Job Description

Director of Catering & Event Sales

Poppy & Claro | San Jose, CA

Poppy & Claro is seeking a dynamic, revenue‑driven Director of Catering & Event Sales to lead all catering and event revenue for our growing hospitality brand. This role is responsible for building a thriving catering business, expanding market presence, and owning the full sales lifecycle — from prospecting and lead qualification to contracting and pre‑event planning.

We’re looking for a strategic, relationship‑oriented sales leader who thrives on building partnerships, generating new business, and creating memorable guest experiences. This is a high‑visibility role with significant impact on the growth and long‑term success of Poppy & Claro.

Role Expectations & Compensation

Success in this role is defined by strong revenue growth, a healthy and well‑developed pipeline, high conversion rates, and the expansion of recurring accounts. The Director of Catering & Event Sales works standard hours from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, with the flexibility needed for client meetings, tastings, and event support. On‑site presence is required for key events, including evenings and weekends when necessary.

Compensation includes a competitive base salary commensurate with experience, along with a commission structure tied directly to new business revenue. Commission is earned through proactive prospecting, conversion of inbound inquiries, and partnership‑driven referrals, with quarterly performance targets based on collected revenue

What You'll Do

• Own catering and event revenue performance, driving results against monthly, quarterly, and annual targets
• Build a strong pipeline through outbound outreach, local partnerships, and proactive business development
• Cultivate relationships with corporate offices, tenant partners, hotels, concierges, convention groups, and visitor bureaus
• Convert inbound inquiries quickly and effectively, delivering proposals and responses within a 6‑business‑hour standard
• Manage the full sales process — site tours, proposals, contracting, deposits, and pre‑event coordination
• Partner closely with the General Manager and operations team to ensure seamless handoff from sales to execution

What We Offer

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
• 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

What You Bring

• Proven success in catering sales, event sales, or hospitality business development with a strong revenue‑generation track record
• A proactive, hunter‑style sales approach with the ability to build new business and develop recurring accounts
• Strong relationship‑building skills and comfort engaging with corporate clients, hotel partners, and community organizations
• Expertise managing the full sales lifecycle, from prospecting to contracting to pre‑event planning
• Experience using sales systems such as TripleSeat, Toast, or similar CRM/event platforms
• A polished, client‑focused communication style and the ability to represent Poppy & Claro with professionalism and warmth

Who We Are

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.

Qualifications & Requirements

Minimum Education Requirement - Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience

Minimum Management Experience - 3 years

Minimum Functional Experience - 3 years of experience in catering, food production, or food service management or a related field