Client Relations Manager - ME

Ridgewells Catering; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Short and Long-Term Disability

Life insurance

Paid time off

401K Retirement Plan + Company Match

Job summary

Ridgewells Catering is seeking a Client Relations Manager – Major Events to lead the Major Events team and manage a portfolio of premier corporate clients, including oversight of the U.S. Open project. This role requires strategic planning, client liaison and on-site execution across high-profile events.

Based in Bethesda, MD, the position involves travel, staff leadership, menu development collaboration and post‑event follow‑up to ensure exceptional guest experiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Hospitality, Event Management, or related field.
• 3+ years in client relations, account management, hospitality, or project management, with team leadership.
• Proven ability to manage high-profile corporate clients and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Client Relations team, setting priorities and mentoring staff.
• Oversee a portfolio of corporate clients from planning to on-site execution.
• Own the client experience from menu development to post-event follow-up.
• Develop client proposals, timelines, staffing and budgets for events.
• Coordinate on-site operations with Staffing, Operations and Culinary.
• Ensure compliance with ServSafe, TIPs and HACCP guidelines.

Skills

Leadership

Client relations

Project management

Budgeting

Communication

MS Office

Canva

Event management

Team leadership

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MS Excel

MS Publisher

Canva

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: Ridgewells Headquarters - BETHESDA, MD 20816Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: 2 Year DegreeSalary Range: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 SalaryTravel Percentage: Up to 25%Job Shift: DayJob Category: Food ServiceRidgewells Catering is seeking an accomplished, highly organized and client-focused Client Relations Manager – Major Events to join our Major Events team.This is a highly visible management position for a hospitality professional who thrives in complex, fast-paced environments and knows how to lead both people and projects with confidence. The Client Relations Manager will oversee a portfolio of premier corporate clients, lead members of the Client Relations team, and play an integral role in the planning and execution of some of Ridgewells' most significant major events.

A primary focus of this position is the U.S. Open Golf Championship, where the Client Relations Manager will oversee sophisticated corporate food & beverage programs and help lead Ridgewells' broader on‑site operation. The position will also support two to three additional major events throughout the year.

This role is based in our Bethesda, Maryland office and requires travel throughout the year, including approximately three consecutive weeks on‑site during the U.S. Open.

RESPONSIBILITIES Other responsibilities include, but not limited to:

Leadership & Client Management

• Lead and manage the Client Relations team, establishing priorities, delegating responsibilities, mentoring team members and ensuring consistent excellence for all clients.
• Manage a portfolio of high-profile corporate clients, develop trusted relationships and provide guidance throughout the planning and execution process.
• Take ownership of the entire client experience, from initial planning to menu development to on‑site execution to post‑event follow‑up.
• Anticipate client needs, proactively solve problems and identify opportunities to elevate the food & beverage experience.
• Serve as the central liaison between clients and the other Ridgewells’ Major Events departments, including Staffing, Operations and Culinary.
• Oversee designated hospitality village at the U.S. Open, maintaining Ridgewells standards while ensuring an exceptional experience for clients and their guests.

Day‑to‑Day

• Develop polished proposals, presentations, menus and other client‑facing materials that reflect the Ridgewells brand and standard of excellence.
• Lead the development of individual client service and execution plans, including staffing, equipment, layouts, menus, timelines and operational needs.
• Collaborate with the culinary department to research and develop innovative, new menu items that incorporate regional flavors and companies/brands
• Lead the planning and execution of yearly off‑site U.S. Open client tasting.
• Coordinate all internal tastings with various departments.
• Collaborate with the operations team to ensure all client needs are accurately planned and delivered on‑site, including equipment, beverage and service requirements.
• Work with staffing team to develop labor projections and budgets.
• Develop training materials and presentations for on‑site event staff.
• Train, manage and supervise front of house and back of house temporary on‑site staff.
• Manage client account financials, including client budgets, billing, invoicing and applicable accounts payable responsibilities.
• Identify and implement new processes, ideas and operating procedures that improve efficiency, profitability and the overall client experience.
• Support additional Ridgewells events and company initiatives as needed.
• Comply with all ServSafe, TIPs and HACCP guidelines.

Qualifications

The Ideal Candidate

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Hospitality, Event Management, Project Management or related field preferred.
• 3+ year(s) of progressive experience in client relations, account management, hospitality, event management or project management, ideally including experience leading teams or complex projects.
• Demonstrated ability to manage sophisticated corporate clients and multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, train and hold teams accountable.
• Exceptional organizational, project‑management and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with confidence interacting with senior executives and discerning clients.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing event budgets, labor projections, billing and account profitability.
• Genuine enthusiasm for food, hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences.
• A collaborative, positive and resourceful approach with a willingness to jump in wherever necessary to deliver an exceptional result.
• Ability to work extended hours and remain actively engaged on‑site in outdoor event environments and varying weather conditions.
• Proficient use of MS Office (specifically MS Excel and MS Publisher) and Canva with the ability to learn new computer programs quickly
• Up to 20% travel annually, including up to 20+ consecutive days in June for the U.S Open.
• Ability to lift 20+ lbs.

BENEFITS:

• Health insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• 401K Retirement Plan + Company Match

WHY RIDGEWELLS?

For nearly a century, Ridgewells has built its reputation on extraordinary food, impeccable service and the ability to execute exceptional hospitality experiences at the highest level. From intimate celebrations to nationally recognized sporting events and large‑scale corporate hospitality programs, our teams are trusted to deliver when the expectations - and the stakes - are high.

We are looking for people who want more than simply another event‑management position. This is an opportunity to lead clients, lead teams and build a career working on some of the most exciting and complex hospitality programs in the country.

At Ridgewells, we challenge the conventional, sweat the details and share a genuine passion for celebration.

Disclaimer Statement: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.