Sales & Events Manager

Hawksmoor - Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Hawksmoor Chicago is seeking a Sales and Events Manager to own the full sales cycle for private dining and events in Chicago. You will prospect, qualify, propose, negotiate, close, and oversee post-event follow-up to maximize booked revenue.

The role emphasizes outbound prospecting, building relationships with executive assistants, corporate event planners, and other bookers, and collaborating with operations to deliver flawless events.

Qualifications

• Proven sales experience with outbound prospecting and full-funnel management (hospitality/events a strong plus).
• Hunter mentality with a track record of generating new business.
• Excellent negotiation, closing, and customer service skills.
• Strong organizational skills to manage a high-volume, multi-stage sales pipeline.
• Proficiency with Tripleseat, LinkedIn/Crunchbase and Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive the full sales funnel—prospecting, lead generation, qualification, proposal, negotiation, close, and post-event follow-up.
• Proactively generate new business through outbound prospecting and networking.
• Keep private dining rooms and the restaurant fully booked months in advance.
• Build and own a robust sales database for Chicago with no untapped opportunities.
• Set and hit personal sales targets and KPIs tied to activity, pipeline value, and revenue.
• Maintain CRM systems, ensure accurate data and timely reporting.

Skills

Proven sales experience

Hunter mindset

Negotiation & closing

Organization & pipeline mgmt

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

Tripleseat

LinkedIn Prospecting

Crunchbase

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Sales and Events Manager is arevenue-driving roleresponsible for owning the full sales cycle — from outbound prospecting and lead generation through to close and flawless execution — for all private functions and private dining sales at Hawksmoor Chicago. This role is first and foremost asales role: success is measured by pipeline growth, conversion, and booked revenue, with events execution as the natural extension of a well-managed sales funnel.

We're looking for a proactive hunter who thrives on building relationships from scratch, generating new business, and consistently filling the sales funnel — while also operating as a trusted, collaborative member of the broader restaurant leadership team.

Key Responsibilities

Drive Sales & Own the Funnel

• Own and drive thefull sales funnel— prospecting, lead generation, qualification, proposal, negotiation, close, and post-event follow-up — with a relentless focus on maximizing conversion at every stage
• Proactively generate new business throughoutbound prospectingas a core, daily activity — targeted outreach and networking to build a consistent pipeline of new leads
• Maintain and grow sales momentum needed to keep private dining rooms and the restaurant fully booked months and years into the futu
• Build and own a robust sales database for Chicago, ensuring no opportunity in the local market goes untapped
• Set and hit personal sales targets and KPIs tied to outbound activity volume, pipeline value, and closed revenue
• Track and report on funnel health — lead volume, conversion rates, average deal size, and velocity — to continuously improve sales performance
• Identify and cultivate relationships across every type of booker — from executive assistants to corporate event planners to CEOs
• Liaise with sales and marketing communities, membership organizations, associations, and listing guides to build referral pipelines and incentivize bookings

Sales Execution & Relationship Management

• Promote Hawksmoor Chicago to discerning diners across the city and beyond, positioning the brand as the go-to destination for private events
• Run regular showcases, tastings, and client events designed specifically to generate and convert new sales leads
• Keep all digital booking systems, CRM, and databases accurate and current to support disciplined pipeline management
• Embed the Hawksmoor Chicago brand into the local dining scene, building it into a respected long-term cornerstone of Chicago culture
• Be the host for onsite events, introduce and turn over clients to the operations team

Team Collaboration

• Act as akey, collaborative memberof the Hawksmoor Chicago team — working closely with operations, culinary, and front-of-house leadership to ensure every sold event is flawlessly executed
• Partner cross-functionally to align sales promises with operational capability, ensuring a seamless handoff from sale to execution
• Support a team-first culture, pitching in wherever needed to support the broader goals of the restaurant

Qualifications and Skills

• Proven sales experiencewith a track record of driving revenue through proactive outbound prospecting and full-funnel sales management — hospitality or events experience is a strong plus
• Hunter mentality: demonstrated success generating new business from cold outreach, not just managing inbound leads
• Excellent negotiation, closing, and customer service skills
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage a high-volume, multi-stage sales pipeline and multiple projects simultaneously
• Proficiency in Tripleseat, Prospecting systems (LinkedIn, Crunchbase and beyond), and Microsoft Office Suite
• A collaborative, team-oriented approach with the ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced restaurant environment

This role requires working some evenings, weekends, and holidays to oversee events.

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