Director of Catering and Events

Sodexo Corporate Services is looking for a Director of Catering & Events for one of our High-Profile accounts in Washington DC.  The Director of Catering & Events is responsible for the end-to-end planning, coordination, and execution of large-scale catering events.  Two of the events we host a year has up to 12K attendees. 

The Director of Catering & Events will ensure seamless delivery from initial client engagement through post-event evaluation. This role oversees budgeting, staffing, logistics, and operational execution while driving profitability and maintaining exceptional service standards. 

Event Leadership & Execution

• Oversee full event lifecycle from detailed planning through flawless execution
• Lead catering operations for large-scale events ranging up to 12,000 guests
• Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality service, food presentation, and guest experience
• Collaborate cross-functionally with culinary, sales, and operations teams

Team Management

• Recruit, train, and lead a large team of hourly staff and supervisors
• Develop staffing plans aligned with event volume and complexity
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and high performance

Financial & Operational Management

• Develop and manage event budgets, forecasts, and cost controls
• Oversee ordering, inventory, and vendor relationships
• Drive profitability while maintaining quality and operational efficiency
• Monitor KPIs and implement improvements for performance

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with clients to understand vision and ensure expectations are exceeded
• Provide detailed event planning, timelines, and execution strategies
• Act as a senior point of contact during high-profile events

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
• 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

• 5–10+ years of catering or hospitality leadership experience, with a strong focus on large-scale events
• Proven experience executing events for 5,000–10,000+ guests
• Demonstrated success managing large hourly teams in high-volume environments
• Strong expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and cost management
• Experience with event detailing, logistics planning, and operational execution
• Exceptional organizational, leadership, and communication skills
• Ability to thrive under pressure and manage multiple priorities simultaneously

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.

Minimum Education Requirement - Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience

Minimum Management Experience - 3 years   

Minimum Functional Experience - 3 years of experience in catering, food production, or food service management or a related field