Howard University Catering Sales Manager

Job Description

The Catering Sales Manager is responsible for driving catering revenue through the development and management of both on-campus and external client relationships. This role focuses heavily on outside sales and non-collegiate hospitality business, requiring a candidate with strong experience in hotel, conference center, or off-premise catering sales.

COMPENSATION: The hourly rate or salary range for this position is $65,000 to $70,000. If both numbers are the same, that is the amount that Aramark expects to offer.  This is Aramark’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation for this position as of the time of posting.​

BENEFITS: Aramark offers comprehensive benefit programs and services for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, and work/life resources.   Additional benefits may include retirement savings plans like 401(k) and paid days off such as parental leave and disability coverage.  Benefits vary by location and are subject to any legal requirements or limitations, employee eligibility status, and where the employee lives and/or works.  For more information about Aramark benefits, click here Aramark Careers - Benefits & Compensation. ​

There is no predetermined application window for this position, the position will close once a qualified candidate is selected. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable law, including, but not limited to, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the California Fair Chance Act, and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance to the extent that those laws apply to the opportunity.

 

Job Responsibilities

Sales & Business Development

• Actively prospect and secure new catering business, with a focus on external and off-campus clients
• Leverage prior hotel or hospitality sales experience to drive revenue growth
• Develop and execute sales strategies to meet and exceed revenue targets
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline through networking, outreach, and referrals
• Represent the account at community events, networking functions, and industry opportunities

Client Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned clients from inquiry through event execution
• Conduct site visits, tastings, and client consultations
• Prepare and present customized proposals, menus, and pricing
• Maintain ongoing relationships to drive repeat business and client satisfaction

Event Coordination & Execution

• Partner with culinary, operations, and service teams to ensure seamless event execution
• Communicate event details clearly through BEOs (Banquet Event Orders) and internal systems
• Attend events as needed to ensure client expectations are met

Financial & Administrative Responsibilities

• Meet or exceed established sales goals and revenue targets
• Ensure accurate forecasting, reporting, and documentation of all sales activity
• Maintain compliance with company policies, billing procedures, and contract standards

Collaboration & Compliance

• Work closely with HR and leadership to ensure staffing and service levels support business needs
• Adhere to all Aramark policies, including Business Conduct Policy and client guidelines
• Support a positive, inclusive, and professional work environment

Qualifications

Required:

• 3–5+ years of experience in catering sales, hotel sales, or hospitality sales
• Proven success in outside sales and revenue generation
• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
• Experience managing multiple clients and events simultaneously
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and sales/event management systems
• Flexible schedule required, including evenings and weekends based on business needs
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, client-focused environment

Preferred:

• Experience in hotel, conference center, or high-volume catering environments
• Familiarity with university or contract dining environments
• Knowledge of event planning processes and banquet operations

Education

About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.