Senior Catering Sales Manager - New Orleans Convention Center

Job Listing: Senior Catering Sales Manager

At Sodexo Live!, we take pride in crafting exceptional events at the most prestigious venues on the planet and creating lasting memories for fans, visitors, guests and team members. Working with Sodexo Live! is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater. Here, you'll build a career where 'everyday' is anything but normal.

Our experiences are unique, and so are our people. Bring your personality, your background and your desire to delight others. In return, we'll give you all you need to thrive. After giving it all, you'll return home knowing that you've played your part in creating a truly unforgettable moment.

Location: We are seeking an experienced Senior Catering Sales Manager for the New Orleans Convention Center located in New Orleans, LA.

Unit Description:

The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is located in Downtown New Orleans, Louisiana. With 1.1 million square feet of prime, contiguous exhibit space, the award winning New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is the sixth largest convention facility in the nation, and it consistently ranks in the country's top ten of facilities that hold the most conventions and tradeshows annually.

Job Overview:

The Senior Catering Sales Manager plays a key leadership role in driving food and beverage sales and ensuring premium catering experiences for clients. This position focuses on building strong client relationships, handling high-value or complex accounts, and mentoring catering sales staff. Working closely with culinary and operations teams, the Senior Catering Sales Manager ensures that food and beverage packages are designed, sold, and executed at the highest standard.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Drive catering food and beverage revenue by proactively selling packages to new and existing clients.
• Develop detailed proposals that highlight creative menus, beverage pairings, and premium package options.
• Lead tastings, presentations, and client consultations to influence menu and beverage selections.
• Negotiate pricing and contracts, balancing client satisfaction with profitability goals.
• Serve as the lead point of contact for major catering accounts and high-profile events.
• Collaborate with culinary leadership to design innovative food and beverage packages that align with client demand and industry trends.
• Represent the venue at trade shows, networking events, and client functions to attract new catering business.
• Track sales performance, analyze package profitability, and assist in forecasting and reporting.
• Mentor and support junior catering sales managers, modeling best practices in sales, upselling, and customer service.
• Partner with banquet and operations teams to ensure seamless execution of catered events.

• Bachelor's degree in business, hospitality management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 4+ years of catering sales experience.
• Demonstrated success in driving food and beverage sales in a large-scale operation.
• Strong financial acumen, with ability to analyze profitability and contribute to forecasting.
• Excellent negotiation, presentation, and client relationship skills.
• Ability to lead tastings, present menus, and influence client decisions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM systems.

• Able to work effectively and safely while subject to wet floors, temperature extremes and excessive noise; must be able to lift up to 50 pounds in weight; must be able to maneuver in an often tightly-quartered environment.
• Hours may be extended or irregular to include nights, weekends and holidays.

• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Coverage
• Identity Theft Protection
• Adoption Assistance