Director of Private Event Sales

Director of Private Event Sales
The Proud Bird | LAX

Pay: $110,000-$120,00 annually
Schedule: Full-Time | On-Site
Reports to: General Manager

The Proud Bird is a historic aviation landmark and one of LA's most distinctive hospitality destinations-reimagined as an upscale food hall, interactive aviation experience, and premier events venue just minutes from LAX. Named LA's Hottest Food Hall by Food Network
, The Proud Bird blends exceptional food, immersive design, and large-scale event capability into an unforgettable guest experience.

We are seeking a Director of Private Event Sales to lead, grow, and elevate our private events business. This is a high-visibility, revenue-driving leadership role for a proven catering sales professional who thrives on building relationships, leading teams, and closing exceptional events.

This is not a passive sales role. This is an opportunity to own the private event business
, build strategy, lead a team, and drive meaningful revenue impact at one of LA's most dynamic venues.

• Own and lead all reactive and proactive private event sales efforts

• Develop and execute monthly and quarterly sales strategies to achieve and exceed revenue goals

• Drive new business through prospecting, networking, referrals, and local partnerships

• Build and maintain a strong local and repeat client base

• Analyze market trends and competitors to ensure competitive pricing and positioning

• Maximize revenue through upselling, strategic packaging, and yield management

• Lead, coach, and develop the Private Event
  Sales team

• Establish clear individual and team sales goals

• Set expectations around sales activity, follow-up, forecasting, and performance

• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and recognition

• Foster a culture of urgency, professionalism, teamwork, and celebration of wins

• Oversee all private events from initial inquiry through execution

• Ensure events meet both client expectations and company profitability standards

• Partner closely with Operations, Culinary, Beverage, and Support Teams

• Communicate event details clearly and accurately to ensure seamless execution

• Resolve client issues with professionalism and urgency

• Prepare accurate sales forecasts, booking reports, and monthly performance reports

• Ensure consistent and effective use of catering management and CRM systems

• Maintain strong organizational systems that support growth and scalability

• Support the General Manager with additional initiatives as directed

• 5+ years of progressive private event or catering sales experience (hotel, large-scale venue, or full-service restaurant preferred)

• Proven experience managing a private event sales team

• Strong background in event sales, planning, and execution

• Demonstrated success in forecasting, budgeting, and sales planning

• Experience with
  catering management software

• Confident communicator with excellent negotiation and relationship-building skills

• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and results-driven

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment

• College degree preferred

• Industry-leading compensation ($110-$120 annually)

• Comprehensive medical & dental plans with employer HSA contributions

• Lifestyle Spending Account (gym, childcare, student loans & more)

• Supplemental insurance options

• 401(k) with annual employer match after 12 months

• Employer-paid life insurance

• Monthly Reward Dollars usable at company locations

• Accrued PTO + paid/floating holidays

• Education Assistance Program (hospitality-focused)

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Management Referral Program (up to $4,000)

• A culture that values growth, innovation, and leadership

The Proud Bird is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

The Proud Bird maintains a drug-free workplace and considers qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable laws.

If you're a high-performing private event sales leader looking for a venue with scale, energy, and opportunity
, this is your moment.

Apply today and help shape the future of events at The Proud Bird.

All job offers are contingent upon successfully passing pre-employment background check