Catering Sales Operations Manager
Role Overview
Catering Sales Operations Manager
Stirling Conference Center at the Pan American Life Center - New Orleans, LA
Sodexo Corporate Services
Are you a dynamic hospitality professional who thrives in a fast-paced events environment? Do you enjoy blending strategy, creativity, and hands-on leadership to deliver exceptional client experiences? If so, we'd love to meet you.
Sodexo Corporate Services is seeking an energetic and experienced Catering Sales Operations Manager to lead our catering and events program at the beautifully appointed Stirling Conference Center, located on the 11th floor of the iconic Pan American Life Center in the heart of downtown New Orleans.
A Premier Events Destination in the Heart of the City
Positioned along the vibrant Poydras Corridor and directly on the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar line, the Conference Centre on 11 offers unparalleled accessibility and visibility. We are steps away from key downtown landmarks-including the Hale Boggs Federal Building, U.S. Courthouse, and numerous local and federal offices. The world-famous French Quarter is within a short walk, and the airport is only 14 miles away.
The Conference Centre is equipped to host everything from executive board meetings to large-scale conferences, featuring:
- 14 versatile meeting rooms
- A ballroom seating up to 90 attendees
- A modern amphitheater accommodating 200+ guests
- Full-service, in-house catering and professional event support
This environment offers a unique opportunity for a motivated sales & operations leader to elevate our client experience and grow the catering program
Incentives
Predominately a M-F 8am to 5pm schedule with some evenings and weekends
What You'll Do
What You'll Do
As the Catering Sales Operations Manager, you will be the driving force behind our catering success-leading both sales strategy and event execution while ensuring flawless experiences that exceed client expectations.
Sales & Business Development
- Generate new catering and event business through outreach, networking, and relationship-building.
- Respond to inquiries quickly and professionally; develop creative proposals and polished presentations.
- Conduct site tours and meet with clients to understand event goals and tailor solutions.
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with corporate clients, planners, and community organizations.
- Negotiate pricing, contracts, and service packages to maximize revenue.
- Track sales activity, pipeline health, and forecasting for leadership.
Event Planning & Coordination
- Collaborate with clients to understand objectives, guest counts, and dietary requirements.
- Prepare detailed Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and communicate clearly with internal teams.
- Partner with chefs on menu design and customization.
- Organize event logistics including timelines, staffing, rentals, and room layouts.
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Operations & Execution
- Lead on-site event execution with a hands-on, customer-focused approach.
- Oversee event setup, service, and breakdown to ensure a seamless guest experience.
- Troubleshoot issues in real time and maintain a solutions-driven mindset.
What We Offer
Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:
- Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
- 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
- Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
- Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement
More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.
What You Bring
- Sales & Relationship-Building Skills
- Proven ability to generate leads and convert inquiries into booked events
- Exceptional client relationship management and follow-through
- Strong negotiation and contract management skills
- Confidence delivering presentations, site tours, and proposals
- Proven ability to generate leads and convert inquiries into booked events
- Exceptional client relationship management and follow-through
- Strong negotiation and contract management skills
- Confidence delivering presentations, site tours, and proposals
- Event Planning & Coordination Skills
- Creativity & Innovation
- Personal Attributes That Lead to Success
- High energy and positive attitude
- Strong sense of ownership and accountability
- Flexibility-comfortable managing changing priorities and last-minute needs
- Professional poise and confidence in client-facing situations
Who We Are
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.
Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you're happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.
Qualifications & Requirements
Minimum Education Requirement - Associate's Degree or equivalent experience
Minimum Management Experience - 2 years
Minimum Functional Experience - 1 year work experience in food or culinary services including restaurants, fast food, vending, catering services, institutional services, mall food courts, etc.
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
Parental Benefits
Work Flexibility
Office Life and Perks
Vacation and Time Off
Financial and Retirement
Professional Development
Diversity and Inclusion