Director of Catering Sales
Purslane
Job Description
About Purslane
Purslane is a Brooklyn-based, full-service events and catering company brought to you by the team behind Brooklyn favorites Rucola, Rhodora, June, and Anais. Our food is ingredient-driven with a slow food ethos and a vegetable-focused menu. We believe in sourcing locally and humanely, and reducing food waste with an eye toward a zero-waste policy.
From corporate lunches and photoshoot drop-offs to weddings and special celebrations, we turn events into unforgettable experiences with vibrant, produce-driven, and sustainable food.
The Role
As the Director of Catering Sales & Growth, you will assume a senior leadership role charged with driving top-line revenue across the business. This includes leading inbound and outbound sales efforts, managing and developing the sales team, and forging strategic partnerships. You will collaborate cross-departmentally with operations, culinary, and marketing to ensure cohesive growth strategies and exceptional client experiences.
Key Responsibilities
Sales Strategy & Business Development (50%)
- Own the full commercial sales strategy across drop-off catering, delivery, events, and emerging revenue streams
- Develop and execute Purslane’s annual catering and event sales strategy to achieve revenue and growth goals
- Design and lead outbound sales efforts targeting corporate clients, creative agencies, fashion and beauty houses, and strategic brand partners
- Identify and develop new verticals, partnerships, exclusive venue opportunities, and growth channels aligned with Purslane’s brand and mission
- Oversee lead generation strategies, pipeline development, and CRM (Tripleseat) optimization
- Maintain ownership of revenue forecasting, pipeline integrity, and monthly/quarterly performance reporting
- Support development of marketing and promotional initiatives to increase brand visibility and drive new business
Event Sales Leadership (25%)
- Personally own the sales process for key accounts and high-value, long-term clients
- Represent Purslane at industry events and networking opportunities; cultivate key external relationships
- Partner with operations and culinary leadership to align offerings with client and market needs
- Ensure consistency across proposals, timelines, communications, and overall client experience
- Champion Purslane’s sustainability commitments in all sales and business development efforts
Team Management (25%)
- Lead, coach, and scale a high-performing sales team of 2–4 direct reports, including Sales Managers and Coordinators
- Set individual and team sales goals; track KPIs, analyze performance, and provide regular reporting to leadership
- Establish clear performance expectations, disciplined follow-up processes, and accountability
- Build a positive, accountable, and results-driven sales culture
- Lead weekly sales meetings to review progress, share updates, and address issues
- Adapt team structure to align with business growth and employee development
What You Need
- 7–12+ years of experience in catering, hospitality, event sales, or luxury brand services, including leadership experience, with a preference for significant off-premise catering experience
- A strong track record of building outbound sales programs and securing high-value, long-term accounts
- Proven ability to lead, coach, and scale sales teams effectively
- Deep knowledge of drop-off and off-premise catering, pricing structures, and the NYC hospitality and event market
- High financial acumen, including forecasting, revenue planning, and pricing strategy
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, presentation, and relationship management capabilities
- Highly organized, systems-oriented, and naturally proactive
- Proficient with CRM platforms and catering management systems (e.g., we use Tripleseat) and Google Workspace
- Thrives in creative, fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments