Director of Catering Sales

About the position

CULINAIRE provides upscale food and beverage management services to a very diverse collection of national accounts to include art museums, cultural landmarks, hotels, performing arts centers, restaurants, and special event venues. While our portfolio is diverse, the one constant in every operation that we manage is our total commitment to our associates to put their career path, safety and success as our top priority, as well as to provide sophisticated, delicious food and warm service to our guests. Arlington Hall at Turtle Creek Park is one of Culinaire's most prestigious venues, located just outside of Downtown Dallas with an enclave of stately trees, a meandering creek, and lovely flowering shrubs. Arlington Hall at Turtle Creek Park is a spectacular venue for birthday parties, bridal luncheons, corporate parties, meetings, luncheons, networking events, non-profit events, teas, retirement parties, seminars, lavish weddings, and memorable celebrations of life. Working as the Catering Sales Director you will effectively coordinate and oversee all internal and external catering events. You are directly responsible for menu development as well as costing and marketing functions as they relate to the catering department. You will implement labor cost control and food cost control, manage preparation, transportation, and setup, and oversee operation and clean-up of all events. You are responsible for Event Coordination and Sales Financials.

Responsibilities

• Hires, trains and develops managers, and is actively involved in the development of service techniques, menu presentation, policies and procedures
• Creates reports of operating statements and operational budgets, and reviews the collection of receivables
• Catering activities, books, plans & directed functions
• Creates proposals, contracts and banquet event orders
• Ensures all safety and sanitation procedures are followed in compliance with HACCP
• Maintains local clients database and builds and maintains relationship with vendors
• Performs related duties and special projects as assigned
• Prepares and monitors budgets; financial targets and forecasts

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree is preferred or equivalent professional experience
• Proven track record for meeting sales goals
• Strong knowledge of current food, industry trends and fine dining points of service
• A minimum of five to eight years of experience in hospitality industry including three years' experience in catering sales
• Supervisory, scheduling, training and coaching skills
• Ability to assess client requirements and deliver ensuring client satisfaction
• Must be able to write menu proposals in consultation with chefs
• The ability to supervise food preparation, service and clean-up is also essential
• Knowledge of A/V equipment with the ability to set up and break down for events
• Superior quantitative, oral and written communications and problem-solving/strategizing skills
• Excellent leadership and organizational skills, flexible and adaptable to constant changes and must possess attention to detail
• Excellent overall computer skills with advanced knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint
• Proactive mindset and able to remain calm under pressure to anticipate and support changes in our business
• Conformity to the highest standards of personal integrity and ethical behavior
• Exceptional client relations and customer service abilities

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave