Director of Meetings & Special Events, The Department at Hudson’s - #1413937

Department: The Department 800431

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: The Department

Reporting To: Jerry Cremin

Description

The Director of Meetings & Special Events is a strategic leader responsible for driving top-line catering and events revenue through strong client relationship management, proactive business development, and effective leadership of the event coordination team. This role focuses on growing contract-based sales, enhancing the client experience, and overseeing the execution of events in alignment with brand standards and financial goals.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Sales & Revenue Growth

• Lead the catering & events sales strategy to drive revenue growth across private and corporate events.
• Identify and cultivate new business opportunities through partnerships, referrals, and proactive outreach.
• Oversee forecasting, goal-setting, and contract performance to achieve or exceed budgeted targets.
• Negotiate contracts with key clients, ensuring profitability and long-term partnerships.
• Analyze market trends and competitor activity to adjust sales tactics and offerings accordingly.
  
  

Client Relationship Management

• Serve as the senior point of contact for high-profile clients and complex events.
• Foster strong relationships with repeat clients, vendors, and community partners to encourage loyalty and referrals.
• Ensure the sales process aligns with client needs, company standards, and operational capabilities.
• Champion a client-first approach and ensure a seamless experience from inquiry to execution.
  
  

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of Event Coordinators.
• Set individual and team performance goals, providing regular coaching and feedback.
• Establish team standards and workflows that drive efficiency, communication, and consistency.
• Promote collaboration across departments to ensure flawless event execution.
  
  

Operational & Strategic Alignment

• Collaborate with culinary, operations, and venue management teams to ensure alignment of sales promises and delivery.
• Contribute to menu development, pricing strategies, and service enhancements based on client feedback and sales insights.
• Participate in leadership meetings and contribute to company-wide initiatives that impact the guest experience and revenue performance.
  
  

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive sales leadership experience in catering, hospitality, or events.
• Proven track record in relationship-based sales and contract negotiation.
• Experience managing and mentoring sales or event coordination teams.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and strategic planning skills.
• Proficient in CRM systems and event management software (e.g., Tripleseat, Caterease, Salesforce).
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.
  
  

Benefits

We prioritize the health, wellness and work-life balance of our team members and designed our comprehensive compensation packages to reflect that.

• Full-time team members are eligible for medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, parental leave, 401(k) with company match, at-work dining perks, flexible schedules, generous PTO, and a total rewards program. Team Members can also use our inclusive employee assistance program.
• Part-time Team Members are eligible for our 401(k) with company match, at work dining perks and team members can also use our inclusive employee assistance program.
  
  

Location-specific perks may also include wellness programming, on-the-job training, corporate-hosted courses, certifications and team events.

#CONALB