Catering Sales Director: Drive Premier Event Experiences

Raleigh Convention Center; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Savings Accounts and Flexible 2

Life and Disability Insurance

Accident,Critical Illness, HospitalInd

Job summary

Sodexo Live! is seeking a Director of Catering Sales for the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, NC.

This senior role drives catering sales strategy, develops client relationships, and leads a team to deliver world-class experiences. You will collaborate with culinary and operations leaders to design profitable menu packages, upsell enhancements, and ensure revenue growth while maintaining brand standards and guest satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, hospitality management, marketing, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 4+ years of progressive experience in catering or event sales in a leadership role.
• Proven success managing catering sales for a large-scale venue or operation.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management.
• In-depth knowledge of catering sales, menu development, food & beverage operations, and event logistics.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, motivate staff, and achieve ambitious sales targets.
• Strong client relationship management skills with experience securing and retaining major accounts.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume, deadline-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Drive catering food and beverage sales by developing, promoting, and selling package offerings to corporate, social, and special event clients.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef and culinary team to design creative, on-trend, and profitable menu packages that align with client needs and event themes.
• Upsell enhancements such as specialty bars, premium wine and beverage selections, upgraded menu options, and interactive food experiences to maximize per-event revenue.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships by understanding their food and beverage preferences, budgets, and event goals, ensuring tailored proposals that meet expectations.
• Prepare detailed catering proposals, contracts, and pricing models with an emphasis on menu selection, beverage service, and package customization.
• Conduct tastings, menu presentations, and consultations with clients to guide them toward premium selections.
• Partner closely with culinary, banquet, and operations teams to ensure seamless execution of all catered food and beverage elements.
• Monitor catering sales performance, track package profitability, and provide regular reporting and forecasting to senior leadership.
• Stay current on food, beverage, and hospitality trends to continuously innovate catering package offerings and maintain a competitive edge.
• Represent Sodexo Live! at client-facing meetings, networking events, and industry functions to promote catering capabilities and build new relationships.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the catering sales team, fostering strong product knowledge, upselling skills, and a service-focused culture.
• Ensure all food and beverage sales practices meet Sodexo Live! standards, financial objectives, and client service expectations.

Skills

Client relationship management

Team leadership

Financial acumen

Communication & negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, hospitality management, marketing, or related field

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Sodexo Live! is seeking a Director of Catering Sales for the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, NC.

This senior role drives catering sales strategy, develops client relationships, and leads a team to deliver world-class experiences. You will collaborate with culinary and operations leaders to design profitable menu packages, upsell enhancements, and ensure revenue growth while maintaining brand standards and guest satisfaction.