Director of Catering Sales
About The Position
The Proud Bird is a historic aviation landmark and one of LA's most distinctive hospitality destinations-reimagined as an upscale food hall, interactive aviation experience, and premier events venue just minutes from LAX. Named LA's Hottest Food Hall by Food Network , The Proud Bird blends exceptional food, immersive design, and large-scale event capability into an unforgettable guest experience. We are seeking a Director of Catering Sales to lead, grow, and elevate our private events business. This is a high-visibility, revenue-driving leadership role for a proven catering sales professional who thrives on building relationships, leading teams, and closing exceptional events. This is not a passive sales role. This is an opportunity to own the catering business , build strategy, lead a team, and drive meaningful revenue impact at one of LA's most dynamic venues.
Requirements
- 5+ years of progressive catering or hospitality sales experience (hotel, large-scale venue, or full-service restaurant preferred)
- Proven experience managing a catering sales team
- Strong background in event sales, planning, and execution
- Demonstrated success in forecasting, budgeting, and sales planning
- Experience with catering management software
- Confident communicator with excellent negotiation and relationship-building skills
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and results-driven
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
Nice To Haves
- College degree preferred
Responsibilities
- Own and lead all reactive and proactive catering sales efforts
- Develop and execute monthly and quarterly sales strategies to achieve and exceed revenue goals
- Drive new business through prospecting, networking, referrals, and local partnerships
- Build and maintain a strong local and repeat client base
- Analyze market trends and competitors to ensure competitive pricing and positioning
- Maximize revenue through upselling, strategic packaging, and yield management
- Lead, coach, and develop the Catering Sales team
- Establish clear individual and team sales goals
- Set expectations around sales activity, follow-up, forecasting, and performance
- Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and recognition
- Foster a culture of urgency, professionalism, teamwork, and celebration of wins
- Oversee all private events from initial inquiry through execution
- Ensure events meet both client expectations and company profitability standards
- Partner closely with Operations, Culinary, Beverage, and Support Teams
- Communicate event details clearly and accurately to ensure seamless execution
- Resolve client issues with professionalism and urgency
- Prepare accurate sales forecasts, booking reports, and monthly performance reports
- Ensure consistent and effective use of catering management and CRM systems
- Maintain strong organizational systems that support growth and scalability
- Support the General Manager with additional initiatives as directed
Benefits
- Competitive Benefits Package
- Industry-leading compensation ($95K–$115k)
- Comprehensive medical & dental plans with employer HSA contributions
- Lifestyle Spending Account (gym, childcare, student loans & more)
- Supplemental insurance options
- 401(k) with annual employer match after 12 months
- Employer-paid life insurance
- Monthly Reward Dollars usable at company locations
- Accrued PTO + paid/floating holidays
- Education Assistance Program (hospitality-focused)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Management Referral Program (up to $4,000)
- A culture that values growth, innovation, and leadership
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
