Special Event Manager
About The Position
Carmine's and Virgil's Real BBQ are two Times Square alongside our Carmine's Upper West Side location are institutions under one roof of hospitality. Carmine's is legendary Southern Italian family-style dining, with mountains of housemade pasta, platters that feed the whole table, and feasts worth flying in for. Virgil's is big, bold, pit-smoked barbecue: hickory-smoked ribs, brisket, and all the fixings. We're looking for a dynamic Special Events Sales Manager to lead our private dining and large-party business in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. You'll be the face of both brands for corporate groups, Broadway and pre-theater parties, milestone celebrations, holiday parties, bar and bat mitzvahs, convention and tour groups, and everything in between. If you live for the energy of New York, love building relationships, and know how to close a deal, we want to hear from you.
Requirements
- 2-4 years of experience in event sales, catering management, or banquet operations, with a hospitality or restaurant background preferred
- A track record in high-volume, fast-paced environments; experience with corporate events, weddings, or convention groups is a strong plus
- Familiarity with the NYC hospitality market and existing relationships with Midtown hotels, event venues, or group-travel partners is a major advantage
- An entrepreneurial mindset: self-motivated, goal-driven, and comfortable owning a revenue target
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills; you can work any room and make any guest feel welcome
- Strong organization and attention to detail, with the ability to juggle multiple events at once
- Fluent English; additional languages are a plus given our international clientele
- Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and select holidays, as event schedules require
- A real passion for food and hospitality, and for being the biggest advocate for both brands
Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary point of contact for special events, large-party reservations, and off-site catering inquiries at Carmine's and Virgil's
- Sell, negotiate, and coordinate events from first inquiry through day-of execution, making sure every guest feels like family
- Tap into Times Square's foot traffic and visitor base by building relationships with hotel concierges, tour operators, Midtown corporate planners, convention and travel managers, and theater group sales teams
- Make outside sales calls and attend networking events to generate new group business across the corporate, tourism, and MICE markets
- Work closely with the General Managers, FOH leadership, and Executive Chefs at both restaurants to deliver seamless, memorable events
- Keep accurate CRM records, respond quickly to every lead, and follow up consistently to maximize conversion
- Partner with the Director of Special Events to shape sales strategy, set revenue goals, and hit targets
- Host site visits and walk-throughs that showcase our private dining spaces and the full Carmine's and Virgil's experience
- Stay on top of New York market trends, competitor offerings, and seasonal peaks (holiday season, Broadway openings, conference calendars) to keep both brands top of mind
Benefits
- Competitive base salary plus uncapped commission
- Paid training and full onboarding
- Medical and dental insurance
- Learning and development benefits
- Paid time off and sick leave
- Employee dining discount
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
