Catering Sales Manager, Michigan Central Station

Department: Forte Belanger 800440

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Forte Belanger

Reporting To: Laura Stewart

Description

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for incoming catering inquiries associated with Michigan Central Station.
• Gather event details including guest count, event type, timing, budget, and logistical requirements from client.
• Assess client needs and direct qualified opportunities to the appropriate catering partner: Forte Belanger or Two Unique Caterers.
• Ensure all client information is accurately documented and shared with the appropriate sales team for follow-up and proposals.
• Remain the point of contact for the client until contract is signed with appropriate catering division. 

• Lead the sales and planning process for assigned programming and events, serving as the primary liaison between Continental Catering & Events, and Michigan Central event teams.
• Collaborate with Michigan Central programming leadership to integrate event themes, guest chefs, and culinary partnerships into the food and beverage experience.
• Prepare and present client proposals, menus, and event plans, securing approvals from Michigan Central where required and working with Continental leadership on costs and retail. 
• Manage the event planning lifecycle, including pre-event logistics, internal coordination, and execution oversight.
• Coordinate with Michigan Central’s event operations and building teams on event logistics including load-in/load-out, space requirements, cleaning coordination, and special operational requests.
• Oversee event set-up, service execution, and breakdown coordination to ensure food and beverage programs are delivered to agreed standards.
• Maintain detailed event documentation including menus, pricing, approvals, and operational notes to ensure alignment with venue and contractual requirements.

• Work closely with the Michigan Central Station sales team to support venue-driven catering opportunities.
• Act as a catering subject matter expert during early client discussions related to food service capabilities and event logistics.
• Maintain strong working relationships with venue staff and partners to support seamless event planning.

• Attend and support site visits, walk-throughs, and introductory meetings with prospective clients.
• Provide catering insights during tours and consultations, including menu possibilities, service styles, and operational considerations.
• Represent the catering brands professionally and enthusiastically to potential clients.

• Understand venue operational needs, event flow, and catering logistics within Michigan Central Station.
• Ensure event requirements align with operational capabilities for both catering divisions.
• Communicate key operational details to internal teams to ensure accurate proposals and event execution.

• Track leads, maintain organized records, and ensure smooth transitions to the sales teams at Forte Belanger and Two Unique Caterers.
• Support overall revenue growth by driving qualified leads into the catering sales pipeline.
• Assist with reporting and lead tracking as needed.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• 5+ years of experience in catering sales, hospitality sales, event planning, or venue sales.
• Strong understanding of event logistics and catering operations.
• Flexibility for job description and responsibilities to evolve. 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to assess client needs quickly and match them with appropriate services.
• Comfortable conducting venue tours and participating in client meetings.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Experience working with luxury venues, large-scale events, or off-premise catering is preferred.

• Relationship building
• Sales qualification
• Event logistics knowledge
• Client consultation
• Cross-team collaboration
• Hospitality leadership

• Combination of office, venue, and event-site environments.
• Regular attendance at site visits, client meetings, and venue walkthroughs.
• Some evening or weekend availability may be required based on client schedules.