Manager, Special Event Sales

Sports Careers; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

LAFC is seeking a Manager, Special Event Sales to drive awareness, demand, and revenue for BMO Stadium’s private events. You will manage the full sales process from lead generation through contract execution while serving as the main contact for prospects and clients.

The ideal candidate will have entrepreneurial drive, networking skills, and the ability to build relationships in a competitive market. This role offers a salary-based package with commission opportunities and reports to the EVP,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university; preferred majors include sales, marketing, business administration, sports management or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in hospitality sales or related field; major stadium or venue preferred.
• Proven ability to build, lead, and execute a structured B2B sales process from prospecting to contract execution.
• Professional demeanor, customer service first mindset, and ability to interact with all levels of the organization and outside contacts.
• Strong knowledge of food and beverage preparation, service standards, guest relations, and hospitality etiquette.
• Experience crafting and delivering sales pitches and presentations to stakeholders at all levels, including business owners and c-suite executives.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full sales process from lead generation through contract execution for private events at BMO Stadium.
• Serve as the main point of contact for prospects and clients, responding to inquiries and resolving concerns in a timely manner.
• Provide expert knowledge on cost estimates, rental rates, contractual obligations, and other elements associated with booking spaces within the facility.
• Develop and execute marketing campaigns promoting BMO Stadium as a premier destination for private events.
• Identify emerging market opportunities, drive aggressive outreach and develop strategies to expand BMO Stadium's private events business across various market segments.
• Develop and nourish relationships with key industry personnel throughout Southern California in the meetings and events space.
• Partner and coordinate cross-collaboration across internal teams to ensure seamless execution of private events.
• Acts as a liaison between BMO Stadium and Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (LATCB).
• Conduct on-site facility tours with prospects and clients.
• Manage the event booking calendar for all sales, marketing, and booking activities.
• Proactively consult with current and prospective clients to sell available dates within a competitive booking time frame.
• Prepare and ensure full compliance with rental contracts and all other contractual agreements.
• Attend marketing and sales industry-related meetings, networking events, seminars and conferences for education and network expansion opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor/Management.

Skills

B2B sales

Hospitality sales

Relationship building

Presentation skills

Contract knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Overview

The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) is an MLS soccer club serving the greater Los Angeles area. LAFC is dedicated to building a world-class soccer club that represents the diversity of Los Angeles and is committed to delivering an unrivaled experience for fans. LAFC’s ownership group is comprised of local leaders and innovators of industry with intellectual capital, financial prowess, operations expertise, and success in the fields of entertainment, sports, technology, and media. LAFC is invested in the world’s game and Los Angeles, constructing, and developing the 22,000 seat BMO Stadium and a top-flight training center on the campus of Cal-State Los Angeles.

Position Summary

The Manager, Special Event Sales, is responsible for driving awareness, demand, and revenue for BMO Stadium’s private events business. This person will be managing and executing the full sales process from lead generation through contract execution. Thus, this person will be wearing various different hats overseeing strategic marketing, business development, and event sales management to position BMO Stadium as one of Southern California's premier destinations for special events.

The ideal candidate is an entrepreneurial self-starter who enjoys networking, building relationships, and working collaboratively in a competitive market to create new opportunities while representing BMO Stadium.

This role is a salary-based position with additional compensation available through competitive commission opportunities.

This role reports to the EVP, Entertainment and Development.

LAFC is currently operating on a hybrid work model with a minimum of 2 in-office days per week. Please note that this may vary by role, and your scheduled in-office days are up to the discretion of your supervisor.

Essential Functions

• Lead and manage the full sales process from lead generation through contract execution for private events at BMO Stadium.
• Serve as the main point of contact for prospects and clients, responding to and resolving all booking inquiries and concerns in a timely manner.
• Provide expert knowledge and support to clients regarding cost estimates, rental rates, contractual obligations, and other elements associated with booking spaces within the facility.
• Develop and execute marketing campaigns promoting BMO Stadium as a premier destination for private events.
• Identify emerging market opportunities, drive aggressive outreach and develop other strategies to expand BMO Stadium's private events business across various market segments.
• Develop and nourish relationships with key industry personnel throughout Southern California in the meetings and events space.
• Partner and coordinate cross-collaboration across various internal teams to ensure seamless execution of private events.
• Acts as a liaison between BMO Stadium and Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (LATCB).
• Conduct on-site facility tours with prospects and clients.
• Manage the event booking calendar for all sales, marketing, and booking activities.
• Proactively consult with current and prospective clients in order to sell available dates within a competitive booking time frame.
• Prepare and ensure full compliance with rental contracts and all other contractual agreements.
• Prepare bid letters and contracts needed in order to secure sourced prospects.
• Attend marketing and sales industry-related meetings, networking events, seminars and conferences for continuous education and network expansion opportunities
• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor/Management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from and accredited College/University required, major in sales, marketing, business administration, sports management or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in the hospitality sales or related field required, with a major stadium or venue preferred.
• Proven ability to build, lead, and execute a structured B2B sales process from prospecting to contract execution.
• Must possess a professional demeanor, possess a customer service first mindset, and have the ability to interact with all levels of the organization and outside contacts.
• Strong knowledge of best practices regarding food and beverage preparation, service standards, guest relations, and hospitality etiquette.
• Prior experience crafting and delivering sales pitches and presentations to stakeholders at all levels, including business owners and c-suite executives.
• Strong org