Senior Sales & Events Manager

The Chanler Inc•Newport, RI

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Sales & Events Manager is responsible for qualifying, booking, detailing, and executing weddings, social events, corporate retreats, and group business at The Chanler at Cliff Walk. This position serves as a key steward of The Chanler brand, ensuring that every event aligns with the property's luxury positioning, operational capabilities, and guest experience standards. Success in this role is measured not only by revenue generation, but by securing the right business for the property and executing events with exceptional attention to detail. Working closely with the Sales Manager, the Senior Sales & Events Manager will own designated segments and event responsibilities while collaborating to maximize revenue, maintain brand integrity, and deliver flawless guest experiences. This is not a traditional cold-calling sales role. The primary focus is responding to inquiries, qualifying opportunities, cultivating relationships, converting appropriate business, and guiding clients through every phase of the event lifecycle.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years of luxury wedding, catering, event sales, or hospitality experience.
Demonstrated experience managing high-end weddings is required.
Proven ability to manage multiple events simultaneously while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Strong understanding of food and beverage operations and event logistics.
Proficiency with hotel sales, catering, and property management systems.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a luxury hotel, resort, private club, or comparable hospitality environment strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Respond promptly and professionally to all event, wedding, social, and corporate inquiries.
Qualify prospective clients to ensure alignment with The Chanler's brand standards, service philosophy, and operational capabilities.
Convert qualified leads into contracted business through relationship-building, consultation, and thoughtful sales practices.
Collaborate with the Sales Manager to achieve revenue goals while maintaining the integrity of the guest experience.
Identify opportunities to maximize revenue through strategic event planning and guestroom utilization.
Conduct property tours and site inspections for prospective clients.
Maintain accurate sales forecasts, lead tracking, and reporting within company systems.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with travel advisors, wedding planners, corporate planners, destination management companies, and other key referral partners.
Conduct site inspections and familiarization tours for travel advisors, planners, and prospective clients.
Foster repeat business and referral opportunities through proactive relationship management and exceptional service.
Represent The Chanler at industry events, networking functions, and select trade organizations as appropriate.
Maintain awareness of market trends and opportunities within the luxury wedding, social, and corporate event markets.
Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned events from contract through final execution and billing.
Prepare detailed event orders, timelines, rooming lists, floorplans, and event documentation.
Lead planning meetings with clients to ensure all event details are accurate and clearly communicated.
Coordinate menu selections, tastings, guest accommodations, transportation logistics, and event schedules.
Coordinate all third-party event rentals and vendor requirements including tents, flooring, staging, specialty furniture, linens, tables, chairs, lighting, décor, and related event infrastructure.
Work closely with vendors, planners, and internal departments to ensure all rentals, deliveries, and installations are executed accurately and on schedule.
Maintain detailed event budgets and ensure all contracted services, rental charges, and event-related expenses are properly documented and communicated.
Manage deposits, payment schedules, final billing, and event reconciliation in accordance with company policies.
Ensure all commitments made to clients are realistic, achievable, and aligned with The Chanler's standards and operational capabilities.
Be present for assigned weddings, social events, and corporate programs as required.
Coordinate with Food & Beverage, Front Office, Housekeeping, Culinary, and Leadership teams to ensure seamless event execution.
Act as the primary client liaison on event days.
Anticipate guest needs and proactively resolve issues while maintaining a calm and professional demeanor.
Ensure every event reflects The Chanler's luxury standards and attention to detail.