Director of Private Events and Catering

Kinzie Chophouse, Chicago

Kinzie Chophouse is seeking a Director of Private Events and Catering to lead and scale our private events business while launching and shaping a new catering arm of the company. This is a senior leadership role for a strategic, sales-driven hospitality professional who thrives in building systems, teams, and revenue streams.

This role oversees the full private events program at Kinzie Chophouse and is responsible for developing the strategy, structure, and go-to-market approach for catering. The Director will work closely with ownership and leadership to define growth priorities and long-term vision.

Role Overview

The Director owns private events and catering revenue across the business. This role balances strategy and execution, with responsibility for sales leadership, systems, partnerships, and team development.

Responsibilities

Private Events Leadership

• Set strategy and revenue goals for Kinzie Chophouse private events
• Oversee the full private events pipeline, forecasting, and performance reporting
• Lead high-value client relationships and marquee events
• Establish pricing, minimums, packages, and sales standards
• Mentor and manage the Private Events Manager, setting clear goals and accountability

Catering Strategy and Launch

• Develop and lead the catering business from the ground up
• Define catering offerings, target markets, and operational workflows
• Partner with culinary and operations teams to build scalable menus and service models
• Identify and pursue catering opportunities with corporate offices, residential buildings, hotels, and off-site venues
• Create systems for inquiry management, proposals, contracts, and execution

Business Development and Brand Representation

• Build new revenue channels through strategic outreach to corporate offices, nearby residential buildings, hotels, and institutional partners
• Serve as a senior ambassador for Kinzie Chophouse in the market
• Build long-term relationships with corporate decision-makers, planners, concierges, and venue partners
• Represent the brand at industry events, networking opportunities, and partnership meetings
• Collaborate with leadership on positioning, outreach, marketing and growth initiatives

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in private events, catering sales, or hospitality business development
• Proven track record of driving revenue and building new sales channels
• Experience managing or mentoring team members
• Strong strategic thinking combined with hands-on execution
• Comfortable building systems, processes, and new revenue streams
• Deep appreciation for hospitality, food, and guest experience

Compensation

• Salary range: $75,000–$85,000, depending on experience and scope
• Performance-based bonus or commission tied to private events and catering revenue
• Benefits include PTO, dining perks, and long-term growth opportunity