Ithaka Hospitality Partners · 4 days ago
Catering Sales Manager
Ithaka Hospitality Partners is opening the Eastern Edge Food Hall, a culinary destination in Kendall Square. The Catering Sales Manager will oversee sales, planning, and execution of events, driving revenue and creating memorable guest experiences through community activations and collaborations with vendors.
Responsibilities
Actively sell and prospect event opportunities with local corporate offices, Cambridge/Kendall Square businesses, and university partners
Manage all inbound leads and proposals through Tripleseat, ensuring timely responses and accurate contract documentation
Develop and maintain strong relationships with corporate clients, university partners, and community organizations to drive repeat business
Collaborate with marketing to promote private dining, full-hall buyouts, and seasonal activations
Forecast event revenue and build strategies to achieve quarterly and annual sales goals
Serve as the primary point of contact for all client communication from inquiry through post-event follow-up
Coordinate details with vendors, culinary teams, and operational leaders to ensure seamless event setup and execution
Oversee layout, décor, AV, staffing, and logistical needs for all events within the Food Hall and designated event spaces
Supervise setup and breakdown to ensure adherence to brand standards and guest expectations
Create event timelines, floor plans to support smooth execution
Partner with Food Hall vendors to develop event-specific menus, tastings, and beverage pairings
Ensure vendor readiness and alignment for both private and public activations
Coordinate vendor participation in festivals, live music nights, chef demos, and community events
Support cross-promotions and brand collaborations that highlight the culinary diversity of Eastern Edge Food Hall
Develop and execute engaging public activations such as live music, sports viewing parties, themed food events, and community activations
Partner with marketing and operations to create event calendars that enhance traffic during off-peak periods
Track performance of activations and recommend adjustments to drive increased engagement and profitability
Ensure all activations reflect the brand's culture of creativity, inclusivity, and local connection
Manage event budgets, deposits, invoicing, and post-event reconciliation
Prepare weekly and monthly sales reports for leadership review
Ensure compliance with all local regulations and IHP financial policies
Maintain accurate event documentation and cost tracking in Tripleseat and internal systems
Provide on-site leadership during events to ensure exceptional guest experiences
Anticipate client and guest needs, resolving issues with professionalism and warmth
Collect post-event feedback to inform continuous improvement
Represent Eastern Edge and IHP at community events, trade shows, and university functions to expand brand presence
Work collaboratively with the Food Hall's Operations Manager, marketing team, and vendor partners to ensure alignment across all initiatives
Foster a culture of sincere hospitality, creativity, and empowerment consistent with IHP's core values
Support leadership development within the Food Hall team
Qualification
Required
Minimum two year of progressive hospitality or event management experience
Strong organizational and communication skills with exceptional attention to detail
Financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and P&L tracking
ServSafe and alcohol service certification (or ability to obtain)
Preferred
Proven success in event sales, planning, and execution in a multi-vendor or food hall environment preferred
Preferred background in Tripleseat or comparable CRM/event management software
Hands-on, energetic, and relationship-driven
Creative thinker with a deep appreciation for community and culinary culture
Calm and confident under pressure with exceptional problem-solving skills
Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for building programs from the ground up
Committed to Ithaka's mission of purpose-driven hospitality and sincere connection