Director of Catering and Sales

Hartford, CT | Full-Time, Management | $80,000 - $85,000 Annually

About the Opportunity

For more than a decade, this award-winning smokehouse concept has built its reputation one perfectly smoked brisket at a time, growing from a single Connecticut storefront into a beloved regional BBQ group with locations spanning Connecticut and North Carolina. But what truly sets this organization apart isn't just the quality of its food. It's the people-first culture behind it. Guided by a mission to serve employees, guests, and communities with integrity, this organization has built a "barbecrew" culture rooted in hospitality, accountability, and genuine care. Team members don't just clock in and cook great barbecue. They become part of a company that champions mental health awareness, sustainability, and meaningful community partnerships. This is a brand that believes in investing in its people just as much as it invests in its product, offering advancement opportunities, competitive compensation, and a workplace where showing up with heart matters.

Now, this growing hospitality group is seeking a Director of Catering and Sales to lead and expand its private catering business from the ground up.

Position Snapshot

Job Title: Director of Catering and Sales

1. Concept Type: Smokehouse BBQ / Full-Service Restaurant Group
2. Location: Hartford, CT
3. Salary: $80,000 - $85,000 annually

About the Role

The Director of Catering and Sales will own the catering sales process from lead generation and relationship development through booking, planning, execution, invoicing, and follow-up. Based in Hartford, CT, this leader will develop and execute sales strategies that drive revenue growth, build strategic partnerships, and establish scalable systems that make catering easier to sell, staff, and deliver. The ideal candidate for this Director of Catering and Sales role is a hungry, humble, and emotionally intelligent hospitality professional who thrives on building relationships and growing a business from the ground up.

Job Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in catering, hospitality, event sales, event management, or a related field; restaurant or food-service experience preferred

1. Minimum of 3 years of management experience with responsibility for teams, budgets, or multiple areas of an operation
2. Proven experience generating sales and developing new business in catering, hospitality, food service, or a related industry
3. Demonstrated experience managing the planning and execution of private and/or large-scale events
4. Strong understanding of event logistics, staffing, scheduling, and operational planning
5. Working knowledge of catering and event profitability, including food cost, labor cost, pricing, and margins
6. Proficiency with Google Workspace and catering/event platforms such as Toast or similar systems
7. ServSafe certification and TIPS alcohol certification (or ability to obtain within 8 weeks of start date)
8. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
9. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong negotiation and closing abilities
10. Demonstrated humility, hunger, and emotional intelligence, with a track record of mentoring others to greater success

Job Responsibilities

• Own the catering sales pipeline from lead generation through booking, execution, invoicing, and follow-up

1. Develop and execute strategies to increase catering sales, average order value, repeat business, and new customer acquisition
2. Pursue new corporate, private, institutional, nonprofit, and large-scale catering opportunities
3. Partner with marketing leadership to design and execute targeted sales campaigns, promotions, and outreach initiatives
4. Build and maintain an annual catering sales calendar aligned with seasonal opportunities and key events
5. Oversee the planning and execution of private catering events, both on-site and off-site, ensuring quality, service, and presentation meet company standards
6. Serve as lead catering manager for large-scale, VIP, or strategically important events
7. Manage catering department financial performance, including sales, labor costs, food costs, and profitability
8. Recruit, train, schedule, and develop a reliable events team capable of supporting fluctuating event volume
9. Streamline catering workflows in partnership with culinary, administrative, and operations teams to improve efficiency and guest experience
10. Maintain accurate records related to sales, events, staffing, invoicing, and financial performance
11. Represent the company professionally with clients, partners, vendors, and community stakeholders

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of $80,000 to $85,000

1. Insurance options available
2. Paid time off
3. Advancement opportunities within a growing restaurant group
4. Additional earning opportunities
5. A culture that invests in community impact and employee wellbeing

How to Apply

Qualified candidates interested in this Director of Catering and Sales opportunity in Hartford, CT are encouraged to submit their resume directly to Edward Ayala. This is a chance to join a respected, community-driven organization and lead its catering business into its next chapter of growth. Don't miss the opportunity to bring your sales expertise and leadership to this Director of Catering and Sales role in Hartford, CT.