Now Hiring - Catering Event Sales / Event Specialist in Chapel Hill, NC

Catering Event Sales / Event Specialist

Full Job Description

The Event Specialist is responsible for the creation and execution of premium designs for The Catering Company. They are expected to represent and act as a role model on behalf of The Catering Company in accordance with the values, purpose and mission and objectives of the company, while driving Bold Catering & Design for the premier event design and catering company. Together with the use of outside vendors, they will ensure consistently innovatively designed and profitable events.

This position will report directly to both the General Manager (GM) and the Director of Sales (DOS).

Company objectives, profitability targets, event design, product quality& logistical execution.

Individual Sales and Production targets, closings and individual Business Plan objectives.

The Event Specialist will create and drive added value on both social and corporate segment event designs, premium venue environments and luxury decor product sales. As a creative leader, the Event specialist is expected to advise and implement new trends, best practices and promote brand awareness, business development and industry reputation.

This position requires deep industry network and relationships, a proven track record of contemporary designs at a leading event company or design studio, and a stellar creative outlook on event production in a high volume, high paced environment. The Event Specialist needs to generate business leads and account activation on a short term basis; an existing client portfolio is preferable and highly sought after.

Event Design:

Creates and implements innovative event design concepts and experiences.

Creates story boards to include floor plans, rendering, sample fabric, photos.

Responsible for concept and proposal development, research, sourcing, and pricing to create profitable events to meet client needs.

Provides clients with innovative and timely proposals exhibiting thorough knowledge of their needs as pertains to budget and all aspects of the event design.

Stays current on industry and design trends

Responsible for writing, sending, and receiving contracts.

Knowledgeable about event venues, i.e., the rules, load in/out times, amenities and limitations when drafting proposals.

Knowledgeable about food service, settings, logistics in catering and an understanding of rentals.

Responsible for attending site tours and inspections on an as need basis with client and other vendors

Manage relationships with vendors, venues and clients

Responsible for Total Party Planner data entry

Sales:

Able to assess appropriately client needs.

Closes on sales in accordance with The Catering Company’s expectations and standards.

Responsible for consistently meeting weekly, monthly and annual budgeted sales objectives as well meeting proposal and strategic relationship goals.

Responsible for understanding and clearly articulating The Catering Company’s identity, concept, event value and options to clients and vendors.

Responsible for securing deposits and payments associated with contracts and following up with clients regarding A/R and overdue balances.

Responsible for reporting on all production and sales forecasting and other information requested by the management team at the frequency needed.

Represent The Catering Company & Design Team and actively participate in professional organizations (NACE, ILEA) by networking in accordance with individual and department business plan objectives. Design, set up and attend promotional opportunities (client events, kiosks, trade shows, etc.)

Responsible for developing and maintaining a client base resulting in maximum repeat business.

Maintain strategic relationships with vendors and venues to generate referral business.

Cultivate and establish strategic relationships with top accounts, targeted accounts and referring sources, through regularly scheduled follow-up and appointments.

Responsible for fielding all incoming calls/inquiries and responding within 24 hours (ideally within 4 hours for initial response).

Responsible for scheduling appointments and coordinating meetings to discuss details and requirements for events.

Effectively communicate with client on all specifications for their event.

Responsible for attending site tours and inspections on an as needed basis with designer and event coordinator

Event Execution:

Arrive on-site around two hours before event to assist with the set up/final layout of the event design.

Ensure support to operational and outside vendor teams, feedback to Event Coordinators potential issues.

Make presence known to client during event install and available to solve issues and/or suggest alternatives to previous arrangements if needed.

Ensure the final event design is as proposed.

Operations:

Attend meetings on a weekly basis, prepare meeting topics and promote teamwork.

Answer any design questions and actively partner with the outside vendor teams during the production process to problem solve, preserve profitability and product quality.

Attend Sales Meetings, accurately report on sales objectives and business development.

Regular operating hours with The Catering Company is 9:00am to 5:00pm.

However, this position requires flexible hours and days due to the nature of the event industry!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.00 - $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus pay

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Chapel Hill, NC 27514: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Application Question(s):

• On average; how many cocktail tables would you use for a 100 person hors d'oeuvres reception?
• Basic understanding of place settings, bar set up and buffet set up is an important part of this position. Tell us how long a buffet table should be for 10 food items plus flatware and plates.

Basic understanding of Rental needs for a Full Service Catered Event,
Please list the basic elements needed to execute a Plated Served dinner.

• If you were renting a stemless wine glasses to function as a multiple purpose glass (wine, beer, NA beverages) for a hors d'oeuvres reception for 200 guests; what is a good estimate of glassware you should rent?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Event planning: 3 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Certifications related to the cater and events field? (Preferred)
• Driver's License (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)
• Night Shift (Required)

Work Location: One location