Hospitality Services Sales Manager

Status: Full time regular

Location: San Diego CA

Position Type: Administrative, Hospitality Services

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Schedule: Must be able to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends for special events

About the Organization

A nationally recognized university dining and hospitality program is seeking a Hospitality Services Sales Manager to support a large, award winning culinary operation. The program serves approximately 2.5 million meals annually to a campus community of more than 8,000 students, as well as faculty, staff, and visitors.

The dining portfolio includes a full service restaurant and pub, multiple retail outlets including cafes and a coffeehouse, a market and deli, a global cuisine food court, high volume catering, athletic concessions, and food service support for a child development center.

This role supports a mission driven organization committed to inclusive excellence, professional hospitality standards, and delivering exceptional guest experiences across campus and community events.

Position Summary

The Hospitality Services Sales Manager is responsible for driving sales and managing client relationships for campus catering services and an on campus fine dining restaurant. This role combines proactive business development, event planning support, and a strong focus on service excellence.

The manager partners with internal campus departments, alumni and community partners, and external clients to maximize revenue while maintaining strong guest satisfaction and operational standards.

This position requires a high level of organization, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while coordinating with culinary and operations teams.

Key Responsibilities

Sales and Business Development

• Identify and solicit target accounts while nurturing existing client relationships

• Develop sales strategies and execute events to support revenue and brand awareness

• Create and lead site inspections and client walkthroughs

• Assist in meeting revenue expectations, sales goals, and profitability targets

• Lead sales efforts for special events tied to the fine dining restaurant and catering program

• Cultivate relationships with internal stakeholders, alumni, and community partners

• Negotiate contracts and pricing agreements in compliance with institutional policies

• Monitor market trends and competitor activity to identify new opportunities

• Maintain an active list of target accounts and drive ongoing outreach

• Respond to RFPs and create proposals

• Manage guest satisfaction survey feedback and resolve concerns

• Attend required meetings including department meetings, pre and post conference meetings, and event order meetings

• Chair banquet event order meetings and ensure information is current and accurate

• Participate in industry organizations, trade shows, and networking events

Event Planning and Hospitality Support

• Serve as the primary point of contact for catering clients and event details

• Verify client information and complete event work orders

• Review all orders for accuracy and follow up on discrepancies

• Maintain confidentiality of client requests and event needs

• Maintain and monitor the event calendar for high volume production days

• Create and distribute event sheets in a timely manner and revise as needed

• Ensure strong daily communication with staff regarding changes in guest counts, menus, and locations

• Communicate and enforce catering policies and procedures

• Supervise part time office personnel and support office workflow

• Collaborate with department leaders to develop strategies and goals

• Represent Hospitality Services in meetings as needed

Financial and Reporting

• Compile weekly and monthly sales reports and submit to leadership

• Update vendor invoice pricing and support monthly inventory reporting

• Verify Caterease reporting and invoice accuracy

• Forward vendor invoices for processing and assist with reconciliation

• Review monthly revenue reports and reconcile discrepancies as needed

Administrative and Professional Responsibilities

• Serve as a liaison and information resource within the department

• Explain hospitality policies and procedures to staff, clients, and internal partners

• Maintain the Caterease database and ensure menus are current and accurate

• Review and approve timecards for assigned staff

• Hire, train, supervise, schedule, and evaluate part time office staff

• Promote a positive customer service culture in communications and decision making

• Enforce conduct standards and support corrective action when necessary

Required Certifications

• ServSafe certification required by the State of California

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality Management, Marketing, or a related field

• High school diploma with additional qualifying experience may substitute for degree requirements

• Minimum 2 years of catering and or hotel sales management experience

• 1 year of office management experience

• 1 year of supervisory experience

• Strong understanding of customer needs and market dynamics

• Proven leadership skills and ability to drive sales performance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working within large, complex organizations

• Experience with enterprise software solutions

• Established network with meeting planners, local representatives, or destination management companies

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficiency with EMS and Caterease software

• Strong communication, follow up, and organizational skills

• High attention to detail and accuracy

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and frequent interruptions

• Ability to work in a fast paced environment with minimal supervision

• Strong understanding of competitive market conditions and business practices

• Knowledge of standard banquets and catering processes

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work with diverse groups

• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion

• Basic knowledge of accounting principles

Compensation

Salary Range: $5,858.67 to $6,125.00 per month

Comprehensive benefits offered, including medical, dental, vision, retirement contribution, and access to on campus fitness centers.

Compensation offered is dependent on experience, education, and internal budget considerations.

Application Requirements

Resume