Director of Catering Sales | Full-Time | Kentucky Expo Center

Oak View Group

Oak View Group is the global leader in venue development, management, and premium hospitality services for the live event industry. Offering an unmatched, 360-degree solution set for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster that includes the most influential, highest attended arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions on the planet.

Director of Catering Sales

The Director of Catering Sales will manage a team of Catering Sales Managers and / or Coordinators. They are responsible for creating unique dining experiences by directing, selling, up-selling and actively participating in the planning and production of catered functions. Working closely with clients, as well as with the banquets, culinary, beverage and operations staff, they are responsible for ensuring that events are coordinated and executed smoothly and in accordance with client expectations and specifications.

The Director of Catering Sales will focus on the development, implementation and measurement of the revenue objectives contained within the unit's annual marketing plan. They will direct and manage the Catering Sales team and all sales activities to meet revenue objectives and attain the top line financial forecast. This includes developing sales with existing business (forecasted group / local business) and executing strategies to develop new business.

The Director of Catering Sales will support the planning of and preparation for events according to anticipated attendance, and will provide hands-on management and oversight in the areas of service and F&B operations during events.

This role will pay an annual salary of $75,000-$79,000 and is bonus eligible.

Benefits for full-time roles : Health, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) savings plan, 401(k) matching, and paid time off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays).

This position will remain open until December 12, 2025.

About the Venue

The Kentucky Exposition Center exists to host engaging public events and trade shows. We have many appealing features. Our clients say that the flexibility of 1.2 million square feet of meeting space, 300 acres of outdoor space and accessibility for their exhibitors and attendees are all great reasons to have events at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Our goal is to set the stage so you can steal the show.

The Kentucky Exposition Center is the sixth largest facility of the United States and is home to the Kentucky State Fair, National Farm Machinery Show and the North American International Livestock Exposition, as well as the top tradeshows in the country. The Kentucky Exposition Center hosted six of the "2012 Top 250 US Trade Shows," three of which were in the top 50.

Responsibilities

• Maximize OVG's catering revenue through creative sales techniques and customer focus.
• Communicate and promote OVG's culture and values; provide hands-on leadership and direction to Catering Sales staff.
• Contribute to the efficient operation of assigned unit by partnering with operations in providing support, information, insight, analysis and recommendations in matters pertaining guest service, menu development, creative event planning, revenue generation and other functions pertaining to Catering Sales.
• Participate in special projects related to the development and implementation of organizational, HR and general business strategies.

Qualifications

Strengthened by Our Differences. United to Make a Difference

At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis ("protected class") including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.