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Canada
Remote only
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Catering Lead Generation & Business Development Virtual Assistant based in Canada.
We are looking for an experienced Lead Generation and Business Development Virtual Assistant to help expand the catering operations of a growing food business with two retail locations in Southern California. In this remote, part-time role, you will identify new catering opportunities across corporate events, weddings, film productions, festivals, and other high-value occasions. You will take ownership of prospect research, outbound outreach, vendor registrations, and partnership development to generate a consistent pipeline of catering orders. Working directly with business owners, you will build and implement a lead generation process from the ground up. Your efforts will play a key role in increasing brand visibility, developing strategic relationships, and driving recurring catering revenue. This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive, results-driven professional who thrives on building new business opportunities independently.
As a Catering Lead Generation & Business Development Virtual Assistant, you will be responsible for identifying potential clients, developing outreach strategies, and managing the lead pipeline to generate consistent catering opportunities.
Lead Research & Opportunity Sourcing
Research catering opportunities throughout the Southern California service area.
Identify corporate event organizers, event planners, production companies, venues, and other potential catering buyers.
Discover relevant catering directories, vendor lists, and event platforms where the business should be listed.
Build, organize, and maintain targeted prospect lists and opportunity databases.
Vendor Listings & Partnerships
Secure business listings on relevant catering, event, and vendor platforms.
Apply for inclusion in event planner directories and production company vendor lists.
Ensure business listings, photographs, catering packages, and service information remain accurate and up to date.
Monitor listing applications, track approval statuses, and follow up on pending requests.
Outreach & Follow-Up
Contact prospective clients through email, phone calls, and direct messages using approved communication strategies.
Present catering packages and explain available delivery and pickup options.
Maintain consistent follow-up with interested prospects and previous inquiries to convert opportunities into bookings.
Qualify incoming catering leads and forward requests to business owners with complete event details.
Pipeline Tracking & Reporting
Track outreach activities, prospect responses, vendor registrations, and catering opportunities.
Provide weekly reports covering new leads, listing progress, and confirmed catering orders.
Identify the most effective lead generation channels and event categories.
Recommend new prospecting strategies and business development initiatives to increase catering sales.
Requirements:
The ideal candidate is an experienced lead generation or business development professional with excellent communication skills, strong research capabilities, and the initiative to establish an effective outreach process independently.
Proven experience in lead generation, business development, or outbound sales.
Excellent written and spoken English skills, with a native or near-native level of professional communication.
Strong experience conducting online research and building targeted prospect lists.
Excellent written and verbal outreach skills, including professional phone communication.
Strong organizational abilities and experience managing lead pipelines, follow-ups, and activity reports.
Ability to work independently, identify opportunities proactively, and develop new lead generation processes.
Persistence and confidence in following up with prospects while maintaining a professional and approachable communication style.
A results-oriented mindset, with motivation to generate qualified leads and secure confirmed catering orders.
Preferred Qualifications:
Previous experience in catering, events, hospitality, or food and beverage sales.
Experience securing business listings on online directories, vendor platforms, marketplaces, or event websites.
Familiarity with CRM systems, lead-tracking spreadsheets, and sales pipeline management.
Knowledge of the Southern California events and catering market.
Experience using email platforms, phone or VoIP communication tools, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and social media platforms for business outreach.
Benefits:
Competitive compensation rates.
Weekly payments.
Free training and professional development opportunities.
Ongoing support and guidance.
Access to a vibrant and supportive professional community.
Opportunities to explore various other remote contractor positions.
Fully remote working arrangement.
Part-time schedule of 20 hours per week, with the possibility of increasing hours based on performance.
Monday-to-Friday working schedule.
Opportunity to take ownership of a new business development initiative and contribute directly to revenue growth.