Allium Venue Sales Manager

BLUE PLATE CATERING LTD•Chicago, IL

5d•$80,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Allium Venue Sales Manager is responsible for driving the overall sales performance, growth, and market positioning of Allium at Larkin Hall. This role leads venue sales and business development efforts, with accountability for achieving revenue goals, maximizing venue utilization, building strong sales pipeline, and cultivating lasting client and community relationships. Serving as a key business leader and brand ambassador for Allium, the Venue Sales Manager oversees the client journey from initial inquiry through event completion and partners across Blue Plate to delivery exceptional experiences. This role combines sales leadership, business acumen, and hospitality while championing our We Care More culture and positioning Allium as a premier Chicago event destination.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree. Hospitality or related industry preferred.
Minimum 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience in hospitality/venue/event management.
Proven success in driving revenue growth, P&L ownership, and strategic planning.
Experience managing both sales and operations teams in large-scale venues.
Comprehensive knowledge of off-site catering and event operations.
Basic knowledge of financial management disciplines includes but not limited to gross profitability, budget design and management, financial analysis, and return on investment.
Demonstrated ability to plan, implement and support systems in a rapidly growing company.
Proven leadership with the ability to inspire others to work toward a common goal and reach their potential.
Ability to identify and resolve issues and alert executive leadership to potential areas of liability.
Ability to function independently and intuitively in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to prepare and deliver clear, concise reports and presentations that are understandable by the target audience.
Highly organized; strong attention to detail.
Demonstrated initiative; results-oriented and entrepreneurial-minded.
Strong project management experience and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Ability to interact with diverse groups and foster a cooperative work environment.
Ability to manage confidential information and maintain its integrity.
Strong computer skills that include proficiency with MS Office applications and CRM software.
Ability to read, write and speak English proficiently.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual skills preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead Allium’s sales efforts: prospecting, networking, conducting site visits, negotiating contracts, and closing new business.
Drive venue programming strategies (corporate events, social gatherings, community partnership, and programing) to increase utilization during off-peak periods.
Collaborate with Marketing to position Allium as Chicago’s premier venue through campaigns, media, and community engagement.
Build and maintain relationships with clients, vendors, and local business associations to drive repeat and referral business.
Own Allium’s P&L, including budgeting, forecasting, and profitability management.
Develop and execute annual business and sales plans with measurable revenue and utilization goals.
Analyze KPIs (sales pipeline, occupancy, event profitability, labor %), providing monthly reporting and course-correction as needed.
Partner with Finance to monitor costs, manage contracts, and ensure accurate billing and collections.
Oversee Blue Plate, the caterer delivers flawless execution of events, maintaining the highest guest service standards.
Develop and enforce SOPs for event operations, safety, and client service.
Partner with Blue Plate Facilities to ensure preventive maintenance and readiness of Allium’s venue.
Ensure compliance with city and state requirements (liquor license, fire safety, ADA, public assembly permits).
Supervise the Venue Operations Supervisors.
Lead, mentor, and coach the team, ensuring high performance, accountability, and continuous professional development.
Partner with HR to implement employee training, recognition, and engagement programs.
Foster a culture of teamwork, excellence, and guest-centered service.
Act as the face of Allium with clients, partners, and the Fulton Market community.
Monitor client satisfaction, address feedback promptly, and implement service improvements.
Champion our core value Care More by ensuring an exceptional guest experience at every event.
Serve as the escalation point for client issues, vendor disputes, or emergency situations.