Vice President of Sales and Business Development - Off Premise Catering

About the Role

Purslane is seeking a dynamic, strategic VP of Sales & Business Development to lead our catering and events sales organization and shape the next chapter of our growth in New York City's luxury off-premise catering market. This is a high-visibility leadership role for a polished, results-driven sales executive who is passionate about building lasting relationships, closing exceptional business, and developing a high-performing team.

You will own Purslane's commercial strategy — from pipeline and partnerships to pricing and people — while collaborating closely with operations, culinary, and marketing to deliver flawless, brand-defining client experiences. You'll represent Purslane with social planners, event designers, venue partners, and other key industry influencers, and champion our sustainability commitments in everything we sell.

Business Development Strategy & Partnership Engagement (75%)

• Develop and execute Purslane's annual catering and event sales and business development strategy to achieve revenue and growth goals.
• Identify and pursue new market segments, partnerships, and exclusive venue opportunities aligned with Purslane's brand and mission.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with social planners, event designers, venue partners, and other key industry influencers whose clientele aligns with Purslane's brand.
• Oversee lead generation strategy, pipeline development, and CRM (Tripleseat) optimization.
• Guide marketing and promotional initiatives to increase brand visibility and drive new business.
• Personally own the sales process for key accounts, ensuring flawless execution from concept through completion.
• Represent Purslane at industry events and networking opportunities; cultivate key external relationships.
• Partner with operations and culinary leadership to develop innovative, customized offerings that align with client and market needs.
• Champion Purslane's sustainability commitments across all sales and business development efforts.

Team Leadership & Development (25%)

• Lead, mentor, and manage a sales team of 3 direct reports; foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture built on accountability and professional growth.
• Set individual and team sales goals; track KPIs, analyze performance, and deliver regular reporting to ownership.
• Review and evaluate incoming leads, and guide cross-selling and conversion strategy.
• Lead weekly sales meetings to review progress, share updates, and address issues.
• Adapt team structure to align with business growth and employee development.

• 8+ years in hospitality or event sales, including senior leadership experience, with significant off-premise luxury catering experience strongly preferred.
• Proven track record of consistently meeting or exceeding sales goals and executing strategic sales plans.
• Deep knowledge of the NYC event, venue, and catering markets, and current food, beverage, and event industry trends.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship-management skills, with superior attention to detail.
• Strong sales acumen and financial literacy; able to thrive in a fast-paced environment while remaining calm and solutions-oriented under pressure.
• Proficiency in CRM systems (e.g., Tripleseat, Salesforce, Caterease) and Google Workspace.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.

• Hybrid office and field-based role; frequent presence at event venues required.
• Standard business hours, with evening, weekend, and holiday work as needed for events.
• Must be able to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods, and lift up to 10 lbs. frequently and 25 lbs. occasionally.
• Work may take place indoors and outdoors, in varying weather conditions.
• Compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards required.
• Travel within the greater NYC area for site visits and events.
• Reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities.