Catering Sales Associate

LifeCare Alliance – LA Catering
Position #: 540
Reports To: Director of Catering, Executive Catering and Events Manager

Position Summary

LA Catering—LifeCare Alliance’s social enterprise catering company—is seeking a dynamic Catering Sales Associate to help elevate our brand, expand our client base, and deliver exceptional experiences that fuel our mission. This role blends sales, relationship management, event coordination, and community engagement, offering the opportunity to be part of a fast-growing, mission-driven organization making a meaningful impact in Central Ohio.

The Catering Sales Associate drives new business development, nurtures client relationships, manages event contracts, and ensures a seamless customer experience from first contact through the final event. This position also represents LifeCare Alliance and LA Catering in the community, building partnerships and presenting to businesses, organizations, and prospective customers.

The ideal candidate is polished, personable, highly organized, and motivated by both sales success and mission-driven work. The role requires creativity, strong communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining the highest ethical standards.

Key Responsibilities

Sales & Business Development

• Identify and actively pursue new catering clients from community groups, businesses, event venues, board connections, and internal referrals.
• Conduct in-person visits, presentations, follow-up meetings, and outreach events to grow LA Catering’s client base.
• Build strong relationships with event coordinators and wedding planners to help develop sales for onsite Event Center.
• Development of a client base for onsite Event Canter and grow sales for the venue.
• Assist with managing and maintaining ongoing relationships with current clients to support repeat business and long-term partnerships.

Client Management & Contracting

• Lead sales presentations for individuals and groups.
• Prepare proposals, negotiate pricing within established guidelines, and finalize catering contracts.
• Ensure clear, timely communication with clients from inquiry through event completion.

Event Coordination & On-Site Support

• Coordinate catering schedules, logistics, and event details with internal teams.
• Support selected events on-site to ensure setups, timelines, and customer expectations are met.
• Troubleshoot issues and act as a resource to ensure flawless execution and client satisfaction.

Administrative & Reporting Duties

• Maintain accurate calendars, schedules, and sales data.
• Communicate key event details to production, delivery, and operations teams.
• Generate sales and catering reports, including event volume, revenue, expenses, and customer activity.

Agency & Community Engagement

• Represent LifeCare Alliance at agency functions, fundraising events, and community partnerships.
• Participate in committees or cross-functional projects as assigned.
• Support agency operations (including Meals-on-Wheels or kitchen support) during emergencies or peak needs.

Working Conditions

Work occurs in a mix of office locations, client sites, event venues, and community settings. Standard office hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with required evening and weekend availability for catering events.

 Qualifications

• Associate degree in Business, Hospitality, Food Service, or a related field strongly preferred; long-term sales experience in a related field will be considered.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in catering, food service sales, event planning, or related customer service roles.
• Valid Ohio driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and appropriate insurance.
• Ability to perform manual tasks, including event setup, teardown, and lifting.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with comfort speaking to groups.
• Strong relationship-building skills with customers, vendors, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to fast-paced conditions.
• Skilled in negotiation, time management, and creative problem-solving.
• Excellent customer service orientation with a polished, professional presence.
• Ability to perform physical event-related tasks and heavy lifting as needed.
• High ethical standards and discretion with confidential information.
• Proficiency with basic computer programs (Word, Excel, email platforms).