Event Sales Manager

Big Onion Hospitality; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary with strong earning upside

Uncapped commission

Annual bonus

Health, dental, vision insurance

401k with employer match

Paid time off & holidays

Dining and venue discounts

Professional growth & development

Inclusive work environment

Job summary

Big Onion Hospitality in Chicago is seeking an Experienced Event Sales Manager to drive private event bookings, manage client relationships, and oversee the full event lifecycle from inquiry to post-event follow-up.

The ideal candidate excels in sales, communication, and hospitality operations, with a track record of achieving revenue targets and delivering outstanding guest experiences at in-person events.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of event sales experience in hospitality or related industry.
• Proven ability to meet or exceed sales targets.
• Proficiency in CRM systems (Tripleseat preferred) and event sales software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Availability to work evenings/weekends for events.
• Strong understanding of event operations and guest experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full sales cycle from inquiry to contract to execution and post-event follow-up.
• Conduct site tours and client meetings to showcase event spaces.
• Develop customized proposals and menus aligned with client needs and budgets.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, minimums, and service fees while maximizing revenue opportunities.
• Coordinate event details with culinary, operations, and management teams.
• Ensure exceptional guest experience before, during, and after each event.
• Generate new events and a book of business through outbound sales, networking, and inbound lead follow-up.
• Attend and support execution of key events and game day activations as needed.
• Build relationships with local businesses, offices, venues, and community partners.

Skills

Relationship building

Sales

Communication

Negotiation

Customer service

Tools

Tripleseat

Job description

Big Onion Hospitality is a dynamic and expanding restaurant group known for its exceptional dining experiences and commitment to excellence. We are seeking a motivated and relationship-driven Event Sales Manager to build client relationships, drive event bookings and grow sales within a location. We value our employees and offer a very competitive benefit package detailed below.

Our Mission:

It’s our Mission to “make each and every guest feel as though they are walking into our own personal home.” Our Sales Team Mission to “plan each and every event as though we are planning it for our very best friend.”

Position Overview:

The Events Sales Manager is responsible for driving private event revenue through proactive sales, client relationship management, and seamless event execution. This role manages the full lifecycle of events including prospecting, booking, menu planning, logistics coordination, and execution. The ideal candidate is highly organized, sales-driven, and thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the full sales cycle from inquiry to contract to execution and post-event follow-up
• Conduct site tours and client meetings to showcase event spaces
• Develop customized proposals and menus aligned with client needs and budgets
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, minimums, and service fees while maximizing revenue opportunities
• Coordinate event details with culinary, operations, and management teams
• Ensure exceptional guest experience before, during, and after each event

Relationship Building & Networking:

• Generate new events and a book of business through outbound sales, networking, and inbound lead follow-up
• Attend and support execution of key events and game day activations as needed
• Build relationships with local businesses, offices, venues, and community partners

Systems & Processes:

• Track sales activity, pipeline, and performance against event revenue goals
• Maintain CRM/event software with accurate client, and event information
• Support marketing initiatives, promotions, game-day calendars, and event-focused campaigns
• Develop junior level Event Sales Coordinators and Event Sales Managers

Qualifications:

• 3+ years of event sales experience in hospitality, food & beverage or a related industry
• Proven ability to meet or exceed sales targets and revenue goals
• Proficiency in CRM systems (Tripleseat preferred) and event sales software
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong understanding of event operations, logistics and the guest experience
• Availability to work evenings/weekends as needed for events

What We Offer:

• Competitive base salary ($50,000-$60,000, based on experience)
• Uncapped commission with significant earning potential
• Performance-based incentives
• Annual bonus opportunity
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance
• 401k with employer match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Dining and venue discounts
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• A dynamic and inclusive work environment.

Big Onion Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. This is a full-time, in-person role.