Catering Director- Corporate Dining

Compass Group•New York, NY

10h•$100,000 - $110,000

About The Position

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry’s leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted Glassdoor's Employee Choice Awards- Best Places to Work, This is R/A !Job Summary As the Catering Director, you will lead Catering, Events, Conference Center operations, and Pantry Services with a strong focus on driving revenue growth and delivering high‑impact, premium event experiences. This role requires a sales‑oriented leader skilled in building new business, deepening client relationships, and ensuring flawless execution across all event and operational areas.

Requirements

3+ years of hospitality experience, including 1+ years in management (catering sales/management strongly preferred).
Demonstrated success in sales generation, contract negotiation, menu costing, and event operations.
Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and client‑relationship skills.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree OR equivalent years of experience.

Responsibilities

Drive catering and event sales through proactive outreach, client engagement, proposal development, and contract negotiation.
Develop tailored service offerings and premium event solutions to increase revenue and elevate the client experience.
Manage the full event lifecycle, including planning, menu development, logistics coordination, on‑site leadership, and post‑event reviews.
Ensure exceptional event execution, including presentation standards, service timing, culinary quality, equipment readiness, and overall client satisfaction.
Oversee daily operations for conference center spaces, ensuring room readiness, cleanliness, equipment functionality, and a seamless guest experience.
Manage pantry operations to ensure areas remain fully stocked, clean, efficient, and aligned with service level expectations.
Control labor, food, and supply costs while maintaining high standards of efficiency and product quality.
Monitor inventory, place timely orders, and maintain accurate documentation to support cost‑effective operations.
Hire, train, coach, and develop a high‑performing team focused on premium service and client engagement.
Foster a positive, collaborative culture that emphasizes accountability, communication, and continuous improvement.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, internal partners, and vendors to support smooth event execution and repeat business.
Anticipate client needs, respond to feedback, and proactively recommend enhancements that elevate the overall experience.