Catering Sales Operations Manager

Stirling Conference Center at the Pan American Life Center — New Orleans, LA

Sodexo Corporate Services

Are you a dynamic hospitality professional who thrives in a fast‑paced events environment? Do you enjoy blending strategy, creativity, and hands‑on leadership to deliver exceptional client experiences? If so, we’d love to meet you.

Sodexo Corporate Services is seeking an energetic and experienced Catering Sales Operations Manager to lead our catering and events program at the beautifully appointed Stirling Conference Center, located on the 11th floor of the iconic Pan American Life Center in the heart of downtown New Orleans. 

A Premier Events Destination in the Heart of the City

What You’ll Do

As the Catering Sales Operations Manager, you will be the driving force behind our catering success—leading both sales strategy and event execution while ensuring flawless experiences that exceed client expectations.

Sales & Business Development

• Generate new catering and event business through outreach, networking, and relationship-building.
• Respond to inquiries quickly and professionally; develop creative proposals and polished presentations.
• Conduct site tours and meet with clients to understand event goals and tailor solutions.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with corporate clients, planners, and community organizations.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and service packages to maximize revenue.
• Track sales activity, pipeline health, and forecasting for leadership.

Event Planning & Coordination

• Collaborate with clients to understand objectives, guest counts, and dietary requirements.
• Prepare detailed Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and communicate clearly with internal teams.
• Partner with chefs on menu design and customization.
• Organize event logistics including timelines, staffing, rentals, and room layouts.

Operations & Execution

• Lead on-site event execution with a hands‑on, customer‑focused approach.
• Oversee event setup, service, and breakdown to ensure a seamless guest experience.
• Troubleshoot issues in real time and maintain a solutions‑driven mindset.

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
• 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.

Minimum Education Requirement - Associate's Degree or equivalent experience
Minimum Management Experience - 2 years
Minimum Functional Experience – 1 year work experience in food or culinary services including restaurants, fast food, vending, catering services, institutional services, mall food courts, etc.