Complex Director of Catering Sales

About the role

Live! by Loews in Arlington, a high-energy hotel in the Arlington Entertainment District serving 300 guestrooms, multiple dining venues and an infinity-edge pool, is looking for a seasoned Catering leader. The Complex Director of Catering sets the vision and strategy for the Catering business across the complex, focuses on leadership and strategy, and also engages directly in selling and servicing catering events as business needs dictate.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute the annual catering sales strategy, including promotions, sales blitzes and segment initiatives, and analyze performance and financial results to optimize profitability.
• Direct, coach and develop catering managers, including onboarding, continuing education and performance support.
• Manage the annual catering budget and act as the communication link between complex and hotel leadership.
• Partner with corporate catering, marketing, sales, brand and PR teams, and with Food & Beverage leadership, to create sales and marketing opportunities and wedding packages, especially for weddings, social and corporate segments.
• Optimize presence on third-party sites, maintain partnerships with culinary, banquet operations, sales and revenue teams, and resolve escalations.
• Monitor market trends and competitors, network at local industry and community events, and oversee lead response and conversion.
• Personally prospect, sell and service select accounts, and personally service select events, while upholding SOPs and brand standards.

Required profile

• At least six years of catering sales experience in a full-service hotel environment with proven success.
• A relationship builder, natural collaborator, forward thinker and clear communicator.
• Flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays; regular attendance and completion of mandatory training.
• Veterans and military spouses encouraged to apply.

Required skills

• Certified Meeting Planner, Certified Professional in Catering and Events, or similar designation strongly preferred.
• Delphi experience preferred; Diagram Writing Software such as Social Tables preferred.
• Property management system knowledge preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

What we offer

• Health and wellness benefits, 401(k) with company match, paid sick days, vacation, holidays and bereavement leave.
• Tuition reimbursement, pet insurance and pet bereavement.
• Team member hotel rates, discounts, complimentary parking and meals in the Team Member Café.
• Training and development opportunities and career growth.