Event Sales Manager - TAO Restaurant Chicago

Tao Group Hospitality•Chicago, IL

19h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Event Sales Manager provides support to the Event Sales Leadership Team to ensure the department is run in an efficient and effective manner, with a high focus on delivering gracious hospitality and positive guest experiences. The Event Sales Manager is responsible for driving revenue to the company’s Chicago based venues by selling and converting event opportunities. The role encompasses event management aspects, including sales, logistics, FOH/BOH communication and client relations.

Requirements

Minimum of 1 – 5 years of previous hospitality industry, inclusive of food and beverage, service standards, and guest relations experience within a high-volume setting.
1 – 5 experience in event planning/sales in within a high-volume setting.
Knowledge of mathematical skills, including AR and P&L statements.
Knowledge of understanding of legal contract language, with strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.
Strong guest service foundation, ability to coach, build a team, problem solve, and leadership skills required.
Must be organized, self-motivated, and proactive with strong attention to detail.
Proficient with computers (Microsoft Products), POS, and technology.
Must have strong problem-solving skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills required
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Must have good positive energy throughout the day
Must be able to read the computer monitors and print legibly
Must be able to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time
Must be able to move quickly through work and set the pace in the office
Must be able to push and lift up to 75 lbs.
May work extended hours irregular shifts, evening and/or weekend shifts, and holiday work may be required
Maintain a professional, neat, and well-groomed appearance adhering to Company standards
Must be effective as part of a team; ability to interact with internal and external customers, managers, and co-workers in a professional, courteous manner
Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
Ability to handle a fast-paced, busy, and somewhat stressful environment

Nice To Haves

Two-year associate degree (60 credit hours) in Hospitality, Business, etc. or equivalent work experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Receive inbound event inquiries with the goal of converting the lead into a confirmed event
Handle inbound leads promptly.
Advise on suitable venues for the client’s event by communicating venue capabilities and sending marketing materials.
Create event proposals, discussing pricing, timing, and food & beverage options, while maintaining proper margins
Meet with client for venue site visits.
Execute contractual agreements and facilitate deposit payment
Manage TripleSeat (event platform) calendar of events- updating with tentative, definite, and lost business
Discuss event logistics with client, inclusive of but not limited to F&B, floor plan/layout, and AV/production needs
Work with the venue operations team regarding setup, staffing, floor plan, and overall logistics
Work with the culinary team on menu adjustments/special requests
Finalize event BEO and communicate details to the venue operations and culinary teams
Ensure accounting paperwork is accurate, responsible for invoicing and the collection of payment before the event
Attend weekly BEO meetings with team members and venue FOH/BOH teams to review upcoming events
Attend events when necessary for pre-shift, client/venue relations, and event kick-off
Be available during events should the client or the venue operations team need to reach you
Increase awareness of the company portfolio and drive additional business to venues through outreach
Create and maintain positive community relationships within the industry
Source personal book of business and industry connections to generate sales
Attend off-site planner expos networking events to widen reach
Develop and maintain long-term relationships with clients
Monitor sales and continuously continually develop strategies to maximize revenue