Brookfield Zoo can do it all! Whether a picnic at the Pavilions, cocktails with the animals, or a meeting at our premier banquet facility, we provide world-class culinary delights and amazing event surroundings. Our top-notch catering and culinary team offer the highest quality of service to our guests for various events from weddings, birthday parties, business meetings, black-tie events, fundraisers, ceremonies, picnics and countless others. We offer a truly exotic venue where guests can visit amazing animals from around the world or simply stroll through our beautifully landscaped grounds.

The Catering Sales Manager is responsible for cultivating new business for the Catered Events Department to contribute to the Society's financial sustainability and goal of providing extraordinary guest experiences.

The primary duties and responsibilities include:

• Implements sales strategies with Director of Catered Events. Develops and promotes custom event packages for prospective clients. Works with clients to determine what services or menu items are available and at what cost. Performs cost/benefit analyses of custom event packages. Encourages use of facilities and promotes full range of services available with a focus on optimal revenue generation and exceptional customer service.
• Researches customer inquiries. Researches potential clients, develops priority lists and initiates contacts. Aggressively and systematically pursues external groups and audiences to utilize facilities for picnics, corporate meetings, social events, weddings, trade shows, etc. Represents the Society and Catered Events Department to external audiences in an enthusiastic, persuasive, and professional manner.
• Communicates client specifications, needs, event details, and customer/department expectations to events planning and logistical staff. Coordinates with events planning staff to assure optimal customer satisfaction. Conducts proper follow-up with clients upon completion of their events.
• Develops new markets and relevant sales tools. Pursues designated groups to increase facility usage by targeted markets.
• Works with Director of Catering to develop marketing, advertising publications, etc. to effectively represent programs and services to the public. Assists Marketing staff in understanding and communicating customer needs and expectations.
• Other related duties as assigned to assure successful achievement of Society and department goals and objectives.

 

 

Position Requirements and Specifications
The requirements for this position include the following:

 

 

 

• Associates degree in Business Administration, Marketing or related field or equivalent combination of training and/or experience required.
• Minimum three years relevant sales and customer service experience in a hotel, banquet, special events or similar venue required.
• Must have experience with effective sales techniques.
• Must have computer proficiency with Microsoft Office including Excel, Outlook, and Word.
• Must possess excellent communications and interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate with all levels of staff and audiences.
• Strong customer services skills required.
• Polished, professional appearance and demeanor.
• Must possess strong organizational skills. Attention to detail and accuracy a must.
• Must have safe, reliable transportation for local travel.
• Experience successfully coordinating multiple projects and activities.
• Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• A valid driver's license is required on date of hire. If you are an Illinois resident, you must possess a valid Illinois driver's license at the time of hire or must obtain one within 90 days of hire. A valid out-of-state driver's license is required at time of hire if the employee is an out-of-state resident.

The desirable qualifications include:

 

 

 

• Experience in a non-profit organization a plus.
• Experience with catering software preferred.
• Experience with Microsoft PowerPoint a plus.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional Information: This position requires a motivated, creative sales professional who is committed to the growth of events sales program. This position is incentive bonus eligible. Incumbent must be available to travel locally and work evenings and weekends. Incumbent is required to gain an understanding of the organization, its mission, vision, values, and operating philosophies, and how the Catered Events Department activities impact the Society.

Additional Information
The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.