Director of Catering Sales

Job Summary

Join the Restaurant Associates team at The Met Museum, one of New York City's premier cultural institutions. We offer a unique opportunity to partner with one of the world’s most iconic cultural destinations, overseeing a multi-unit operation that includes full-service restaurants, luxurious lounges, and gourmet food retail spaces. In this role, you will have the chance to deliver exceptional catering and event experiences in an inspiring setting.

If you are a polished hospitality professional with the ability to build strong client partnerships, drive memorable events, and elevate service at every touchpoint, we invite you to join us in this exciting endeavor.

As the Director of Catering Sales, you will be the primary liaison between Restaurant Associates and The Met Museum’s Special Events Department. Your role centers on cultivating and maintaining a strong, collaborative client relationship while overseeing the planning, coordination, and flawless execution of high-profile internal and external events. You will ensure that every detail, from client communication to event logistics, meets the highest standards of excellence and aligns with the prestige of the institution.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the lead point of contact with The Met Museum Special Events Department, strengthening partnerships and ensuring seamless collaboration.
• Hire, train, and develop managers, while actively guiding service techniques, presentation, policies, and procedures.
• Create reports of operating statements and operational budgets, and review the collection of receivables.
• Manage catering activities, including event booking, proposals, contracts, and banquet event orders.
• Oversee the planning, preparation, transportation, and execution of all events, ensuring operational excellence from setup through clean-up.
• Ensure all safety and sanitation procedures are followed in compliance with HACCP.
• Build and maintain a local client database, along with strong vendor relationships.
• Prepare and monitor budgets, financial targets, and forecasts.
• Perform related duties and special projects as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum 5–8 years of progressive hospitality experience, including at least 3 years in catering sales or special events.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong client relationships, particularly in high-profile, luxury, or cultural environments.
• Track record of meeting and exceeding sales goals.
• Strong supervisory, training, and coaching skills.
• Exceptional communication and presentation abilities with a polished, professional presence.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with flexibility, adaptability, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint.
• Calm, proactive problem-solver who thrives under pressure.
• Integrity, professionalism, and a passion for delivering extraordinary client experiences.