Wolfgang Puck Catering
Salary: $70.000
Other Forms of Compensation: Commission Plan
Wolfgang Puck Catering is committed to recruiting individuals who express an interest in and passion for hospitality-driven experiences; who come from diverse backgrounds, are open-minded and curious about our clients and guests; and, most of all, who possess a welcoming smile and spirit. Our ultimate goal is to develop mentoring and career building opportunities through a talent pipeline that allows us to promote from within.
"The most important thing in life, whatever you do, has to be passion." Wolfgang Puck (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9-oBrENwdQ)
Success on our team starts with our culture:
We have Wolfgang's PASSION for our business, our product, and our people / guests / clients.
A FLEXIBLE MINDSET is key; we are strategic business partners who wear multiple hats.
Our services require a CONCIERGE mentality, a bias to action with humble hospitality.
We are out-of-the-box PROBLEM SOLVERS, who look around corners so our clients and guests don't have to.
We curate company and partner resources to bring our client's vision to life. We seek to cultivate the next generation of talent, purveyors and partnerships.
We bring an entrepreneurial approach to deliver results for our clients (you might call this scrappy).
Collaboration and openness to innovative business tools, new ways of thinking and ability to partner across departments are essential to create optimal business solutions.
"I can have the best food, but if we don't have good people, it won't get you very far."
Job Summary
Wolfgang Puck Catering is seeking a Catering Sales Manager to lead the sales, planning, and execution of exceptional catering experiences at the Harper Center in Chicago. This role blends relationship-driven sales, strategic prospecting, and hands-on event execution, partnering closely with culinary and operations teams to deliver memorable events for corporate and social clients.
The Catering Sales Manager plays a key role in growing the catering business, managing client relationships from initial inquiry through successful event delivery, and ensuring financial and service excellence. The schedule is primarily Monday-Friday, with occasional weekend events based on business needs.
Key Responsibilities
Drive catering sales through active prospecting, client outreach, and relationship building
Manage the full lifecycle of catering events, from inquiry and proposal through execution and post-event follow-up
Create customized menus and pricing in collaboration with culinary leadership, ensuring alignment with client needs and budget goals
Prepare proposals, contracts, and Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) with strong attention to detail
Plan, book, and coordinate catering functions, ensuring seamless communication across sales, culinary, and operations teams
Develop and manage catering budgets, forecasts, and financial targets
Monitor labor and food costs to support profitability while maintaining service excellence
Build and maintain a local client database and cultivate strong relationships with vendors and partners
Oversee on-site event execution, including setup, service, and breakdown, as needed
Hire, train, and support managers and team members, contributing to a collaborative and inclusive work environment
Ensure compliance with all safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards
Prepare operational reports and assist with receivables and financial tracking
Support special projects and additional responsibilities as business needs evolve
What We're Looking For
Experience in catering sales, hospitality sales, or event management, with demonstrated success meeting or exceeding sales goals
Ability to prospect, develop new business, and grow existing client relationships
Knowledge of current food, beverage, and hospitality trends, including fine-dining service standards
Experience developing menu proposals in partnership with chefs
Comfort supervising or supporting food preparation, service, and event execution
Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
Ability to remain adaptable and calm in a fast-paced, event-driven environment
Experience leading, training, or coaching team members
Working knowledge of A/V equipment setup and breakdown for events
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, with overall strong computer skills
A proactive, client-focused mindset with a high level of integrity and professionalism
At least three years of experience in the hospitality industry, including catering or event sales experience
Apply to Wolfgang Puck today!
Wolfgang Puck Catering is a member of Compass Group USA
Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story (http://www.compass-usa.com/our-story/)
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Associates at Wolfgang Puck Catering are offered many fantastic benefits.
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life Insurance/ AD
Disability Insurance
Retirement Plan
Paid Time Off
Paid Parental Leave
Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
Personal Leave
Associate Shopping Program
Health and Wellness Programs
Discount Marketplace
Identity Theft Protection
Pet Insurance
Commuter Benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Wolfgang Puck Catering maintains a drugfree workplace.
Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here (https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023\WageTransparency\WPC.pdf) or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023\WageTransparency\WPC.pdf
Req ID: 1521517
Wolfgang Puck Catering
Michael Abbey
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