Catering Sales Manager - Wilmington Convention Center

Legends Global is a leading global company specializing in the management and execution of world-class live events, venues, and brand experiences. As a premier partner to some of the largest events and venues worldwide, Legends Global offers a comprehensive, fully integrated solution spanning multiple service areas, including consulting, owner’s representation, sales, partnerships, hospitality, merchandise, venue management, and content booking. With a robust network of over 450 venues across the globe, hosting more than 20,000 events annually and entertaining approximately 165 million guests each year, Legends Global is recognized for its depth of expertise and superior execution of high-profile events. The company operates with a culture grounded in respect, ambitious thinking, collaboration, and bold action, fostering an inclusive and authentic workplace that encourages every team member to make an impact and grow professionally. 

Among its managed venues is the Wilmington Convention Center, the largest convention center on North Carolina's coast. Situated in a prime downtown waterfront location, the venue offers flexible, LEED-certified event spaces, equipped with modern amenities and supported by a dedicated team specializing in logistics, catering, and audiovisual services. This venue provides an outstanding backdrop for diverse events, ranging from corporate meetings to large-scale conventions and social gatherings.

The role of Catering Sales Manager at Legends Global centers on driving catering sales for the Wilmington Convention Center. This full-time, salaried, exempt position reports directly to the Director of Sales and plays a critical role in ensuring an exceptional guest experience through meticulous food and beverage service coordination. The Catering Sales Manager is tasked with soliciting catering business by engaging with clients to understand their food and beverage needs and providing tailored catering proposals. This includes preparing and updating the catering menu to align with current trends, pricing strategies, and operational requirements. The role demands close collaboration with internal departments such as Food & Beverage and Operations to prepare Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), ensuring all client requirements and event details are clearly communicated and executed flawlessly.

Beyond sales and client interaction, the Catering Sales Manager represents the Wilmington Convention Center in the wider community by fostering collaborative relationships with convention and visitors bureaus, hotels, clients, and other industry partners. The role requires attending networking events to support business development. Essential tasks also include maintaining accurate records in the booking and customer relationship management systems, monitoring catering revenue, and supporting forecasting and budgeting activities. The position may require flexibility with work hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Leadership responsibilities can extend to acting as Manager of Duty when required, although the role does not involve direct staff supervision.

The ideal candidate for this position will have a minimum of two years’ experience in event sales or catering sales, preferably holding a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. They must demonstrate strong organizational and time management skills, a proven track record in sales strategy implementation, and the ability to collaborate effectively across different team levels. Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications and experience with industry booking or CRM software is essential. This role demands a high level of professionalism, integrity, and a strong commitment to hospitality excellence, alongside a polished appearance appropriate for representing the Wilmington Convention Center.