Sales and Events Manager

KF Aerospace•Kelowna, BC

9d•CA$60,000 - CA$85,000•Onsite

About The Position

The BPL Legacy Association established and owns the KF Aerospace Centre for Excellence. It was established in 2022 to perpetuate the legacy of KF Aerospace and its founder, Barry Lapointe. Designed to celebrate aviation history, promote aviation excellence, and advance participation in aerospace by way of education, advocacy, and other community-based activities, it operates on a not-for-profit basis. The KF Centre for Excellence is an impressive one-of-a-kind aviation exhibit that showcases the aerospace industry in the Okanagan Valley as well as hosting events and conferences with a connection to the aviation community. The BPL LA also owns the new Okanagan College AME campus that is now under development and will likely develop other similar initiatives in the future. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Sales and Events Manager (SEM) plays a key role in driving the successful use, promotion, and operation of the Centre’s event and rental spaces. This hands-on position is responsible for venue rental sales, client bookings, event logistics, and on-site coordination, ensuring that event spaces are managed effectively, professionally, and in alignment with the Centre’s purpose and mission. As the primary contact for venue rental clients, the SEM oversees the full booking and event management process, from inquiry and planning through to execution and follow-up. The role ensures that all venue rental information, documentation, schedules, and operational details are accurately maintained and clearly communicated to the CFE team. The SEM also leads the planning and delivery of CFE’s internal events, new career education programs (e.g., school field trips, Aviation Sampler) and initiatives (e.g., aviation industry engagement and career awareness), with guidance and support of the Executive Director.

Requirements

Post-secondary diploma or degree in Hospitality, Tourism, Business, Event Management, Marketing, or a related field
3–5 years of progressive experience in event sales, event management, venue coordination, hospitality sales, tourism operations, related field or a suitable combination of education and experience
Demonstrated experience successfully managing and executing the full event lifecycle, including sales, contracting, client communications, logistics, on-site execution, and post-event evaluation, required
Proven guest service skills; Drive to exceed guest expectations
Highly organized and detail oriented
Strong administrative, computer and event software skills
Strong networking skills
Business and financial acumen
Flexible and adaptable
Proven ability to maintain grace under pressure
Self-starter with a continuous improvement mindset
Comfortable setting up, operating and troubleshooting AV equipment
Ability to lift/move up to 25 lbs. and assist with event setup and tear down (e.g., move tables, chairs, event materials, banners)
Ability to work evenings, weekends and/or holidays, as required

Nice To Haves

Experience supervising staff, contractors, or volunteers is considered an asset

Responsibilities

Manage and perform all aspects of the venue space rental booking process from inquiry to post event follow up
Serve as the primary contact for venue rental inquiries and clients/guests
Conduct site tours and respond to booking inquiries in a timely and professional manner
Prepare venue rental proposals including rental budgets, floor plans and negotiate and finalize contracts with direction from the Executive Director
Manage ongoing communications with venue rental client/guests regarding event plan development including space requirements, event timings, CFE equipment rental requirements and third-party venue rental ancillary service needs
Manage event booking system and all related event information
Manage the venue rental client selection process
Coordinate staff and volunteers for on-site event staffing, in collaboration with the Guest Services Lead and Finance and Administration Manager
Manage day-of event staff and volunteers; scheduling, training, role assignments, performance management and ongoing support – as needed
Develop, update and implement venue management policies and procedures
Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications Coordinator to ensure that the CFE event venue is effectively promoted when required
Conduct competitive rental venue market analysis annually and make event space rental pricing recommendations to Executive Director
Provide timely, accurate tracking and reporting of venue rental operations costs
Serve as the main point of contact for all venue rental client/guests and third-party venue rental ancillary service providers (e.g., event planners, caterers, AV suppliers)
Manage and maintain strong relationships with existing client/guest s and third-party venue rental ancillary service providers
Ensure clear understanding of client/guest expectations and communication of CFE venue rental policies and procedures
Prepare venue rental contracts, operations plans and Rental Booking Orders; Communicate upcoming venue rental activities with internal and external stakeholders
Develop and manage budgets for internal CFE events and work with the accounting team to manage, track, monitor, and report on event revenues and expenditures
Ensure all resources are in place to successfully operate the planned events
Attend events and trouble shoot any issues that arise as it relates to venue operations
Oversee rental client event set up, operations and takedown activities to ensure all CFE policies and procedures are followed, a safe work environment is maintained the CFE assets are protected
Ensure client/guest follow up and satisfaction
Contribute to planning, development, implementation and operation of new and ongoing internal aviation related events at CFE
Manage the delivery of CFE’s educational programming including school field trip and camp programs
Lead the post-event evaluation process; Document learnings, identify areas for improvement and follow up as appropriate
Work with the Marketing and Communications Coordinator to proactively promote and solicit new business and events
Monitor industry and competitor trends, identify emerging needs and opportunities, and make recommendations for new programs or services to support business growth
Build relationships and network with third party planners, corporate event organizers, and destination marketing organizations through community engagement, networking and strategic partnerships