Director of Catering/LINE DC

The LINE, The Ned • Washington, DC

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Catering is responsible for leading the catering sales function, driving revenue through proactive business development, and overseeing the execution of events in partnership with the Food & Beverage team. This role is accountable for strategic growth of the catering segment, including generating new business, strengthening existing client relationships, and positioning the hotel as a preferred destination for events in the Washington, DC market. This role requires a seasoned hospitality professional with an established network and strong reputation within the DC market. The Director of Catering is expected to leverage deep relationships across corporate, association, embassy, nonprofit, and social segments to generate high-value business and long-term partnerships. In addition to leading the sales process, the Director of Catering will provide oversight and support to event execution, ensuring an elevated guest experience that aligns with brand standards. This position must possess excellent communication skills, strong leadership capabilities, the ability to resolve conflict, and a thorough understanding of hotel policies, procedures, and expectations. Because of the fluctuating demands of the company’s operation, it may be necessary that each employee perform a multitude of different functions; therefore, as an essential part of your position, you will be expected to help others when the occasion arises, just as other employees are expected to help you. Accordingly, you may be expected to perform other tasks as needed or as directed.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5–8+ years of progressive experience in catering sales or hotel sales leadership, with a strong emphasis on business development
• Proven track record of driving new catering revenue and building long-term client relationships
• Established network and strong presence within the Washington, DC market required
• Strong leadership and team development capabilities
• The ability to travel as requested
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Experience within the hospitality industry, preferably in a lifestyle or full-service hotel environment
• Ability to travel locally for client meetings, networking events, and industry engagement
• Strong understanding of local business trends and demand generators
• Collaborative spirit, ethical conduct, positive attitude, and strong attention to detail

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree or higher education qualification preferred

Responsibilities

• Drive and achieve monthly, quarterly, and annual catering revenue goals, with a strong focus on proactive business development, outside sales calls, networking, and market engagement.
• Leverage and expand existing client relationships within the DC market, maintaining visibility and credibility with key decision-makers and repeat clients.
• Maximize food, beverage, and auxiliary revenues by strategically selling menus, experiences, and activations.
• Identify and execute upsell opportunities to exceed contracted minimum spend and drive incremental revenue.
• Accurately budget and forecast catering and banquet revenue, covers, and average checks based on business on the books and pipeline activity.
• Oversee event execution to ensure all functions meet or exceed expectations, including inspecting event spaces, greeting clients, managing last-minute changes, coordinating vendors, and conducting post-event follow-up and re-booking efforts.
• Work closely with clients and hotel departments throughout the lifecycle of events, ensuring a seamless and elevated experience.
• Ensure that function set-up meets or exceeds customer expectations by working closely with meeting planners to determine needs and ensure proper communication and coordination across departments.
• Facilitate pre-conference and pre-planning meetings with clients and key hotel staff.
• Communicate all details of assigned groups, events, and conventions to all departments in a professional, thorough, and timely manner through resumes, event orders, and internal correspondence.
• Maintain proper documentation of all events, including complete and accurate programming within Sales & Catering systems.
• Prepare and oversee accurate written correspondence including proposals, contracts, reports, event orders, schedules of events, printed menus, and e-mails using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Opera, Delphi, and email systems.
• Maintain a high level of service by providing accurate and timely information and feedback to all supporting departments.
• Comply with company standards for sales and marketing, while working harmoniously and professionally with co-workers and the Executive Committee.
• Establish and maintain strong communications and teamwork with fellow colleagues and all departments within the hotel.
• Facilitate and lead internal hotel meetings related to catering and events under the guidance of the Director of Sales.
• Provide leadership and support to the catering and event services team, stepping in as needed to ensure operational success.
• Support the Director of Sales with strategic initiatives, promotions, and market positioning as needed.
• Conduct pre-planning site visits and actively participate in the sales process for key opportunities.
• Compile and review daily event activity and conduct catering audits as needed.
• Maintain oversight of departmental materials and collateral, including catering menus, promotional materials, and sales tools.
• Give personal attention, take ownership, and demonstrate leadership when providing guest service.
• Listen with empathy, resolve challenges effectively, and ensure follow-through on all client and guest concerns.
• Periodically assist with front-of-house operations including greeting and directing guests, supporting hospitality desks, and assisting with event set-up or breakdown as needed.
• Receive and respond to incoming telephone calls in accordance with company standards and assist with overflow calls for Sales & Marketing, Food & Beverage, and Executive Office as needed.
• Adhere to all standards of operations, policies and procedures, manuals, memos, and verbal instructions.
• Attend and actively contribute to all relevant meetings.
• Maintain the integrity of Sales & Catering systems and processes at all times.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k)- company matches 50 cents on the dollar up to the lesser of 3% of annual salary or $3,000
• Voluntary life insurance
• Short Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Vacation: 10 days
• Sick: 7 days
• Holidays: 10 days

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed