Catering Manager - Toronto, Ontario

About Us:
Blue Shock Executive Search, established in 2003, is a renowned executive search firm excelling in recruiting top-tier candidates across restaurant, hospitality, and food service-related sectors. As industry leaders, we specialize in forging connections between exceptional talent and leading employers in Canada and the US. Our dedicated team acts as your career architects, focusing on connecting you with opportunities that align with your skills and aspirations. We are passionate about propelling your career forward, ensuring that the next step you take is not just a job but a fulfilling journey. Partner with us, and let's build your success story together.
Client Summary:
Our client is a dynamic and rapidly growing full-service catering and events organization. Known for creativity, precision, and a relentless focus on client satisfaction, they specialize in delivering unforgettable corporate functions, weddings, social gatherings, and large-scale events. With a strong reputation for excellence, they are seeking an accomplished leader to elevate their team and drive continued growth.
Job Title: Catering Sales Manager
Location: Toronto Ontario
Offer:

• Competitive Compensation: They offer a competitive salary package, ensuring your skills and contributions are duly recognized. Ranging from $70,000 to $90,000 as a base salary package.
• Vacation and Leave: Enjoy a generous vacation policy, allowing you the flexibility to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Position Summary:

This Catering & Events Leader will be responsible for developing client relationships, driving new business, and leading a high-performing event planning team. This role requires a strategic, client-focused professional with proven leadership ability, strong business acumen, and deep experience in full-service catering and event management. The successful candidate will be a passionate hospitality leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment while maintaining the highest levels of organization, service, and attention to detail.
Responsibilities:
Client Relations & Sales
- Cultivate strong client relationships and ensure an exceptional client journey from inquiry to execution.
- Drive outbound sales initiatives, identify new business opportunities, and expand the client base.
- Conduct proposals, estimates, tastings, and contract negotiations with professionalism.
- Represent the brand at industry events, networking opportunities, and community functions.
- Implement follow-up strategies to maximize repeat and referral business.
Event Planning & Execution
- Oversee end-to-end planning and execution of weddings, corporate functions, social events, and large-scale gatherings.
- Manage catering budgets, contracts, staffing, and vendor relationships to ensure flawless delivery.
- Lead on-site event management, ensuring seamless service and memorable experiences.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of event trends, competitor activity, and best practices.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, coach, and inspire the event planning team to deliver best-in-class performance.
- Recruit, train, and onboard top talent, ensuring alignment with company values and standards.
- Provide ongoing performance management, coaching, and professional development.
- Foster a collaborative, respectful, and high-performance team culture.
- Ensure productivity, accountability, and adherence to company systems and processes.
Operations & Reporting
- Coordinate with culinary and service teams to ensure accuracy and consistency in catering execution.
- Utilize company software (Caterease, Trello, Outlook) for proposals, task management, and communication.
- Provide regular business updates and reporting to senior leadership.
- Monitor quality, compliance, and safety standards across all events and operations.
- Support leadership with special projects, strategic initiatives, and process improvements.
Previous Experience and Understanding
- Proven track record in leadership roles, managing teams and large-scale events.
- Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets and driving revenue growth.
- Proficiency in event management systems; Caterease and Trello considered strong assets.
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
- Highly organized, resourceful, and able to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
- Flexible schedule with ability to work evenings and weekends as required.
- Valid Ontario driver's license with confidence navigating the GTA.

Out-of-Country Applicants: We appreciate your interest in our organization. Regrettably, we are unable to provide sponsorship or assistance with international relocation. To be considered for this position, we kindly request that applicants presently reside in Toronto, Canada. Thank you for your understanding.