Area Manager Catering & Event Sales

SSA Group, LLC • Royal Oak, MI

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

SSA Group is looking for a talented Area Manager for Catering & Event Sales to join our team!
All applications should be submitted within 7-days following posting of the job; applications will be prioritized based upon time submitted and may not be reviewed beyond this time. The employer reserves the right to shorten or expand this timeframe as necessary to the job scope.
The Area Manger, Catering Sales is responsible for driving sales and revenue growth by promoting and selling the venue and associated catering services at their assigned locations. This role requires advanced knowledge of event sales, catering sales strategies, building strong client relationships, and ensuring the successful execution of events. This position requires a dynamic individual with communication, negotiation, and organizational skills, dedicated to delivering exceptional client experiences.
SSA Group works with zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural attractions on integrating dining, retail, admissions and more. We increase revenue opportunities for partners across the United States. With 50 years in the business, SSA has refined the basics while pioneering better ways forward. With pillars of focus like sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, SSA is transforming the cultural attraction industry.
SSA was built by families, for families, with a family’s sense of love and dedication. We don’t just rely on the best practices in our industry, we customize best practices for each partner to set the bar higher and higher, always. We do all we can to further the mission of our partners because their guests and the communities they serve, deserve it.
Don't meet every requirement? At SSA we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills across all levels of an organization.
• Advanced leadership skills with an understanding of the importance of team building/development, while fostering partnerships.
• Exceptional problem solving/decision making skills combined with the ability to be organized.
• Demonstrates financial management, analytical, and planning skills.
• Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• Computer knowledge and skill level for basic office functions.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (35lbs) as necessary to operation, which entails lifting, and perform all functions as set forth above.
• Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed.
• Minimum 5 years catering sales, operations and/or event planning management in off-site catering, hotel or cultural attraction catering venue preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience is required for this position; however, candidates with 7 or more years of experience will be given stronger consideration.
• All education backgrounds eligible, must be 18 or older.

Nice To Haves

• Working knowledge of Tripleseat is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies to sell the venue and catering services to new and returning clients.
• Analyze market to determine new and untapped revenue stream opportunities.
• Prospect and secure new business through cold calling, networking, and client outreach.
• Solicit, negotiate, and secure signed agreements for events through a defined sales process, where applicable.
• Negotiate catering contracts and secure signed agreements to align with company policies, where applicable.
• Develop and implement strategies to sell, and upsell, catering services to new and returning clients.
• Plan and upsell functions with clients, including space requirements, times, equipment, menus, themes, and decorations.
• Develop seasonal promotions or packages to increase sales.
• Respond to client requests promptly and ensure client satisfaction.
• Accompany venue sales team or individually conduct onsite tours plus menu tastings to showcase event capabilities, where applicable.
• Prepare and manage catering contracts, Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), diagrams, and other necessary documents.
• Maintain strong, positive relationships with internal and external clients to encourage repeat business.
• Proactively and transparently communicate with clients throughout the sales and detailing process.
• Drive strong partnership with venue sales and operational departments.
• Conduct post-event follow-ups to engage clients and foster continued development.
• Work closely with clients to understand their needs and provide tailored solutions.
• Maintain communication with vendors, including pricing knowledge and negotiation.
• Uphold an active list of resources for client and internal operational use.
• Ensure all vendors comply with venue guidelines and event requirements.
• Conduct pre-event meetings with Onsite Operations team to ensure everything is in working order and address any issues promptly.
• Manage last-minute changes and adjustments with a solution-focused approach.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with the Partner Sales Team, Catering Operations, Culinary Team, and other departments involved in events, developing and implementing new strategies and procedures where necessary to ensure events are executed flawlessly.
• Ensure all client contracts, BEOs (Banquet Event Orders), and event details are accurately documented.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Maintain accurate records of event details and outcomes.
• Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures.
• Conduct client and operations hand off meetings to that to ensure seamless execution of client’s vision and smooth transfer of authority to the operations team when appropriate.
• Collect and process payments, including deposits, in accordance with company policies and contractual payment schedules.
• Develop, meet, and exceed monthly and annual catering sales budgets and plans.
• Analyze sales and inventory to maximize opportunities.
• Review all invoices, bills, and accounting-related documents for accuracy and communicate necessary changes to Accounts Receivable.
• Thorough understanding of menu and event offering cost structure to meet profitability guidelines
• Report weekly and monthly sales through Tripleseat to appropriate stakeholders.
• Analyze sales trends and client feedback to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Use data to adjust sales strategies and increase conversion rate.
• Promote an inclusive and supportive approach to team dynamics through proper communication and follow through.
• Leads by example through Sustainability/Conservation efforts; displays knowledge of efforts in business application.
• Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.

Benefits

• Vacation or TAFW (time away from work) Plan – we want our team to take time as they need, so you don’t accrue hours but rather we give you freedom to schedule within scope of the business and your needs
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance; employee premiums applicable
• Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability, employer sponsored; scaled-salary pay following submission and approval of leave
• Birthing Parent Plan covers up to (6-8) weeks fully paid leave, based on birthing event
• (4) Weeks fully paid Parental leave following birth, adoption or foster event, can be coupled with Birthing Parent Plan to extend above timeline
• 401k program, eligible for enrollment after (1) year of employment during January or June open enrollment periods, company is not matching at this time
• Monthly cell phone stipend

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed