Sales: Event Coordinator

At Catering by Michaels, we believe an event is more than food on a plate. It is an opportunity to build a relationship, understand what matters to a client, and bring their vision to life through thoughtful planning and strong execution.

At Catering by Michaels, we believe an event is more than food on a plate. It is an opportunity to build a relationship, understand what matters to a client, and bring their vision to life through thoughtful planning and strong execution. Founded in 1980, Catering by Michaels is a full-service catering and events company based in Morton Grove, Illinois. We produce events throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, ranging from intimate private gatherings to large-scale galas, corporate events, weddings, festivals, and major sporting and cultural events.

• Scratch kitchen with a commitment to culinary excellence
• Sustainability leader, certified by both Green Restaurant and Green Seal
• Experience executing major events including Lollapalooza, the NFL Draft, the Black Creativity Gala, premier golf tournaments, and the University of Chicago Alumni Weekend
• Member of the prestigious Leading Caterers of America organization
• Full-service and drop-off catering solutions serving Chicago and the surrounding suburbs

Our business is built on relationships. Our clients trust us with weddings, corporate events, celebrations, and major occasions that often take months of planning. The Event Coordinator plays an important role in earning that trust and delivering on it.

The Event Coordinator is the primary point of contact for clients throughout the sales and planning process.

You will listen to what a client is trying to accomplish, understand their priorities and budget, present the right catering and event solutions, and guide them through the decisions required to bring the event together.

The job does not end when the contract is signed. You will continue working with the client, our culinary team, operations team, venues, planners, and other partners to ensure that the details are understood and the event is executed according to plan.

Our Event Coordinators are also onsite for their clients' events. You will see the planning process through to execution and have the opportunity to build relationships with clients in person while ensuring their expectations are met.

• Generate new business through inbound inquiries, prospecting, networking, referrals, venue relationships, and industry connections
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with prospective and existing clients
• Build relationships with event venues, meeting planners, corporate contacts, event professionals, and industry partners
• Conduct client consultations and understand event objectives, priorities, guest expectations, and budgets
• Develop customized catering and event proposals that meet client needs while supporting company goals
• Present menus, services, event concepts, and pricing to clients
• Guide clients through the sales process from initial inquiry through signed contract and deposit
• Identify opportunities to increase event revenue through additional services, menu enhancements, beverage, rentals, and other event needs
• Maintain an active sales pipeline and follow up consistently with prospective clients

• Serve as the primary client contact throughout the planning process
• Prepare proposals, contracts, invoices, timelines, and other event documentation
• Develop a detailed understanding of each client's event, including menu, guest count, schedule, venue requirements, rentals, staffing, and special requests
• Coordinate menu meetings, tastings, planning meetings, and other client appointments
• Work closely with culinary, operations, staffing, and event teams to communicate client expectations and event details
• Attend sales, menu, production, and planning meetings as required
• Identify potential challenges before the event and work with the appropriate teams to develop solutions
• Monitor account balances and manage accounts receivable, including timely collection of outstanding payments
• Attend venue visits and client meetings as needed
• Attend and oversee assigned client events to support successful execution and strengthen client relationships

• Participate in networking events, trade shows, venue open houses, and…