Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Health insurance
The Property…
From our iconic Koreatown perch in LA to a reimagined church in the heart of DC, and a lakeside sanctuary in downtown Austin, the LINE is more than a stay it’s a cultural connector. Our spaces are home to award-winning restaurants, neighborhood events, rooftop gatherings, and stories that start with check-in and unfold with every curious step out the door.
At The LINE, we celebrate individuality, creativity, and the spirit of the cities we call home. Join us and help shape the guest experience for those who see travel as an invitation to explore something new.
At The LINE DC you have a unique opportunity to work in a beautiful, vibrant space deeply connected to the Adams Morgan community and to play a defining role in shaping its next chapter.
The Role…
The Director of Catering is responsible for leading the catering sales function, driving revenue through proactive business development, and overseeing the execution of events in partnership with the Food & Beverage team. This role is accountable for strategic growth of the catering segment, including generating new business, strengthening existing client relationships, and positioning the hotel as a preferred destination for events in the Washington, DC market.
This role requires a seasoned hospitality professional with an established network and strong reputation within the DC market. The Director of Catering is expected to leverage deep relationships across corporate, association, embassy, nonprofit, and social segments to generate high-value business and long-term partnerships.
In addition to leading the sales process, the Director of Catering will provide oversight and support to event execution, ensuring an elevated guest experience that aligns with brand standards.
This position must possess excellent communication skills, strong leadership capabilities, the ability to resolve conflict, and a thorough understanding of hotel policies, procedures, and expectations.
Because of the fluctuating demands of the company’s operation, it may be necessary that each employee perform a multitude of different functions; therefore, as an essential part of your position, you will be expected to help others when the occasion arises, just as other employees are expected to help you. Accordingly, you may be expected to perform other tasks as needed or as directed.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
Drive and achieve monthly, quarterly, and annual catering revenue goals, with a strong focus on proactive business development, outside sales calls, networking, and market engagement.
Leverage and expand existing client relationships within the DC market, maintaining visibility and credibility with key decision-makers and repeat clients.
Maximize food, beverage, and auxiliary revenues by strategically selling menus, experiences, and activations.
Identify and execute upsell opportunities to exceed contracted minimum spend and drive incremental revenue.
Accurately budget and forecast catering and banquet revenue, covers, and average checks based on business on the books and pipeline activity.
Oversee event execution to ensure all functions meet or exceed expectations, including inspecting event spaces, greeting clients, managing last-minute changes, coordinating vendors, and conducting post-event follow-up and re-booking efforts.
Work closely with clients and hotel departments throughout the lifecycle of events, ensuring a seamless and elevated experience.
Ensure that function set-up meets or exceeds customer expectations by working closely with meeting planners to determine needs and ensure proper communication and coordination across departments.
Facilitate pre-conference and pre-planning meetings with clients and key hotel staff.
Communicate all details of assigned groups, events, and conventions to all departments in a professional, thorough, and timely manner through resumes, event orders, and internal correspondence.
Maintain proper documentation of all events, including complete and accurate programming within Sales & Catering systems.
Prepare and oversee accurate written correspondence including proposals, contracts, reports, event orders, schedules of events, printed menus, and e-mails using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Opera, Delphi, and email systems.
Maintain a high level of service by providing accurate and timely information and feedback to all supporting departments.
Comply with company standards for sales and marketing, while working harmoniously and professionally with co-workers and the Executive Committee.
Establish and maintain strong communications and teamwork with fellow colleagues and all departments within the hotel.
Facilitate and lead internal hotel meetings related to catering and events under the guidance of the Director of Sales.
Provide leadership and support to the catering and event services team, stepping in as needed to ensure operational success.
Support the Director of Sales with strategic initiatives, promotions, and market positioning as needed.
Conduct pre-planning site visits and actively participate in the sales process for key opportunities.
Compile and review daily event activity and conduct catering audits as needed.
Maintain oversight of departmental materials and collateral, including catering menus, promotional materials, and sales tools.
Give personal attention, take ownership, and demonstrate leadership when providing guest service.
Listen with empathy, resolve challenges effectively, and ensure follow-through on all client and guest concerns.
Periodically assist with front-of-house operations including greeting and directing guests, supporting hospitality desks, and assisting with event set-up or breakdown as needed.
Receive and respond to incoming telephone calls in accordance with company standards and assist with overflow calls for Sales & Marketing, Food & Beverage, and Executive Office as needed.
Adhere to all standards of operations, policies and procedures, manuals, memos, and verbal instructions.
Attend and actively contribute to all relevant meetings.
Maintain the integrity of Sales & Catering systems and processes at all times.
Knowledge, Requirements and Skills
Minimum of 5–8+ years of progressive experience in catering sales or hotel sales leadership, with a strong emphasis on business development
Proven track record of driving new catering revenue and building long-term client relationships
Established network and strong presence within the Washington, DC market required
Strong leadership and team development capabilities
The ability to travel as requested
Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
Experience within the hospitality industry, preferably in a lifestyle or full-service hotel environment
Bachelor’s degree or higher education qualification preferred
Ability to travel locally for client meetings, networking events, and industry engagement
Strong understanding of local business trends and demand generators
Collaborative spirit, ethical conduct, positive attitude, and strong attention to detail
Working Conditions/Environment
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
The person having this responsibility may have to lift up to 20lbs on an occasional basis
The person having this position may have to sit for eight (8) hours, stand and/or walk, push, kneel, bend, balance, squat, reach and stretch for three (8) hours per day
The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an Employee typically encounters while performing the essential functions of the position
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
Our Doors Are Yours to Open
The LINE, Ned US and Saguaro portfolio is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We welcome applications from all genders, races, religions, ages, sexual orientations, parents, veterans, people living with disabilities, and those who bring diverse viewpoints to our business.
Compensation & Benefits
We offer competitive wages and benefits while fostering a diverse and inclusive work experience.
Benefit Summary:
Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet Insurance, Employee Assistance Program
401(k)- company matches 50 cents on the dollar up to the lesser of 3% of annual salary or $3,000
Voluntary life insurance
Short Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
Vacation: 10 days
Sick: 7 days
Holidays: 10 days