DIRECTOR OF CATERING SALES

Wild Thyme; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Wild Thyme Company in San Diego, CA is seeking a Director of Catering Sales (Strategic Leader & Coach) to lead and elevate our catering sales organization. This role focuses on coaching the team, building strategic partnerships, and scaling the sales operation to deliver exceptional events.

You will drive lead distribution, coach negotiations, and ensure the team lands high-value opportunities with top venues in San Diego. A strong, people-first leadership style will be essential to success.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in catering, hospitality, or event sales.
• 3+ years leading a team.
• Knowledge of San Diego event landscape and venues.

Responsibilities

• Design and oversee lead distribution so high-value inquiries are matched thoughtfully.
• Refine the sales journey from inquiry through proposal, tastings, and signed contracts.
• Coach proposals, support complex negotiations, and help associates close with confidence.
• Recruit, hire, and develop top-tier sales talent while fostering accountability and Good Vibes.
• Own CRM accuracy and handoffs to Operations for speed and clarity.

Skills

Leadership & Coaching

Strategic Sales Leadership

Partnership Development

Data-Driven Decision Making

Job description

Salary Range: $120,000.00 To $170,000.00 Annually

Director of Catering Sales (Strategic Leader & Coach)

The Wild Thyme Company | San Diego, CA

Are you the kind of sales leader who gets more fired up by watching your team win than by ringing the bell yourself?

Good. Because this isn’t a “player-coach” role.

The Wild Thyme Company is San Diego’s premier catering and events company, known for handcrafted food, unforgettable experiences, and a team that actually likes working together. We’re in a major growth phase—scaling thoughtfully, strengthening our leadership bench, and building systems that support people (not burn them out).

We’re looking for a Director of Sales who’s ready to collaborate on building the strongest sales team in San Diego.

Our High 5 Values (How We Show Up)

• Huddle – Listen first. Think creatively. Work it out together.
• Respect – For ourselves, our teammates, our clients, and our craft.
• Good Vibes – Be the calm, positive force in the room.
• Crave – Food, hospitality, growth, and doing great work.
• Don’t Half-Ass It – Show up fully or don’t show up at all.

The Role: Sales Leader, Not Sales Competitor

In a lot of companies, Directors of Sales are asked to lead a team while still chasing their own numbers. We believe that approach splits focus and creates unnecessary tension.

At The Wild Thyme Company, this is a pure leadership role.

You will not carry a personal sales book. You will not compete with your team. Instead, you’ll act as the conductor of our sales operation, ensuring the right leads land with the right people at the right time—and that every Sales Associate has the coaching, tools, and confidence to succeed. Their success is your success!

Your focus is on people, process, performance, and partnerships—not personal quotas.

What You’ll Be Doing

Sales Strategy & Structure

• Design and oversee lead distribution so high-value and boutique inquiries are matched thoughtfully—not randomly
• Continuously refine the sales journey from first inquiry through proposal, tastings, and signed contracts
• Build and maintain strategic corporate partnerships and venue relationships across San Diego
• Spend real time coaching—reviewing proposals, supporting complex negotiations, and helping associates close with confidence
• Recognize different sales styles and adapt your leadership approach to help each team member grow
• Recruit, hire, and develop top-tier sales talent while fostering accountability and Good Vibes
• Track and analyze performance metrics to guide strategy and coaching (not micromanagement)
• Own CRM accuracy and flow to ensure fast response times and clean handoffs to Operations
• Partner closely with Culinary and Operations to ensure what we sell is always backed by exceptional execution

Compensation & Schedule

• Base Salary: $90,000-100,000 annually
• Incentive: Commission/bonus tied to overall team sales. Expected All-In compensation at $120K-170K.
• Schedule: Primarily weekdays, with availability required for some evenings and weekends to support tastings, events, client meetings, and team needs
• You love coaching and mentoring and don’t need the spotlight
• You’re emotionally intelligent and great at reading people
• You have 7+ years in catering, hospitality, or event sales, including 3+ years leading a team
• You know the San Diego event and venue landscape well
• You’re comfortable using data to drive decisions while staying human-first
• You’re a natural connector and relationship builder
• You align with our High 5 values and bring steady, positive leadership energy

Why Join The Wild Thyme Company?

• A leadership role without internal competition
• Real influence over how sales works, feels, and grows
• A culture where Respect, Good Vibes, and high standards actually coexist

If you’re ready to build people, momentum, and systems—and do it the Wild Thyme way—we’d love to meet you.