Maple & Ash Chicago - Event Sales Manager

Maple & Ash Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Maple & Ash Chicago is seeking a polished, energetic leader to drive local marketing, events, and outbound sales. You will activate community relationships, collaborate with Corporate Marketing and Events Director, and elevate the Maple & Ash brand through compelling programs.

With 4+ years in catering, events, sales, or hospitality, you will own local store initiatives, manage partnerships, and coordinate private events from proposals to execution, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and

Qualifications

• 4+ years of catering, events, sales, or marketing experience in hospitality.
• High-end restaurant experience is required.
• Strong community relationships and ability to leverage them for outbound sales and brand growth.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of sales and event systems.
• Genuine passion for food, beverage, and hospitality.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Corporate Marketing, Culinary, and the Sales & Events Director on menu updates, launches, LTOs, events, and brand initiatives.
• Grow local store marketing initiatives to drive awareness, traffic, and community affinity in the Chicago market.
• Identify, develop, and manage strategic local partnerships with businesses, cultural institutions, nonprofits, hotels, and neighborhoods.
• Lead outbound sales initiatives to generate private event leads and corporate partnerships.
• Coordinate with external vendors for events and oversee execution with front- and back-of-house teams.

Skills

Brand stewardship

Outbound sales

Community relationships

Communication skills

Marketing

Job description

Join Maple Hospitality Group, where culinary excellence meets unparalleled service. Led by renowned restaurateur Jim Lasky and two-Michelin-starred Chef Danny Grant, known for his innovative approach to fine dining, we're building a team of passionate food lovers dedicated to creating iconic destinations.We believe success hinges on impeccable food, world-class service, and one-of-a-kind dining experiences. As we expand across Chicago, Scottsdale, Dallas, Santa Barbara, Miami, Boston and New York, you'll find endless opportunities for growth, travel, and continuing education.Our culture is built on four core principles:Generosity: Always give more, exceed expectations.Excellence: Deliver exceptional work with unmatched expertise.Fun: Love what you do, laugh often, and enjoy the journey.Fail Fast: Learn from mistakes, adapt, and keep improving.Pay: $60k + commission, total potential earnings $100k+Who You AreA polished, professional, and energetic leader who understands that marketing shapes the brand story and events drive revenue and connection. You bring established relationships within the community and know how to activate them. You are proactive in outbound sales, comfortable building business through networking and outreach, and committed to reinforcing Maple & Ash’s reputation in the market. You thrive in a fast-paced environment, demonstrate strong communication skills, and take pride in elevating the guest experience through both marketing and event execution.What You Will DoMarketing & Brand StewardshipCollaborate with Corporate Marketing, Culinary, and the Sales & Events Director on menu updates, launches, LTOs, events, and brand initiatives.Protect and elevate the guest experience in all marketing and event materials.Review guest feedback and reputation data to identify opportunities and improvement plans.Cultivate and activate relationships with local businesses, community leaders, and aligned partners to drive local store marketing initiatives, increase brand visibility, and generate business opportunities.Stay informed on competitive trends and emerging insights in the hospitality industry.Provide local market insights, partnership opportunities, and event moments to support Corporate PR, social media, email, and design initiatives.Local Store Marketing & Community EngagementOwn local store marketing initiatives that drive awareness, traffic, and community affinity in the Boston market.Identify, develop, and manage strategic local partnerships including businesses, cultural institutions, nonprofits, hotels, and neighborhood organizations.Represent Maple & Ash at relevant community events, networking opportunities, and industry functions to build authentic local presence.Develop and execute grassroots marketing opportunities that extend beyond traditional paid media and digital channels.Serve as the primary local liaison between restaurant operations and Corporate Marketing, sharing timely insights, opportunities, and market-specific wins.Proactively surface local storytelling opportunities for PR, social media, and email marketing teams (without owning execution).Event Sales & ExecutionDrive outbound sales initiatives to generate private event leads and corporate partnerships through structured outreach.Leverage existing community relationships to increase event revenue and expand Maple & Ash’s presence.Communicate with clients regarding proposals, bids, collateral, and contracts.Conduct walkthroughs and site visits that highlight the Singular Maple & Ash experience.Coordinate with external vendors including rentals, linens, AV, and floral partners.Review private event sales trends with finance partners and identify opportunities to grow revenue.Oversee event execution with FOH and BOH leaders to ensure seamless service and consistent brand delivery.Handle guest concerns pre- and post-event and ensure follow-through aligned with our hospitality expectations.Leadership & OperationsPlan events and serve as the onsite contact for the group, in coordination with the event captain, management, chefs and service team.Adhere to financial plans, budgets, and departmental targets.Follow all corporate and restaurant SOPs.Partner with the Executive Chef and culinary team to ensure exceptional event food quality and guest satisfaction.Maintain a safe and healthy environment by upholding sanitation standards.Demonstrate a professional, caring, and solution-oriented demeanor in all interactions.Support broader company goals by owning assigned responsibilities and identifying opportunities to add value.Qualifications4+ years of catering, events, sales, or marketing experience in hospitality.High-end restaurant experience is required.Strong community relationships and the ability to leverage them for outbound sales and brand growth.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Knowledge of sales and event systems.Genuine passion for food, beverage, and hospitality.Ability to operate effectively within structured systems.Adaptability and alignment with MHG policies and values.Physical RequirementsAbility to lift up to 25 lbs.Ability to stand, sit, or walk for extended periods.Professional appearance in a clean uniform.