Director of Business Development

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Full Time Exempt Employee

Dish Food & Events, an award-winning catering and events company located in the heart of NYC, is searching for a Director of Business Development. We are looking for a "hunter" who is passionate about excellence, enjoys collaboration, and thrives on seeking new opportunities. With over 15 years of experience creating unforgettable events, we are recognized for our warm hospitality, innovative and delicious cuisine, and a team-focused culture that empowers every member to thrive.

The Business Development Manager is responsible for proactively generating new business opportunities within the New York City market for Dish Food & Events, a premier catering and hospitality provider. This role focuses on identifying, cultivating, and closing group and corporate catering sales to support revenue goals and long-term company growth.This is a revenue-driving role focused on identifying, cultivating, and closing new business opportunities. Working closely with the Director of Sales, the Business Development Manager will develop and execute local market strategies to drive bookings across full-service events, drop-off catering, and long-term corporate partnerships. This role actively builds and owns its own pipeline—outbound outreach, prospecting, and relationship development are key components to success.

The ideal candidate is outgoing, growth-minded, and motivated by results. They are a natural networker who thrives on meeting new people, forming connections, and turning conversations into opportunities. They're hungry to grow, driven by hitting targets and earning commission, and energized by the dynamic, fast-paced world of hospitality and events. This person brings a positive, self-starting attitude and a deep curiosity for understanding client needs and delivering tailored solutions.

Our ideal candidate will bring:

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a proactive, outbound sales role within the hospitality or catering industry, with a focus on event and group sales
• Hunter mentality - demonstrated ability to generate and develop new business both within an existing book of business and cold calling
• A proven track record of success in strategic sales management, consistently meeting or exceeding closing ratios and outreach goals
• An extensive network in the NYC market of planners, corporate, social, and venues contacts.
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment while maintaining exceptional customer service and attention to detail
• The ability to contribute to and execute strategic sales plans that drive business growth
• Outstanding relationship-building skills to cultivate new clients and strengthen existing partnerships
• Excellent communication, follow-through, and organizational skills
• Deep understanding of New York City’s catering and hospitality landscape, including market trends and competitive positioning
• A positive, enthusiastic attitude with the ability to inspire and energize both clients and colleagues
• A goal-driven mindset with a fearless approach to hitting sales targets and a passion for team success

RESPONSIBILITIES

FINANCIAL + STRATEGIC GROWTH

• Develop, own, and achieve/exceed revenue goals by identifying and securing new business opportunities across corporate, social, and hospitality sectors.
• Drive revenue growth through strategic outreach, partnerships, and expansion of Dish’s catering and hospitality services, including full-service and drop off catering.
• Collaborate with Dish management to conceptualize and develop new sales channels, service offerings, and initiatives that align with company growth objectives.
• Analyze market trends, customer data, and industry benchmarks to identify new opportunities and areas for expansion.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT + RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

• Build, maintain, and grow strong relationships with key accounts, venues, corporate clients, and event planners to foster long-term business.
• Proactively research and pursue new business through strategic outreach, networking, referrals, and targeted marketing campaigns.
• Establish and nurture collaborative relationships with venue managers, event planners, and industry partners to generate consistent leads.
• Develop and implement outreach strategies to convert cold leads into active clients.

SALES SUPPORT + COLLABORATION

• Collaborate on client meetings, site visits, and presentations to close deals and promote all company services.
• Represent the company at networking events, trade shows, and industry gatherings to elevate Dish’s presence and attract new business.
• Support and participate in tastings, promotional events, and other marketing initiatives as needed.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records, interactions, and pipeline activity in Total Party Planner software or other CRM platforms.

CORE VALUES

• Actively participate in a positive Dish Culture
• Make Dish an awesome place to work
• Embrace, promote and exemplify Dish’s Mission Statement, Core Values, Hospitality Standards + Culture.
• Foster positive communication with the entire Dish team.
• Adhere to policies as described in the Dish Food & Events Employee Handbook.
• Actively participate in Dish’s Continuous Employee Success Management program including weekly 1:1s, six-month check-ins and annual performance reviews.

Compensation + Benefits

Our employees are our most important asset and that’s reflected in our benefits. Dish is proud to offer a variety of benefits to support employees and their families, including:

• Competitive annual salary in the range of $100-110k (inclusive of salary + commission).
• Hybrid work from home/office schedule after 90 days employment
• Monthly cellphone reimbursement
• Option to enroll in major medical, dental and vision insurance
• Paid Days Off (Vacation + Personal Days + Dish Holidays)
• Paid Volunteer Time Off (VTO) program designed to support the communities where we live and work
• Paid Family Leave, Safe and Sick Pay, ST and LT Disability insurance
• 401k Plan to invest in your future after 12 months of full-time employment
• Commuter transportation benefits, flexible spending and dependent care accounts
• Learning & development opportunities
• Company dining program of daily delicious family meals (aka free lunch!)

DISH is committed to providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants and employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.