Event Sales Manager

$65,000 - $80,000/Yr

Patrice And Associates Franchising - Reston, VA

Full-time - Mid Level

Reston, VA

Administrative and Support Services

About the position

The Event Sales Manager is responsible for generating sales for catering and event planning services at a fine dining restaurant chain. This role focuses on maximizing revenues and profits by working with prospective guests to create high-quality catering experiences. The manager will engage in networking, respond to inquiries, prepare proposals, and maintain relationships with clients and vendors to ensure successful events.

Responsibilities

• Generate sales from new and existing business for catering and event functions through networking, cold calling, and warm leads.
• Respond to potential guest inquiries and provide information regarding catering and event services.
• Foster relationships with meeting planners and corporate event contacts to develop business.
• Prepare proposals/contracts and present to prospective guests detailing pricing and service offerings.
• Follow up on guest turnovers, lost business, and past accounts.
• Maintain metrics for sales pipeline and monitor booking trends to produce forecast figures and reports.
• Organize, plan, and guide guests in planning private dining functions and events.
• Develop menus and agendas, ensuring BEOs are issued and correspondence with vendors is complete.
• Handle all administrative details for catering functions and events, including securing contracts and deposits.
• Track all sales, revenue, gratuities, and facilitation statistics, comparing to prior months and years.
• Assist management in planning and executing special functions for the restaurant as requested.
• Respond to all guest issues and complaints in a timely manner and keep the General Manager informed of any problems.
• Participate in management meetings and related activities as requested.

Requirements

• Associate's degree or equivalent in hotel and restaurant management or related field preferred.
• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible hotel/restaurant sales experience, preferably in catering or fine dining.
• High proficiency in computer skills, including strong knowledge of Windows, MS Word, and Excel.
• Knowledge of restaurant point-of-service systems such as MICROS is helpful.
• Knowledge of food & beverage preparation techniques and health department regulations.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in fine dining and catering sales.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience in managing client relationships.

Benefits

• Base pay of $65,000 with a potential annual income of $80,000 including commission.