Overview

Oak View Group located at McCormick Place Convention Center has an immediate opening for a Sr. Catering Sales Manager (Exhibits).  This position is responsible for generating, planning, detailing, and coordinating private and corporate events at McCormick Place. Events include Corporate, Social and/or specific markets as assigned.

This role pays an annual salary of $72,000-$78,000

Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays)

This position will remain open until December 31, 2025.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for planning, coordinating, detailing and servicing special events (i.e. conventions, corporate functions, meetings and Gala’s) at McCormick Place.
• Generate revenue and provide excellent personal service to our internal and external guests mainly focusing on Show Management as clients.
• Coordinates and leads sales and booking process to align with Show Management and exhibitor schedule
• Seeks opportunities for additional sales and events based on show schedule and traffic flow not exclusive of catered events
• Ability to customize creative menu and event solutions
• Solid understanding of financials when creating and customizing menus and meeting packages
• Aids in expanding the web of influence with the client organization and Show Management team
• Develop and maintain communication line with OVG Hospitality operations. Keeps all event details current and staff informed
• Give site inspections as needed
• Assist OVG sales team with booking new and repeat business by doing outside sales visits, networking events, attending trade shows and travel.
• Ability to develop and enhance existing programs with new and innovative culinary ideas for clients at McCormick Place
• Ability to negotiate, influence and sell to all clients
• Create requests for cash concession outlets when needed
• Generate catering contracts and establish payment arrangements in compliance with accounting department guidelines
• Provide detailed event analysis to support, maintain and/or improve company goals and guest satisfaction
• Continuously interact with clients through duration of shows
• Ensure a successful client event by partnering with OVG Hospitality operations team to meet food standards, room set up and on-time service with the result of client satisfaction.
• Resolve any client concerns quickly and professionally
• Update and maintain file information for repeat events with total Food & Beverage revenues and client relations
• Update all details of the events to operations staff
• Practice continuous efforts toward menu upgrades and increased services
• Other projects as assigned by Director of Catering Sales

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) preferred
• 4-6 years experience in catering sales 
• A general understanding of the hospitality and Food and Beverage industry
• Excellent organizational, multi-tasking, and planning skills
• Strong hospitality orientation
• Maintains good hygiene and neat professional appearance
• Knowledge of Spreadsheet and Word Processing software, and the ability to learn new programs as needed
• Ability to work with limited supervision and will require the ability to interact with all levels of staff including management
• Requires ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends and holidays, in addition to normal business hours
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are necessary to sell, plan, and negotiate
• Needs to be an independent self-starter that thrives in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment
• An interest in environmental causes and sustainability a plus