Director of Catering Sales

Culinaire is a premier upscale food and beverage management company that serves a diverse range of national accounts, including prestigious art museums, cultural landmarks, hotels, performing arts centers, restaurants, and special event venues. The company is known for its total commitment to its associates, prioritizing career growth, safety, and success while delivering sophisticated, delicious food and warm service to its guests. With a broad portfolio, Culinaire emphasizes excellence in hospitality and culinary innovation, contributing to memorable guest experiences across various prestigious locations. Culinaire operates with a strong culture of integrity, quality, and dedication, as part of Compass Group USA, a global leader in foodservice management.

The role of Director of Catering Sales at Culinaire offers the unique opportunity to lead and coordinate all aspects of internal and external catering events. Reporting to the Regional Vice President, this position is essential for driving the catering department's success, encompassing menu development, costing, marketing, and operational oversight. The salary range for this role is $60,000 to $65,000, complemented by commission-based compensation that rewards performance. This full-time position appeals to candidates who have a proven track record in catering sales within the hospitality industry and possess strong leadership and organizational abilities.

As Director of Catering Sales, you will be responsible for hiring, training, and developing catering managers, ensuring that service techniques, menu presentation, policies, and procedures meet the highest standards. You will oversee catering activities from booking and planning functions to creating formal proposals, contracts, and banquet event orders. Monitoring safety and sanitation procedures in compliance with HACCP guidelines is a critical part of the role, ensuring all events meet health standards. Additionally, you will maintain the client database, nurture relationships with local clients and vendors, and prepare detailed operating reports, budget forecasts, and financial targets. Hands-on involvement in the preparation, transportation, setup, operation, and cleanup of events is expected, ensuring flawless execution from start to finish.

This role demands a proactive and detail-oriented leader who can manage multiple tasks simultaneously while anticipating and adapting to industry trends and business changes. The Director of Catering Sales should have deep knowledge of current food and beverage industry trends, especially in fine dining service, along with the ability to assess client needs and deliver exceptional service that fosters client satisfaction and loyalty.