Event Sales Manager

SSA Group•Louisville, KY

19d•Onsite

About The Position

The Event Sales Manager drives sales and revenue growth by promoting and selling the venue, catering services, and add-on experiences. The role develops sales strategies, builds strong client relationships, and supports successful event execution while delivering an exceptional client experience. The manager serves as a primary client contact throughout sales and planning, coordinates with vendors and internal departments, and attends event starts to support a seamless transition to the operations team. The role may also include hiring, supervising, coaching, and developing team members, depending on the location. This is a full-time, exempt, onsite position at the Louisville Zoo, with a revenue responsibility of $200,000 or more. The position requires at least four years of relevant experience; candidates with six or more years will receive stronger consideration. It requires varied hours and days, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed, as well as the ability to stand for extended periods and lift or move boxes weighing up to 35 pounds. Compensation includes a $75 monthly cell phone stipend and eligibility for a bonus under company guidelines. Benefits include flex time off, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; voluntary benefits; a 401(k) program with a 15% company match subject to eligibility; employer-sponsored short- and long-term disability; parental leave; paid leave for qualifying reasons; paid bereavement leave; on-demand pay; meal plan and employee discounts where applicable; and paid sick leave according to applicable laws.

Requirements

At least 4 years of experience in catering and/or event sales, operations, or event-planning management is required.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills across all levels of an organization.
Advanced leadership skills, including understanding of team building and development and fostering partnerships.
Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making skills, combined with the ability to stay organized.
Financial management, analytical, and planning skills.
Ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
Computer knowledge and skills for basic office functions.
Physical ability to stand for extended periods and move or handle boxes weighing up to 35 pounds as needed.
Ability to work varied hours and days, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
Must be at least 18 years old; all education backgrounds are eligible.

Nice To Haves

Six or more years of relevant experience will receive stronger consideration.
Experience in off-site catering, a hotel, or a cultural-attraction catering venue is preferred.
Working knowledge of Tripleseat is a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement strategies to sell the venue and catering services to new and returning clients.
Analyze the market for new and untapped revenue opportunities; prospect and secure business through cold calling, networking, and client outreach.
Conduct site tours and menu tastings; solicit, negotiate, and secure signed event agreements.
Plan and upsell functions with clients, including space, timing, equipment, menus, themes, and decorations.
Respond promptly to client requests and work to ensure client satisfaction.
Serve as the primary point of contact throughout sales and planning, communicating proactively and transparently.
Prepare and manage venue and catering contracts, Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), diagrams, and other event documents.
Build and maintain relationships with venue departments and clients, supporting repeat business and conducting post-event follow-ups.
Communicate with vendors, maintain knowledge of vendor pricing, negotiate as appropriate, maintain resource lists, and ensure vendors comply with venue guidelines and event requirements.
Develop detailed event plans, including timelines and floorplans; inspect event spaces before events and address issues promptly.
Manage last-minute changes and collaborate with catering operations, culinary, and other departments to support successful event execution and develop procedures where needed.
Ensure contracts, BEOs, and event details are documented accurately; maintain records; comply with applicable laws and company policies; and maintain a clean, safe, organized work environment.
Attend event starts to support execution of the client's vision and transfer authority to the operations team when appropriate.
Collect and process payments and deposits in accordance with company policies and contractual schedules.
Develop and meet or exceed monthly and annual sales budgets and plans; analyze sales and inventory to maximize opportunities.
Review invoices, bills, and accounting documents for accuracy and communicate necessary changes to Accounts Receivable; understand menu and event cost structures to meet profitability guidelines.
Report weekly and monthly sales through Tripleseat; analyze sales trends and client feedback and use data to adjust strategies and improve conversion rates.
Promote an inclusive and supportive unit culture, demonstrate sustainability and conservation efforts, and engage with the unit in community activities and opportunities to give back.
Where applicable, recruit, hire, and integrate team members; supervise and evaluate personnel; coach and develop employees; implement training; conduct team meetings; set and track sales targets; and ensure policy compliance.
Depending on the location's sales structure, contribute to unit sales goals and, where applicable, individual sales goals in a player-coach role.
Perform other tasks as necessary; responsibilities may be revised or supplemented as circumstances change.

Benefits

$75 monthly cell phone stipend.
Bonus eligibility based on company guidelines.
Flex Time Off with no accruals; employees are encouraged to schedule time off as needed within business scope.
Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and other voluntary benefits for employees and their families; employee premiums apply.
401(k) program with a 15% company match, subject to age and service eligibility requirements and enrollment periods.
Employer-sponsored short-term and long-term disability, with scaled-salary pay following submission and approval of leave.
Paid parental leave for birthing parents of up to 6–8 weeks, based on the birthing event.
Up to 120 hours of SSA-paid leave for qualifying reasons, including parental bonding and serious medical conditions affecting family members.
Up to 5 days of paid bereavement leave.
On-demand pay program providing access to a portion of earned wages before payday.
Meal plan and employee discounts where applicable.
Paid sick leave in accordance with applicable state and local laws.