Special Events Sales Manager

VENUES; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Cosm in Detroit is seeking a Senior Special Event Sales Manager to drive revenue through private events, corporate functions, and group experiences. You will own the end-to-end sales cycle—from prospecting and contracting to planning, production, and on-site delivery—collaborating with operations, marketing, catering, and event production to ensure exceptional guest experiences.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in venue sales, hospitality, or catering, outstanding client service and negotiation

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• 5+ years in venue sales, catering, or hospitality management.
• Outstanding guest service and client engagement.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Experience with Tripleseat or similar software preferred.
• English proficiency required for duties.

Responsibilities

• Prospect and secure new business for private events, corporate functions, and group experiences.
• Respond to RFPs via all channels and direct inquiries.
• Build strong client relationships and serve as primary contact through post-event follow-up.
• Develop proposals and contracts highlighting technology, production, and hospitality offerings.
• Manage end-to-end planning from catering to production and run of show.
• Collaborate with operations, catering, marketing, and event production teams.
• Manage timelines, budgets, and client expectations for Cosm-worthy outcomes.
• Lead site visits and presentations to showcase immersive technology and premium hospitality.
• Provide pipeline, activity, and performance reports to Sales Director.
• Achieve and exceed revenue goals through strategic initiatives and growth.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication skills

Client relationships

Multitasking

Organization

Problem solving

Attention to detail

English ability

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Tripleseat

Job description

Summary:

The Special Event Sales Manager is responsible for driving revenue through the sales and execution of private events, corporate functions, and group experiences. This role focuses on identifying and securing new business opportunities, cultivating relationships with clients and partners, and ensuring seamless event planning and delivery. The Special Event Sales Manager will lead the entire event sales process—from initial prospecting and contracting through planning, production, and on‑site execution—while collaborating closely with operations, marketing, catering, and event production teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

Responsibilities:

• Prospect, identify, and secure new business opportunities for private events, corporate functions, and group experiences within Cosm public ticketed events.
• Respond to all RFP’s received via all channels including internet/website, direct inquiries, third party lead sites, and walk‑ins.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, serving as the primary point of contact from inquiry through post‑event follow‑up.
• Develop customized proposals and contracts that highlight the venue’s advanced technology, immersive production capabilities, and hospitality offerings.
• Manage end‑to‑end client event planning, from catering and AV to production and run of show.
• Collaborate with operations, catering, marketing, and event production teams to ensure flawless planning, execution, and guest experience.
• Manage event timelines, budgets, and client expectations to deliver Cosm‑worthy outcomes.
• Lead site visits and presentations that highlight Cosm’s immersive technology and premium hospitality, positioning the venue as a premier destination for events.
• Provide regular pipeline, sales activity, and performance reports to the Sales Director.
• Achieve and exceed revenue goals through strategic sales initiatives and account growth.
• Stay informed on industry trends and competitive offerings to position the venue as an innovative leader in the market.
• Hold regular meetings with operations and F&B departments to review BEO’s for upcoming events and updates on other groups/events as needed.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of all venue offerings, food & beverage minimums, venue fees, strategies, tech capabilities, event space layout, capacities, and catering menus with pricing.
• When needed, participate in trade shows, community, professional, and industry organizations to maintain high visibility/exposure for Cosm.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive records and files to provide sales history and continuity of quality service.
• Plan and conduct pre and post‑event meetings with clients and respective departments.
• Ensure site inspections and client visits to the venue are successful by planning carefully and communicating accurate details in advance to all departments.
• Effectively communicate all venue policies, procedures, and charges in regard to services being provided to the client.
• Perform administrative duties relevant to account responsibilities in compliance with Cosm guidelines.
• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned by management.

Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in a venue sales, catering, or hospitality management.
• Outstanding guest service skills and ability to engage with fans and team members in an attentive, friendly, courteous, and service oriented manner.
• Excellent communication skills in terms of the ability to negotiate, sell, and influence clients and meeting attendees.
• Experience with Tripleseat or similar event management software preferred.
• Must be able to speak, read, write, and communicate in English to adequately perform the duties of the job.
• Knowledge of event planning/hospitality principles and practices.
• Ability to travel to area businesses and accounts to solicit new business as needed.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize daily workload.
• Outstanding organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive material with the utmost discretion and confidentiality.
• Must be energetic, a self‑starter, and able to work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Must be detail‑oriented and able to work both independently and with a team.
• Must be effective in handling problems, including anticipating, preventing, identifying, and solving problems as necessary.
• Must be able to show initiative, including anticipating fan and/or operational needs.
• Must be able to maintain standards of attendance and punctuality and must be able to work varying schedules that include evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as business dictates.