Catering Sales Coordinator

Career Guide

A Catering Sales Coordinator supports the sales and event planning process for catered events. The role focuses on handling inquiries, preparing quotes and contracts, coordinating details with clients and internal teams, and helping ensure events are delivered smoothly and profitably.

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Key Responsibilities

Respond to client inquiries and qualify event needs
Prepare proposals, quotes, and event menus with pricing
Create and manage contracts, deposits, and required documents
Maintain accurate client and event records in a sales system
Coordinate timelines, room setups, staffing needs, and vendor requirements
Communicate event details to culinary, service, and operations teams
Track leads, follow-ups, and booking status to support sales goals
Support site tours and client meetings with the sales team
Confirm final guest counts, dietary needs, and last-minute changes
Assist with post-event feedback and repeat booking outreach

Top Skills for Success

Customer Service

Written Communication

Verbal Communication

Organization

Time Management

Attention to Detail

Sales Support

Proposal Writing

Contract Administration

Event Planning

Client Relationship Management

Pricing Fundamentals

Food Service Knowledge

Menu Familiarity

Basic Financial Literacy

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Catering Sales Manager

Event Sales Manager

Event Planner

Catering Manager

Banquet Manager

Conference Services Manager

Transition Opportunities

Hotel Sales Coordinator

Account Manager

Customer Success Specialist

Office Manager

Operations Coordinator

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

NegotiationForecastingUpsellingProcess ImprovementConflict ResolutionVendor CoordinationBudget ManagementPresentation Skills

Development SuggestionsAsk to own a small set of accounts end to end, practice building clear proposals with pricing options, and request coaching on handling objections. Build a simple tracking system for leads and follow-ups, and partner with operations to learn staffing, timing, and service standards that reduce event-day issues.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 38,000 to 50,000

Mid LevelUSD 50,000 to 65,000

Senior LevelUSD 65,000 to 85,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand tied to event volume in hospitality, venues, and corporate catering, with seasonal hiring spikes in many markets.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Marriott InternationalHiltonHyattIHG Hotels and ResortsFour Seasons Hotels and ResortsCompass GroupSodexoAramarkDelaware NorthLegends

Industry Sectors

Hotels and ResortsEvent VenuesCorporate CateringUniversities and Campus DiningHealthcare Food ServicesAirports and Travel HospitalityStadiums and ArenasConvention CentersRestaurants with Private Dining

Recommended Next Steps

Create a portfolio of two to three sample proposals with clear pricing and timelines

Learn the sales system used by your employer and keep records consistently updated

Shadow event setup and service for several events to understand execution details

Practice a repeatable follow-up routine for leads and tentative bookings

Develop a checklist for final confirmations including guest count and dietary needs

Ask for opportunities to lead client calls and present options confidently

Track results weekly including inquiries, proposals sent, and bookings confirmed