Employee Records
Event Sales Manager
Yardbird Chicago
Full Time
2 Years Experience
Coins Icon $60 - $70 / Year
Event Sales Manager
Yardbird Chicago

Description

The Event Sales Manager is responsible for planning, selling, and executing all private dining and large party events. This role plays a critical part in driving revenue through both proactive and reactive sales efforts, including local marketing, direct outreach, and relationship-building strategies. The position reports to the Director of Group Sales & Catering and works closely with the General Manager and Executive Chef to ensure that each event reflects our brand values and exceeds guest expectations.

Key Attributes & Qualifications:

 Highly motivated self-starter with a proactive mindset

 Natural leader who models our brand culture and values

 Team-oriented with a strong focus on guest satisfaction

 Passionate about hospitality and building meaningful client relationships

 Confident and skilled in sales techniques and negotiations

 Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

 Strong organizational and time management abilities

 Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

 Goal-driven with proven ability to meet or exceed sales targets

 Reliable transportation required

 Bilingual (preferred but not required)


Core Responsibilities:

 Proactively solicit, negotiate, and confirm group and private dining business to meet or surpass sales goals

 Manage all incoming inquiries via phone, email, and website within a 48-hour response time

 Prepare proposals, issue contracts, and coordinate billing and event logistics including food and beverage arrangements

 Cultivate existing client relationships while also actively prospecting new business opportunities

 Serve as a brand ambassador at industry and community events

 Communicate effectively across all departments to ensure seamless event execution

 Build and maintain a consistent pipeline of leads and bookings

 Prepare and present floor plans, customized menus, and detailed event outlines to clients

 Create and update Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) in collaboration with front- and back-of-house teams

 Coordinate staffing needs and ensure alignment with event schedules

 Work closely with the GM, Executive Chef, Sommelier, and Bar Manager to review and confirm all food and beverage selections

 Oversee on-site and off-site event execution, including managing logistics, delegating responsibilities, and ensuring guest satisfaction

 Handle all aspects of the booking process including negotiations, contracts, deposits, payments, and post-event reconciliations

 Conduct timely follow-ups with clients, including thank-you notes and resolving any feedback

 Review monthly sales performance with the Director of Group Sales & Catering and align efforts to meet defined revenue goals

 Act as liaison between the restaurant and the corporate marketing team, ensuring timely communication of promotions, holidays, and specials to relevant contacts (concierges, planners, etc.)

 Assist with menu updates and printing as needed


Education & Experience Requirements:

 Minimum of 2 years’ experience in restaurant group sales or a comparable hospitality sales role

 Proven ability to negotiate pricing within company guidelines

 Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Outlook and Excel

 Experience with Tripleseat and OpenTable is a strong plus




Compensation: Base salary + commissions + benefits package

The Event Sales Manager is responsible for planning, selling, and executing all private dining and large party events. This role plays a critical part in driving revenue through both proactive and reactive sales efforts, including local marketing, direct outreach, and relationship-building strategies. The position reports to the Director of Group Sales & Catering and works closely with the General Manager and Executive Chef to ensure that each event reflects our brand values and exceeds guest expectations.

Key Attributes & Qualifications:

 Highly motivated self-starter with a proactive mindset

 Natural leader who models our brand culture and values

 Team-oriented with a strong focus on guest satisfaction

 Passionate about hospitality and building meaningful client relationships

 Confident and skilled in sales techniques and negotiations

 Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

 Strong organizational and time management abilities

 Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

 Goal-driven with proven ability to meet or exceed sales targets

 Reliable transportation required

 Bilingual (preferred but not required)


Core Responsibilities:

 Proactively solicit, negotiate, and confirm group and private dining business to meet or surpass sales goals

 Manage all incoming inquiries via phone, email, and website within a 48-hour response time

 Prepare proposals, issue contracts, and coordinate billing and event logistics including food and beverage arrangements

 Cultivate existing client relationships while also actively prospecting new business opportunities

 Serve as a brand ambassador at industry and community events

 Communicate effectively across all departments to ensure seamless event execution

 Build and maintain a consistent pipeline of leads and bookings

 Prepare and present floor plans, customized menus, and detailed event outlines to clients

 Create and update Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) in collaboration with front- and back-of-house teams

 Coordinate staffing needs and ensure alignment with event schedules

 Work closely with the GM, Executive Chef, Sommelier, and Bar Manager to review and confirm all food and beverage selections

 Oversee on-site and off-site event execution, including managing logistics, delegating responsibilities, and ensuring guest satisfaction

 Handle all aspects of the booking process including negotiations, contracts, deposits, payments, and post-event reconciliations

 Conduct timely follow-ups with clients, including thank-you notes and resolving any feedback

 Review monthly sales performance with the Director of Group Sales & Catering and align efforts to meet defined revenue goals

 Act as liaison between the restaurant and the corporate marketing team, ensuring timely communication of promotions, holidays, and specials to relevant contacts (concierges, planners, etc.)

 Assist with menu updates and printing as needed


Education & Experience Requirements:

 Minimum of 2 years’ experience in restaurant group sales or a comparable hospitality sales role

 Proven ability to negotiate pricing within company guidelines

 Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Outlook and Excel

 Experience with Tripleseat and OpenTable is a strong plus




Compensation: Base salary + commissions + benefits package