POSITION: Catering Manager
DEPARTMENT: Food & Beverage
REPORTS TO: General Manager
FLSA STATUS: Salaried, Exempt
LOCATION: On Site – Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center and Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach, CA
COMPENSATION: $85,000 per year

About Legends Global

Legends Global is the premier partner to the world's greatest live events, venues, and brands. We deliver a fully integrated solution of premium services that keeps our partners front and center through our white-label approach.

Our network of 450 venues worldwide, hosting 20,000 events and entertaining 165 million guests each year, is powered by our depth of expertise and level of execution across every component — feasibility & consulting, owner’s representation, sales, partnerships, hospitality, merchandise, venue management, and content & booking — of world-class live events and venues.

The Legends Global culture is one of respect, ambitious thinking, collaboration, and bold action. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can be authentic, make an impact, and grow their career.

Winning is an everyday thing at Legends Global. We have the best team members who understand every win is earned when we come together as one unified team. Sound like a winning formula for you?

Position Summary

The Catering Manager drives new catering revenue for the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center’s Food & Beverage department and may serve on similar projects in conjunction with the Director of Culinary for the Hospitality department at the Aquarium of the Pacific. This role focuses on identifying and securing both short-term and long-term business opportunities through strategic sales outreach, relationship building, creative menu presentations, and active market engagement. Provide day-to-day administrative support to the F&B General Manager.

Reporting to the F&B General Manager, the ideal candidate is a proactive, collaborative, and highly organized sales professional with deep knowledge of hospitality and event catering.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Food & Beverage Business Development & Sales

• Process, produce, build, and execute the lead generation of new catering leads through research, referrals, networking, and proactive outreach.
• Providing end-to-end management and execution of assigned events.
• Maintain a strong pipeline of prospective clients across corporate, association, social, entertainment, and specialty event markets.
• Conduct onsite and virtual sales presentations highlighting the venue’s catering and event capabilities.
• Prepare detailed proposals, custom menus, quotes, and contracts in collaboration with the culinary team and Food & Beverage leadership.
• Follow up on inquiries, negotiate terms, and convert leads into confirmed events to achieve department revenue goals.
• Maintain accurate CRM documentation for all leads, meetings, proposals, and bookings.

Food & Beverage Client Relations & Event Support

• Serve as a primary point of contact for prospective clients during discovery, proposal, and negotiation phases.
• Collaborate with internal teams—including culinary, catering operations, event management, and sales—to ensure seamless communication and client satisfaction.
• Cultivate strong relationships with repeat, referral, and high-value clients to encourage ongoing business.

Food & Beverage Creative Development

• Design visually compelling presentations for custom menus, culinary concepts, and event packages.
• Partner with the Executive Chef and culinary team to create bespoke menus aligned with client vision and event objectives.
• Contribute to marketing collateral, sales materials, and promotional content supporting catering initiatives.

Food & Beverage Networking & Market Engagement

• Attend off-site networking events, trade shows, professional association meetings, and community functions to promote catering services.
• Represent the venue professionally to expand brand recognition and sales reach.
• Stay current with industry trends, competitor offerings, and market developments to identify new opportunities.

Administrative & Operational Responsibilities

• Ensure F&B Manager’s office area and administrative support functions are professional and presentable.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of menus, pricing, service standards, and operational capabilities.
• Provide weekly updates, sales reports, and revenue forecasts to leadership.
• Assist in hosting client tastings, site tours, and familiarization events.
• Ensure all sales efforts meet organizational quality standards, brand guidelines, and guest service expectations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by F&B General Manager.

Presentation Skills

• Proficiency in presentation and design tools (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, Canva, Prezi, Visme).
• Basic familiarity with video and graphic tools preferred (e.g., Zoho Show, LibreOffice Impress, Adobe Premiere, InDesign, Figma, OBS Studio, Loom, Mentimeter (for love polls).

Compliance & Policy Enforcement

• Enforce all Legends & ASM Global standards for service, sanitation, alcohol laws, cash handling, inventory security, and company policies.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding client, employee and internal-related matters.
• Maintain a flexible schedule to support high-attendance periods, blackout dates, and business demands.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Business, Marketing, or a related field preferred.
• 3–5+ years of catering sales, hospitality sales, or business development experience in a convention center, hotel, or large event venue.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Proven success generating leads, upselling, and closing catering business.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and CRM systems.
• Creative mindset with the ability to develop visually appealing presentations.
• Availability to attend evening and weekend networking events as required.

Work Environment

This position is based on-site at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center and Aquarium of the Pacific. It requires frequent collaboration with clients, vendors, internal departments, and industry partners. Occasional off-site travel and non-traditional hours may be required.

Additional Requirements

• Valid California Driver’s License required. Must maintain a safe driving record and comply with all California vehicle laws while operating company vehicles between locations.
• Work schedule may include days, nights, weekends, and holidays based on event needs.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

This position requires standing, walking, lifting, and periods of extended activity. Reasonable accommodations will be provided as required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California law.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Legends & ASM Global is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We comply with all applicable federal and California state employment laws and encourage applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.