Benefits:

401(k)

Company parties

Dental insurance

Employee discounts

Free food & snacks

Health insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Training & development

Vision insurance

JOB DESCRIPTION

Catering Sales Associate

Europa Village Wineries and Resort is a destination location in Temecula Valley Wine Country. We are a hospitality company rooted in family, and we welcome members and guests to enjoy a stay or a day in our European themed villages. We represent the countries of Italy, Spain and France and have multiple tasting rooms, restaurants, event spaces, overnight accommodations, and retail venues on our Forty-five-acre property. We employ enthusiastic associates who enjoy providing excellent customer service and thrive on creating memorable experiences for our members and guests.

Catering Sales Associate reports to: Director of Catering

A Catering Sales Associate is responsible for generating and managing catering sales by actively seeking new clients, building relationships, negotiating contracts, coordinating event details, and ensuring client satisfaction throughout the entire event planning process and beyond.

Relevant Experience Required: Prior experience in catering sales, hospitality sales, or event planning. A background in food service or culinary arts is beneficial.

Responsibilities Specific to Catering Sales Associate

· Lead generation and sales prospecting: Identify potential clients through networking, marketing efforts, and cold calling to generate catering leads.

· Client consultations: Meet with clients to understand their event needs, present catering options, and customize menus to fit their budget and preferences.

· Contract negotiation: Prepare and negotiate catering contracts, including pricing, terms, and event details following the approved departmental budget, event policies, and parameters.

· Sales presentations: Deliver professional presentations to potential clients showcasing catering services and highlighting company capabilities.

· Event planning and coordination: Work with clients to plan event logistics, including venue selection, catering setup, Banquet Event Orders, and timeline management.

· Relationship building: Maintain strong relationships with existing clients to foster repeat business and referrals.

· Sales reporting and analysis: Work with the Catering Team to track sales performance, monitor market trends, and analyze data to identify opportunities for growth.

· Collaboration: Work closely with other departments like Banquets, Culinary, Hotel Operations, and Marketing to ensure seamless event execution.

· Post-event follow-up: Gather client feedback and address any concerns to maintain customer satisfaction and achieve the highest possible online reviews.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Expectations of Catering Sales Associate

· Responds to customer inquiries in an accurate and timely manner.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport with clients.

· Strong sales and negotiation abilities to close deals and achieve sales targets.

· Detail-oriented and organized to manage multiple event negotiations simultaneously.

· Knowledge of catering industry standards, trends, and pricing strategies.

· Proficiency in event planning software and CRM systems.

· Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays to accommodate client availability and event schedules.

· Assist clients to enhance their event through applicable and relevant upselling.

· Create and foster an environment of “teamwork” by helping fellow employees or guests without a second thought.

Be comfortable working on your feet for long periods of time.

Be able to communicate Europa Village’s story.

Arrive at work prepared with excellent personal presentation standards with a clean, pressed uniform and/or appropriate business attire.

Arrive on time and be respectful of attendance and punctuality.

Adhere to Europa Village policies and procedures.

Be hospitable, welcoming, and exhibit a positive attitude.

Understand Société Wine Club / Europa Table memberships and assist in the sales thereof.

Food Handler Certification and Responsible Beverage Certification are required.