🚀 Sr. Director of Catering

National Western Stock Show, 4655 Humboldt, Denver, Colorado, United States of America

Job Description

SSA Group at the National Western Center is looking for a talented Senior Director of Catering to join our team!

All applications should be submitted within 7-days following posting of the job; applications will be prioritized based upon time submitted and may not be reviewed beyond this time. The employer reserves the right to shorten or expand this timeframe as necessary to the job scope.

Who We Are:

SSA Group works with zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural attractions on integrating dining, retail, admissions and more. We increase revenue opportunities for partners across the United States. With 50 years in the business, SSA has refined the basics while pioneering better ways forward. With pillars of focus like sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, SSA is transforming the cultural attraction industry.

SSA was built by families, for families, with a family’s sense of love and dedication. We don’t just rely on the best practices in our industry, we customize best practices for each partner to set the bar higher and higher, always. We do all we can to further the mission of our partners because their guests and the communities they serve, deserve it.

Position Title : Sr. Director of Catering

Reports to : General Manager

Locations : Onsite, Full Time

Responsibilities :

• Leadership and Management :
• Lead and manage the sales and catering teams to achieve sales goals and revenue targets. Includes hiring, integrating new team members, supervising personnel, evaluating performance, and managing employee exits.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team, ensuring high performance and morale.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills to handle various challenges.
• Capacity to manage multiple events and tasks simultaneously.
• Strong organizational skills to prioritize and delegate tasks efficiently.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and client needs.
• Flexibility to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by events.
• Train, mentor, and motivate the catering sales and operations teams to maintain high standards of service.
• Develop and implement training programs to train, motivate, and mentor employees, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Promote inclusivity and support within the team, removing barriers and empowering growth at all levels.
• Engage with community efforts through hiring, engagement activities, and focusing on opportunities to give back, representing the company and client guidelines on sustainability and conservation.
• Client Relationships :
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and vendors to enhance business opportunities.
• Cultivate strong, positive relationships with clients, enhancing client retention and satisfaction through effective post-event follow-ups and ongoing development.
• Take the time to understand each internal client's unique needs and preferences.
• Communication Skills:
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with clients, vendors, and team members.
• Strong presentation skills for pitching ideas and reporting to senior management.
• Listen actively to client feedback and concerns. Addressing their issues promptly, gaining support of the onsite catering team to ensure change.
• Maintain open lines of communication with General Manager, VP of Catering, District Catering team, Catering Managers, and Executive Chefs to ensure operational excellence in event execution.
• Sales and Marketing :
• Work closely with SSA marketing team develop and implement sales and marketing strategies and corresponding collateral to attract and retain clients.
• Proficiency in developing and implementing sales strategies to attract and retain clients.
• Knowledge of market trends and the ability to adapt strategies accordingly.
• Partner with Executive Chefs and Area Chef to develop and implement creative and compelling menu options for private events.
• Event Planning and Execution :
• Provide strategic oversite to the planning, coordination, and execution of catering events to ensure client satisfaction.
• Act as onsite leadership in the absence of the Catering Operations Director
• Expertise in planning, organizing, and executing events of various scales.
• Attention to detail to ensure all aspects of an event run smoothly.
• Maintain compliance with local, state, and federal laws; ensure a clean, safe, and organized work environment at both locations throughout all event execution.
• Prepare and present sales reports and forecasts to senior management and manage budgets and financial performance.
• Ability to manage budgets, forecast sales, and analyze financial performance.
• Experience in negotiating contracts and managing vendor relationships.
• Ensure sales targets are met or exceeded at each location by developing key client relationships, prospecting for new clients, and creating offerings and sales promotions.

Job Requirements:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to articulate clearly to clients, General Managers, District teams, and HQ personnel.
• Proven leadership skills with a robust understanding of team building and partnership fostering across multiple locations.
• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making skills; ability to remain organized and flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in computer usage for basic office functions; physical ability to handle operational demands.
• Comprehensive knowledge and execution of Banquet Event Orders (BEOs).

Previous Experience:

• Minimum seven years in catering sales, operations, and/or event planning management, ideally within off-site catering, hotel, or cultural attraction venues.
  • 3 years minimum management experience of a team of 3+

Compensation and Benefits

• Final compensation determined by experience, education, and internal equity

• Flexible Vacation or Time Away From Work (TAFW) plan: no accruals; employees are encouraged to

• schedule time off as needed within business scope.

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and other voluntary benefits for you and your family; employee

• Participation in a 401(k) program with a 15% company match (eligible after one year of employment).

• Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability, employer sponsored; scaled-salary pay following

• submission and approval of leave

• Birthing Parent Plan covers up to (6-8) weeks fully paid leave, based on the birthing event

• (4) Week fully paid Parental leave following birth, adoption or foster event, can be coupled with Birthing

• Parent Plan to extend above timeline

• Up to 5 days Paid Bereavement Leave

• Accrued paid sick leave provided in accordance with state law, state/location confirmed in job posting

SSA Group, LLC and its family of companies — including SSA Holdings, A&F Souvenir, and Behavioral Essentials — are equal opportunity employers. Employment for each position is offered through the specific affiliated entity that aligns with the business operation and location of the role. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in all hiring practices and welcome applicants from all backgrounds, recognizing that a diverse team strengthens our impact.

All California Residents: By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the SSA Group California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Candidate and Employee Privacy Notice ("Notice").

San Francisco Residents: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Please see the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document for more information. By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document.

National Western Stock Show, 4655 Humboldt, Denver, Colorado, United States of America