Sales and Events Manager

Darden Restaurants Inc.; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Eddie V's, part of Darden Restaurants, seeks a Sales and Events Manager to drive profitable sales growth by developing and executing business plans. You will cultivate relationships with guests, manage private dining sales, and coordinate events to create exceptional experiences.

You will oversee local marketing budgets, negotiate contracts, and coach the team on relationship-building and sales techniques. A hospitality or business background and experience in luxury service are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Proficient verbal and written English communication required.
• Bachelor's degree (Hospitality, Business) preferred.
• Experience in luxury brands or high-touch service culture preferred.
• Proficiency with OpenTable, Gather, and Outlook preferred.

Responsibilities

• Create and execute business development plans to acquire new guests.
• Grow contracted dining revenue and private dining sales.
• Manage local marketing budget with ROI focus on sales initiatives.
• Host in-house or off-site events to source new business and referrals.
• Cultivate guest relationships and CRM outreach to prospects.
• Negotiate contracts and deliver event orders to teams.

Skills

CRM outreach

Sales growth

Event planning

Contract negotiation

Budget management

Relationship building

Networking

Team coaching

Marketing coordination

CRM software

Education

Bachelor's degree (Hospitality, Business)

Tools

OpenTable

Gather

Outlook

CRM systems

Job description

For this position, pay will be variable by location - See additional job details and benefits belowThe Sales and Events Manager at Eddie V's is accountable for delivering profitable sales growth by creating and executing business development plans to acquire new guests and growing contracted dining business by creating indulgent experiences for our guests. Core tenets of the role include building relationships with new and existing guests, growing total revenue and contracted dining revenue, and executing over-the-top contracted event dining experiences for our guests. Successful performance is measured by consistent delivery of profitable sales growth through our systems and procedures from the perspective of all our stakeholders.Reports To: Managing PartnerDirect Reports: 1 - 8ResponsibilitiesCreate accountability for profitable sales growth resultsAchieve restaurant financial goals, including but not limited to overall sales growth, close ratios, and private dining salesManage and reconcile the local marketing budget to generate a positive return on investment (ROI) on sales initiativesStrategize with managing partner to identify specific business needs and implement sales plans to address gaps, such as: Host in-house or off-site events to source new business (meeting planners, administrative assistants, etc.) Introduce new and reintroduce lapsed guests to the restaurant by leveraging local marketing fundsProvide insight into sales projections on a weekly basis and develop outreach and in-reach plans to meet sales targetsExecute sales outreach plans for national and local events (e.g. Restaurant Week, gift cards sales, wine events) as prescribed(e.g. send invitations to organizations; create team contests; garner referrals; and reengage past guests)Cultivate guest relationshipsBuid track customer relationship management (CRM) outreach to prospects and existing guestsSource new business by developing referral relationships with partner organizations (chambers, CVB, hotels, etc.)Grow guest database for actionable outreach (birthday, anniversary, email marketing) by ensuring guest and reservation information database is accurately recorded and cleansed weeklyDevelop and foster a strong sales culture by educating and coaching team members on relationship building and sales growthGrow contracted dining business by creating indulgent experiencesSource, develop, and grow relationships with key stakeholders at nearby businesses (e.g. admins, meeting planners, etc.)Negotiate contracts, accurately record event details in the group sales software and reservation system, and communicate/deliver event orders to managers, culinary and service team members to create indulgent event experiences for our guestsCreate accountability for flawlessly planning and executing all contracted dining events o Greet, be present and be of service to event hosts to ensure their expectations are exceeded (typically remain in the restaurant until main course is served)Follow up with private dining guests after their events to gauge feedback, be of service and secure repeat businessOther responsibilitiesLeverage Host University to improve sales acumen amongst sales professionals and hosts o Participate in regularly scheduled training sessions to continually learn and share best practices and develop new sales skillsSupport the managing partner with ensuring reservation system is optimizedEnsure all communications from Restaurant Support Center (RSC) are disseminated and implemented on timePartner with RSC for legal and financial counsel, as well as approvals on published marketing materials and partnershipsSecure approvals and use the project management system to create marketing collateral to support sales initiativesEducation, Training, Experience and Key QualificationsProficient verbal and written English communication requiredExperience in luxury brands or high-touch service culture preferredBachelor's degree (Hospitality, Business) preferredProficiency with Outlook, OpenTable and Gather preferredState Benefits Overview