Catering Sales Assistant

Career Guide

A Catering Sales Assistant supports the sales team by handling inquiries, preparing quotes, coordinating event details, and keeping customer and booking information accurate. The role helps convert leads into booked events while ensuring a smooth handoff to event operations.

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Key Responsibilities

Respond to catering inquiries by phone and email
Qualify leads and capture event requirements
Create and send proposals and quotes
Schedule site visits and tastings
Maintain customer records and booking calendars
Support contract preparation and document collection
Coordinate menu selections and event details with internal teams
Track deposits, payment deadlines, and basic billing status
Prepare sales reports and update the sales pipeline
Assist with day of event changes and customer requests

Top Skills for Success

Customer Service

Written Communication

Active Listening

Time Management

Attention to Detail

Sales Administration

Lead Qualification

Proposal Writing

Calendar Management

Event Coordination

Menu Knowledge

Food Safety Awareness

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Catering Sales Coordinator

Catering Coordinator

Event Coordinator

Sales Coordinator

Banquet Coordinator

Transition Opportunities

Catering Sales Manager

Event Manager

Banquet Manager

Venue Sales Manager

Hotel Sales Manager

Restaurant Private Dining Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

NegotiationContract BasicsSales ForecastingCustomer Relationship ManagementPresentation SkillsUpselling

Development SuggestionsPractice creating clear proposals, learn basic contract terms, and build confidence discussing packages and add ons. Ask to shadow sales calls, track conversion rates weekly, and request feedback on quotes to improve speed and accuracy.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 32,000 to 42,000

Mid LevelUSD 42,000 to 55,000

Senior LevelUSD 55,000 to 70,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand driven by hotels, venues, and corporate events, with hiring increasing in regions with strong hospitality and tourism activity.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Marriott InternationalHiltonHyattInterContinental Hotels GroupFour Seasons Hotels and ResortsCompass GroupSodexoAramarkDelaware NorthLive Nation

Industry Sectors

Hotels and ResortsEvent VenuesCatering CompaniesRestaurants with Private DiningCorporate Dining ServicesConference CentersEntertainment VenuesUniversities and CollegesHealthcare Facilities

Recommended Next Steps

Build a proposal template library for common event types

Track lead response time and set a consistent follow up routine

Learn the top selling menu packages and key add ons

Ask to attend tastings and site visits to learn customer expectations

Get comfortable with a customer relationship management tool used by your employer

Create a simple sales tracker to monitor inquiries, quotes, and bookings

Practice handling common objections and last minute changes

Seek cross training with banquet and kitchen teams to improve coordination