Catering Sales Assistant
Career GuideKey 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
1
Build a proposal template library for common event types2
Track lead response time and set a consistent follow up routine3
Learn the top selling menu packages and key add ons4
Ask to attend tastings and site visits to learn customer expectations5
Get comfortable with a customer relationship management tool used by your employer6
Create a simple sales tracker to monitor inquiries, quotes, and bookings7
Practice handling common objections and last minute changes8
Seek cross training with banquet and kitchen teams to improve coordination