CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Compass Group USA; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Life Insurance/ AD

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off

Personal Leave

Associate Shopping Program

Health and Wellness Programs

Discount Marketplace

Identity Theft Protection

Pet Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Job summary

Catering By Design, a division of Compass Group USA, is Denver's premier catering and event design company known for innovation and unforgettable experiences. We’re seeking a Creative Director to lead creative vision, mentor the team, and drive growth as we launch The Edit Rental Co.

The role bridge between creative and commercial teams across Culinary, Sales, and Operations. You'll manage budgets, shape inventories, and partner with executives to win proposals and tastings, delivering

Qualifications

• Strong creative eye and point of view on design and guest experience.
• Proven experience leading and mentoring creative teams.
• Strong client-facing presence and relationship-building skills; entrepreneurial mindset.
• Ability to balance creative vision with commercial thinking.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Fluency with budgets, pricing and profitability reporting.
• Proficiency with Canva and PowerPoint; Bachelor's degree or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Provide creative direction for catering events and The Edit launch.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with Culinary, Sales, Marketing and Operations.
• Mentor the Creative/The Edit team and shape proposals and tastings.
• Shape inventory strategy and partner on budgets, pricing and profitability.
• Oversee site visits, design meetings and installations to ensure vision aligns with execution.

Skills

Creative direction

Team mentoring

Client-facing

Budgeting & profitability

Project management

Canva

PowerPoint

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Canva

PowerPoint

Job description

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Position Title:CREATIVE DIRECTOR - DENVER, CO

Other Forms of Compensation: Up to 15% Annual Bonus

CONSTANTLY CREATIVE. EXPERIENCES REIMAGINED.
As Denver’s premier catering and event design company, Catering by Design is internationally recognized for our innovation, service, and results. With nearly 30 years in business, we’ve become known for crafting extraordinary menus, breathtaking décor, and unforgettable experiences that set the standard for Colorado’s most remarkable events. Our award-winning team brings creativity, professionalism, and passion to every event—from intimate gatherings and corporate functions to large-scale celebrations in Denver, Vail, Aspen, Colorado Springs, and beyond.

Exceptional Experiences. Enlightened Décor. Passionate People. Inspired Results.
Every member of our team plays a vital role in shaping the legacy of our company. We believe the next big idea can come from anyone, and we cultivate talent, expertise, and vision that continually push the industry forward. Designing and catering magnificent events isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are.

Job Summary

Catering by Design is Denver's premier catering and event design company, internationally recognized for innovation, service and results. For nearly 30 years, we've created extraordinary menus, distinctive décor and unforgettable experiences throughout Denver, Vail, Aspen, Colorado Springs and beyond.

About the Role

This role sits at the intersection of creative direction, experiential design and business leadership—leading creative vision for Catering by Design while helping launch The Edit Rental Co., a division offering curated furniture, décor and tabletop. This person connects both sides of the business—integrating The Edit into Catering by Design events while building it as a distinct, revenue-generating brand with its own clients and industry relationships. As a member of the senior leadership team, this person has a meaningful voice in creative direction and growth.

What You'll Lead

Creative Direction + Experience Design

• Lead and mentor the Creative/The Edit team
• Meet clients and planners to develop concepts and present recommendations
• Partner across Culinary, Sales, Event Design and Operations to execute ideas
• Bring creative direction to marquee events, tastings and proposals
• Participate in site visits, design meetings and walkthroughs
• Develop resources/training that help Sales pitch stronger ideas
• Stay plugged into trends across hospitality, events, interiors and culture
• Balance creative thinking with budgets, timelines and operations

Launch + Grow The Edit Rental Co.

• Shape and launch The Edit, establishing its point of view in the Colorado market
• Lead growth strategy; own revenue, expenses and profitability
• Build rental revenue through Catering by Design events and external business
• Curate the collection of furniture, décor, tabletop and statement pieces
• Serve as client-facing ambassador with planners, venues and industry partners
• Partner with Sales/Event Design to make The Edit part of proposals and tastings
• Shape inventory strategy; manage purchasing and pricing
• Identify partnerships/showcases that expand The Edit's reach
• Partner with Operations/Warehouse on storage, transport and installation
• Oversee installations to ensure delivery matches vision and expectations

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Carry creative vision from initial client conversation through final event
• Collaborate with Culinary on food presentation—vessels, buffets, stations
• Work with Sales to strengthen proposals and client experiences
• Partner with Marketing on photography, social and campaigns
• Provide creative direction for shoots and brand storytelling

Qualifications

What You Bring

• A strong creative eye and clear point of view on design and guest experience
• Proven experience leading and mentoring creative teams
• Strong client-facing presence and relationship-building skillsEntrepreneurial mindset and excitement for building something new
• Ability to move between creative vision and commercial thinking
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Fluency with budgets, pricing and profitability reporting
• Proficiency with Canva and PowerPoint; Bachelor's degree or equivalent

The Kind of Person Who Will Thrive Here

You notice the details—when something needs one more layer, or one less. You can walk into an empty venue and imagine what it could become. You're comfortable presenting vision to clients, and just as invested in whether it works and sells. You're energized by a blank canvas: this role helps define what comes next.

This is a rare opportunity for a creative leader, curator and business builder to help shape an established brand while building a new one—with real ownership and a seat at the leadership table.

Catering By Design is a division of Compass Group USA

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Associates at Catering By Design are offered many fantastic benefits.

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

Catering By Design maintains a drug-free workplace.

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.