Exhibitor (Booth) And Affiliates Catering Sales Manager

Job Description

Job Listing: Exhibitor (Booth) and Affiliates 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 Exhibitor (Booth) and Affiliates Catering Sales Manager for New Orleans Convention Center located in New Orleans, LA.

The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is located in Downtown New Orleans, Louisiana. The lower end of building one is located 1,640 feet upriver from Canal Street on the banks of the Mississippi River. It is named after former Mayor of New Orleans Ernest Nathan Morial. 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.

The Convention Center has been voted a Top Work Place in 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022!!

Job Summary:

As the Exhibitor (Booth) and Affiliates Catering Sales Manager, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring a seamless and exceptional catering experience for exhibitors at conferences. Your primary responsibility is to understand and cater to the unique needs and preferences of each booth, facilitating networking opportunities through personalized service and diverse culinary offerings. You will collaborate closely with the Lead Sales Manager, Senior Manager, and other relevant stakeholders to deliver a high-quality catering service that adds significant value to the overall conference experience.

Responsibilities:

Pre-Conference Preparation:

• Work with the Lead Sales Manager to establish initial contact with the main client, emphasizing collaboration and support for approved breakouts.

• Begin the process of building the program menu in an on-demand system, especially if online ordering is involved.

• Collaborate with the Senior Manager to meet with the main client on-site to understand the booth layout and scope of catering requirements.

• If available, obtain contact information for exhibitors who have paid for space and initiate outreach to gather preferences and special requests.

• Lock in pricing for catering services.

Six to Four Months Out: Incoming Orders

• Create contracts and Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) based on finalized catering requirements.

• Develop forecast numbers for catering needs.

• Manage the invoicing process for BEOs and ensure the receipt of advanced deposits.

• Follow up with clients to obtain signed contracts and BEOs.

Three to Two Weeks Out: Final Preparations

• Collect 100% final payment and ensure receipt of signed contracts and BEOs.

• Distribute finalized contracts and BEOs to the banquets and kitchen teams.

Seven to Five Days Out: Event Execution

• Confirm meal guarantees with exhibitors.

• Personally thank the main client upon arrival and highlight key aspects of their booth catering experience.

• Express gratitude to high-revenue booths and address any last-minute requests or concerns.

• Conduct daily closeouts of BEOs, managing add-ons and consumption.

• Process payments and credit card transactions for additional services.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in event catering coordination or a related field.

• Strong organizational and multitasking skills with attention to detail.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Familiarity with online ordering systems and menu planning.

• Ability to work collaboratively with clients, senior managers, and kitchen staff.

• Knowledge of the conference industry and the unique needs of exhibitors.

• Willingness to work within a condensed timeline and under pressure.

Note: This job description is a general guideline and may be subject to adjustments based on the specific needs of the conference and catering program.

Hours may be extended or irregular to include nights, weekends and holidays.

Thank you for expressing interest in employment with Sodexo Live!. While only those candidates considered for this position will be contacted, your resume will remain on file for 90 days.

Sodexo Live! is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, status as a protected veteran or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable Federal, State or Local law.

Application Instructions

Please click on the link below to apply for this position. A new window will open and direct you to apply at our corporate careers page. We look forward to hearing from you!