Event Sales Director

City Winery Chicago•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

A rare opportunity to join the City Winery team as we reimagine the future of live music and hospitality. City Winery to deliver the highest end combined culinary and cultural experience to our customers who are passionate in sharing wine, music, and culinary arts. We are a unique facility, combining a fully functioning winery with intimate concerts, food & wine classes, private events in a variety of configurations, and fine dining. We have created a compelling mix for our sophisticated clientele of foodies, and active cultural patrons—bringing the wine country experience to the middle of a large city. Position Summary The Event Sales Director oversees all private and public event operations and supports the General Manager as the secondary leader of the property. This role involves developing best operational practices in partnership with the Regional Event Sales Director and with department heads to drive sales while controlling expenses and COGS. The DEO manages the event service teams, event production and execution, oversees event staff hiring, and ensures training on company culture and service responsibilities.

Requirements

5+ years of experience in a high-volume restaurant, venue, or similar setting
Proven leadership and commitment to excellence
Strong financial and business acumen
Passion for hospitality, food, wine, and music
Ability to multitask and manage projects in a fast-paced environment
Strong mentoring, training, and accountability skills
Detail-oriented with strong execution skills
Knowledge of health department regulations
Exceptional communication skills
Strong culinary and wine knowledge
Proficient in English and basic business math
Technologically proficient
Ability to meet physical demands of the role
Flexible scheduling availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays
Willingness to travel for business needs

Responsibilities

Spearhead Private and Public Event Operations, from conception through execution
Work in partnership with Event Sales teams to develop concise and consistent internal communication tools [ Banquet Event Orders, TripleSeat, Weekly Meeting Agendas ]
In partnership with Event Sales teams, strategize, develop, and produce service space design [ Floorplans, Maps, Flow Charts ]
Streamline client relations and assist Event Sales teams in developing operations related checklists and organizational flow of communications between sales and operations
Identify potential risks associated with event operations, and develop contingency plans to ensure event success and compliance
Collaborate with General Manager and/or Food & Beverage Manager in overseeing resource allocation to ensure event is adequately staffed, supplied, and equipped
Communicate operational details to relative departments in a timely manner
Assists in managing property and internal departments, ensuring successful execution of events and daily activities
Address Event Service issues in collaboration with the General Manager
Oversees pre-event messaging and event operations notes
Conduct monthly staff meetings to promote communication and morale
Manage Event Service teams, and uphold service standards and expectations
Establish and maintain vendor relationships and ensure service success and policy adherence
Meet with department heads weekly to ensure operational alignment on upcoming events
Oversee event staffing and inventories, monitor event operations, and ensure client satisfaction
Foster a positive company culture and maintain a professional workforce
Oversee staff training and development, conducting performance evaluations and disciplinary actions as needed
Conduct regular staff and management meetings
Ensure a safe working environment and proper incident reporting
Handle recruitment, onboarding, and personnel issues in partnership with GM, HR, and Regional Director
Maintain training documents and monitor new hire training
Ensure ongoing training for new and existing staff and coordinate new menu training with the Chef
Review new hire paperwork and company policies with new employees
Monitor Event Sales revenue and manage labor budgets
Work in partnership with Culinary and Beverage departments in monitoring and improving COGS
Analyze sales reports and review payroll punches to enforce labor controls
Produce Labor reports to improve expenses and review monthly budget and P&L statements
Ensure proper scheduling and completion of administrative tasks
Oversee payroll administration and personnel communication regarding benefits in partnership with HR
Ensure accurate reporting and system entries