Job Description

Catering Sales Manager, Michigan Central Station

Department: Forte Belanger 800440

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Forte Belanger

Reporting To: Laura Stewart

The Catering Sales Manager will serve as a key liaison between the Michigan Central Station sales team and our off-premise catering divisions, Forte Belanger and Two Unique Caterers. This role is responsible for qualifying prospective clients, gathering event requirements, and guiding opportunities to the appropriate catering division based on the client’s needs, event scope, and venue logistics.

The ideal candidate will have strong hospitality sales experience, excellent relationship-building skills, and a solid understanding of event operations. They will represent our catering brands during site visits and early-stage client conversations while ensuring a seamless handoff to the appropriate sales team.

Key Responsibilities

Lead Qualification & Client Guidance

• Serve as the primary point of contact for incoming catering inquiries associated with Michigan Central Station.
• Gather event details including guest count, event type, timing, budget, and logistical requirements from client.
• Assess client needs and direct qualified opportunities to the appropriate catering partner: Forte Belanger or Two Unique Caterers.
• Ensure all client information is accurately documented and shared with the appropriate sales team for follow-up and proposals.
• Remain the point of contact for the client until contract is signed with appropriate catering division.

Michigan Central Programmed Events:

• Lead the sales and planning process for assigned programming and events, serving as the primary liaison between Continental Catering & Events, and Michigan Central event teams.
• Collaborate with Michigan Central programming leadership to integrate event themes, guest chefs, and culinary partnerships into the food and beverage experience.
• Prepare and present client proposals, menus, and event plans, securing approvals from Michigan Central where required and working with Continental leadership on costs and retail.
• Manage the event planning lifecycle, including pre-event logistics, internal coordination, and execution oversight.
• Coordinate with Michigan Central’s event operations and building teams on event logistics including load-in/load-out, space requirements, cleaning coordination, and special operational requests.
• Oversee event set-up, service execution, and breakdown coordination to ensure food and beverage programs are delivered to agreed standards.
• Maintain detailed event documentation including menus, pricing, approvals, and operational notes to ensure alignment with venue and contractual requirements.

Partnership with Michigan Central

• Work closely with the Michigan Central Station sales team to support venue-driven catering opportunities.
• Act as a catering subject matter expert during early client discussions related to food service capabilities and event logistics.
• Maintain strong working relationships with venue staff and partners to support seamless event planning.

Site Visits & Client Engagement

• Attend and support site visits, walk-throughs, and introductory meetings with prospective clients.
• Provide catering insights during tours and consultations, including menu possibilities, service styles, and operational considerations.
• Represent the catering brands professionally and enthusiastically to potential clients.

Operational Alignment

• Understand venue operational needs, event flow, and catering logistics within Michigan Central Station.
• Ensure event requirements align with operational capabilities for both catering divisions.
• Communicate key operational details to internal teams to ensure accurate proposals and event execution.

Sales Pipeline Support

• Track leads, maintain organized records, and ensure smooth transitions to the sales teams at Forte Belanger and Two Unique Caterers.
• Support overall revenue growth by driving qualified leads into the catering sales pipeline.
• Assist with reporting and lead tracking as needed.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in catering sales, hospitality sales, event planning, or venue sales.
• Strong understanding of event logistics and catering operations.
• Flexibility for job description and responsibilities to evolve.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to assess client needs quickly and match them with appropriate services.
• Comfortable conducting venue tours and participating in client meetings.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Experience working with luxury venues, large-scale events, or off-premise catering is preferred.

Key Competencies

• Relationship building
• Sales qualification
• Event logistics knowledge
• Client consultation
• Cross-team collaboration
• Hospitality leadership

Work Environment

• Combination of office, venue, and event-site environments.
• Regular attendance at site visits, client meetings, and venue walkthroughs.
• Some evening or weekend availability may be required based on client schedules.

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