Job Listing: Director of Catering Sales

At Sodexo Live!, we take pride in crafting exceptional events at the most prestigious venues on the planet and creating lasting memories for fans, visitors, guests and team members.

Working with Sodexo Live! is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater. Here, you'll build a career where 'everyday' is anything but normal.

Our experiences are unique, and so are our people. Bring your personality, your background and your desire to delight others. In return, we'll give you all you need to thrive. After giving it all, you'll return home knowing that you've played your part in creating a truly unforgettable moment.

• 2022 Forbes Best Employer for Diversity
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• 2022 Disability Equality Index (DEI) Perfect Score

Location : We are seeking an experienced Director of Catering Sales for the Descanso Gardens located in La Cañada Flintridge.

Salary Range: $90,000 - $105,000

We are an urban retreat located 20 minutes from downtown Los Angeles. Descanso Gardens is a place of year-round natural beauty, with internationally renowned botanical collections and spectacular seasonal horticultural displays. Descanso Gardens welcomes more than 750,000 visitors annually. The principal collections include California native plants and oak woodlands; one of the largest collections of camellias in the Western Hemisphere; a rose garden with specimens from all corners of the globe; and significant presentations of lilacs, maple trees, cherry trees and iris.

Descanso Gardens has been designated an International Camellia Garden of Excellence by the International Camellia Society. The Gardens are operated by the Descanso Gardens Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, in a public-private partnership with Los Angeles County. The annual budget of $15 million is funded by memberships, philanthropic gifts, fees and support from Los Angeles County.

Principal Function :

The Director of Catering Sales position is found within larger Sodexo Live! venues, typically Tier 1 Convention Centers, with a high volume of and significant revenue stream from catered functions and events.

The Director of Catering Sales will manage a team of one or more Catering Sales Managers and or/Coordinators. They are responsible for creating unique dining experiences by directing, selling, up-selling and actively participating in the planning and production of catered functions. Working closely with clients, as well as with the banquets, culinary, beverage and operations staff, they are responsible for ensuring that events are coordinated and executed smoothly and in accordance with client expectations and specifications.

The Director of Catering Sales will focus on the development, implementation and measurement of the revenue objectives contained within the unit's annual marketing plan. They will direct and manage the Catering Sales team and all sales activities to meet revenue objectives and attain the top line financial forecast. This includes developing sales with existing business (forecasted group/local business) and executing strategies to develop new business.

The Director of Catering Sales will support the planning of and preparation for events according to anticipated attendance, and will provide hands-on management and oversight in the areas of service and F&B operations during events.

Essential Responsibilities :

• Maximize Sodexo Live!'s catering revenue through creative sales techniques and customer focus.
• Communicate and promote Sodexo Live!'s culture and values; Provide hands-on leadership and direction to Catering Sales staff.
• Contribute to the efficient operation of assigned unit by partnering with operations in providing support, information, insight, analysis and recommendations in matters pertaining guest service, menu development, creative event planning, revenue generation and other functions pertaining to Catering Sales.
• Participate in special projects related to the development and implementation of organizational, HR and general business strategies.
• Contribute to goal of making Sodexo Live! #1 in Event Hospitality and the #1 Employer of Choice through personal commitment and leading by example.

Qualifications/Skills :

• Bachelor's degree in business, hotel/restaurant management or a related field, and/or appropriate combination of education and experience to support on the job effectiveness.
• 5-7 years of catering sales experience, with at least 3-5 years in a senior management role.
• Prior experience in a similar venue with more than $10M in food and beverage sales.
• Demonstrated financial acumen with proven track record for generating revenue growth.
• P&L accountability and/or contract-managed service experience.
• Must possess strong knowledge of food and wine for menu development.
• Must possess strong knowledge of food and beverage financials, operations procedures, controls and administration, as well as awareness and ability to perform all sales-related functions.
• Solid and proven track record for sales and leadership success.
• Demonstrated success in interfacing with a variety of organizational functions and divisions to accomplish tasks.

Other Requirements :

• Able to work effectively and safely while subject to wet floors, temperature extremes and excessive noise; must be able to lift up to 50 pounds in weight; must be able to maneuver in an often tightly-quartered environment.

Hours may be extended or irregular to include nights, weekends and holidays.

Thank you for expressing interest in employment with Sodexo Live!. While only those candidates considered for this position will be contacted, your resume will remain on file for 90 days.

Sodexo Live! is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, status as a protected veteran or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable Federal, State or Local law.