Director of Catering Sales | Full-Time | Lucas Museum of Narrative Art

Director of Catering Sales | Full-Time | Lucas Museum of Narrative Art

Oak View Group

Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents. 

Overview

We are seeking a commercially driven Director of Catering Sales to lead the catering sales at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. This role combines proactive business development with ownership of the client journey and leadership of the catering sales team. From corporate receptions and cultural celebrations to private dinners and major galas, you will translate client ambitions into compelling hospitality proposals and well-organized events. You will build qualified business, secure bookings, and ensure commitments are carried through with precision. Working closely with the Director of Hospitality, museum event leadership, and the culinary/operations teams, you will align catering plans with venue requirements, protect profitability, and establish a reputation that brings clients back. The Director of Catering Sales will take ownership of catering revenue, client relationships, and the planning process that supports successful delivery. We are looking for a leader who can win business, earn client confidence, and keep a detailed planning process moving. Help shape Lucas Museum's catering business within a distinctive Los Angeles cultural destination. This is an opportunity to build lasting partnerships, develop a capable team, and create events where thoughtful food and service contribute to an exceptional museum experience.

This role pays an annual salary of $125,000 - $150,000 and is commission 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 31, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Build a focused sales plan for RHC catering at LMNA, identifying target accounts, referral partners, and opportunities for repeat business.
• Actively prospect and qualify inquiries against client budget, event needs, timing, and museum requirements; maintain prompt, consistent follow-up.
• Conduct site visits and client presentations with a strong command of catering offerings and venue parameters, in partnership with LMNA.
• Create tailored proposals and negotiate within approved pricing and contract guidelines; move opportunities through to signed agreements and deposits.
• Maintain an accurate pipeline and provide clear reporting on conversion, booking pace, forecast revenue, and next steps.
• Develop trusted relationships with planners, corporate clients, cultural organizations, and other event decision-makers.
• Oversee catering details from booking through closeout, with accurate banquet event orders, timelines, guest counts, and documented changes.
• Hold planning and event review meetings; ensure culinary and service teams receive complete, timely information and clear responsibilities.
• Partner with LMNA on event approvals, access, setup, and production interfaces, keeping catering commitments aligned with museum requirements.
• Work with culinary and beverage leadership to develop appealing menus and packages supported by realistic staffing and service plans.
• Review pricing, event costs, and results with hospitality leadership and finance; reconcile charges and support timely billing.
• Direct and develop the catering sales and planning team, with clear goals, response standards, and accountability for follow-through.
• Remain visible at key events, address client concerns, and lead post-event reviews that improve delivery and generate future business.

Qualifications

• 5-7+ years of progressive catering sales or event management experience, including leadership responsibility in an upscale hospitality environment.
• Bachelor's degree in business or hospitality is required.
• Demonstrated record of securing business and meeting revenue goals, with strong prospecting, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Experience planning catered events of varying sizes and formats, with practical knowledge of food and beverage service.
• Strong commercial judgment and confidence working with proposals, contracts, forecasts, and event financials.
• Excellent organization and written communication, with a disciplined approach to deadlines, documentation, and client follow-up.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a venue partner, chefs, service leaders, and external planners.
• Proficiency with CRM or catering management software and Microsoft Office.
• Must be available for on-site work, evening events, and weekends as needed.
• Experience in the Los Angeles events market and an established network of planners and clients are strongly preferred. 

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.

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