Special Events Sales Manager

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation•San Francisco, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

As the Special Events Sales Manager, you’ll be responsible for driving private dining and special event sales for The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco. Reporting to the Director of Food & Beverage and working closely with the hotel’s Sales and Catering team, you’ll manage private event inquiries, develop new business, conduct site visits, prepare proposals and contracts, and maintain sales activity using Delphi. This role will focus on building relationships with corporate clients, event planners, local businesses, and social clients to grow private dining, receptions, celebrations, and full or partial buyouts of the Redwood Room.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business, Food & Beverage Management, or related field preferred.
3+ years of experience in Food & Beverage Operations, Restaurant Management, Hotel Operations, Banquets, or Hospitality Management.
Previous leadership or supervisory experience within restaurants, hotels, bars, resorts, or hospitality environments preferred.
Strong knowledge of restaurant operations, banquet service, catering, inventory management, labor management, and guest service standards.
Knowledge of food safety regulations, sanitation standards, HACCP guidelines, and alcohol service compliance requirements.
Strong leadership and team development skills with the ability to motivate and inspire hospitality teams.
Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced operational environment.
Ability to analyze operational performance, guest feedback, and financial metrics to drive continuous improvement.
Flexible availability including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required in hospitality operations.
A passion for hospitality, food & beverage experiences, guest satisfaction, teamwork, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

Drive private dining and event sales for the hotel, including receptions, dinners, cocktail events, corporate gatherings, celebrations, and full or partial buyouts.
Respond to inbound private event inquiries and actively prospect for new business within the San Francisco market.
Develop relationships with corporate clients, executive assistants, event planners, destination management companies, local businesses, and other potential clients.
Manage leads, accounts, opportunities, proposals, contracts, and related sales activity using Delphi and in accordance with hotel sales standards.
Conduct site visits and showcase the Redwood Room to prospective clients, communicating the venue’s food, beverage, entertainment, and event capabilities.
Develop proposals and event packages that maximize revenue while aligning with the operational capabilities and positioning of the Redwood Room.
Partner closely with the Director of Food & Beverage, Director of Catering and Convention Services, Sales team, and Redwood Room operations team throughout the sales and event-planning process.
Maintain an active sales solicitation program and participate in networking events, client entertainment, hotel events, and other opportunities to generate new business.
Track sales activity, conversion, booked revenue, and future opportunities and provide regular reporting and forecasts.
Identify opportunities to increase private dining revenue through strategic packages, partnerships, seasonal programming, and targeted outreach.
Maintain a strong understanding of the San Francisco private dining and events market, including competitive venues, pricing, and emerging opportunities.
Ensure a clear and organized transition from the sales process to the operational team so that client expectations and event details are accurately communicated.