Catering Sales Manager | Full-Time | Grand River Conference Center

Oak View Group is the global leader in venue development management and premium hospitality services for the live event industry. Offering an unmatched 360-degree solution set for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster that includes the most influential highest attended arenas convention centers music festivals performing arts centers and cultural institutions on the planet.

The Catering Sales Manager is responsible for the sales and service of events for groups up to approximately 50 people along with all wedding events. The position will also assist in the overall execution of the Grand River Centers sales initiatives. The Catering Sales Manager will work with clients to advise about rates catering and services; preparation and execution of event contracts planning coordination and execution of events in assigned market segment. Strong verbal and written communications skills the ability to manage several tasks simultaneously be self-governed and self-motivated possess a basic understanding of banquet and catering sales public relations advertising and special event planning and execution are essential.

The Catering Sales Manager is an intricate part of the event team and is expected to recognize the value and benefits of teamwork. Open lines of communication within the team are vital to its success and that of the company.

This role pays an annual salary of $45000-$50000

Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health Dental and Vision Insurance 401(k) Savings Plan 401(k) matching and Paid Time Off (vacation days sick days and 11 holidays)

This position will remain open until April 10 2026.

The Grand River ConferenceCenter is a full-service meeting and event facility located in the heart of downtown Dubuque Iowa. Newly renovated in 2020 featuring over 40000 square feet of meeting and 30000 square feet of exhibition space for events up to 2000.

• Performs related work as assigned by Director of Sales & Marketing and Director of Events & Catering.
• Meets specified goals and objectives for venue usage by promoting the convention center to all potential clients; conducts venue tours; answers questions and provides information regarding venue services policies and procedures; and assists clients in finalizing booking arrangements.
• Design floor layouts on venue software.
• Manage weddings from sales portion through end of event.
• Create and distribute accurate Banquet Event Orders (BEO)
• Advance plan service and supervise all weddings.
• Primary sales contact for all groups expecting approximately 50 or fewer attendees.
• Set appointments and make outside calls to potential clients.
• Make solicitation calls assist with promotions and direct mail activities.
• Researches identifies and establishes the appropriateness of groups for the venue.
• Attend industry events and tradeshows as may be required.
• Prepare event contracts sales folders sales kits and correspondence to clients.
• Enter and maintain complete and accurate information into booking system.
• Works with clients and facility staff to determine event needs and opportunities for upselling food and beverages and other services offered by the facility.
• Work a flexible schedule including long nights early mornings weekends & holidays as needed.
• Complete all duties with a customer service focus through teamwork & dedication to OVGs principles.
• Assist in the preparation of building to meet the requirements of upcoming events/shows.
• Participates in the development of newsletters and other marketing materials.
• Prepare reports correspondence memoranda agreements and forecast projections.
• Provide assistance and staff support to the Director of Sales & Marketing.
• Prepare and deliver verbal presentations to groups of various sizes.
• Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Working as a Manager on Duty (MOD) as required.
• Analyzing competitors and target markets.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in sales marketing or other related field.
• Minimum 3-5 years of increasingly responsible experience in business to business sales required preferentially with a wedding venue sports facility convention center performing arts facility or other multi-purpose public assembly facility.
• Prefer experience in weddings conventions banquets entertainment tradeshow/meetings with responsibility for scheduling arranging promoting meetings lectures exhibits conventions concerts or other related events.
• High school diploma or equivalent GED required.
• Strong computer skills in Windows environment and MS Office applications. Training on industry software will be provided.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights weekends and select holidays as required in addition to normal business hours if needed.

At OVG we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation strengthens ourpeople improves ourservice and raises ourexcellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.

Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (protected class) including but not limited to veteran status uniform service member status race color religion sex national origin age physical or mental disability genetic information or any other protected class under federal state or local law.