities for improvement
Use data to adjust sales strategies and increase conversion rate
Promote an inclusive and supportive approach within the unit
Lead by example through sustainability/conservation efforts
Engage with SSA/Unit in driving community effort through engagement activities and focus on opportunities of giving back
Live out 452 Hospitality by delivering warm, welcoming, and memorable experiences for every guest and client
Perform other tasks as deemed necessary