Special Events Sales Manager Featured Lafayette, IN

Kaizen Lab Inc.; Lafayette (IN); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaizen Lab Inc. is seeking a dynamic Special Events Sales Manager to drive private event space sales and oversee off-site catering operations. The role blends sales and operations, coordinating between clients, kitchen, and service staff to ensure flawless execution of high-end events.

You will lead inbound inquiries, design seating layouts, create BEOs, and collaborate with culinary teams. The position includes staffing, training, and profitability analysis to maximize event margins.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of dedicated event sales or catering management experience, ideally within a high-volume restaurant environment.
• Experience with off-site catering and private events.
• Valid food safety certification (ServSafe Manager) and alcohol server training.
• Ability to stand, walk, and coordinate logistics for long shifts and lift event equipment.

Responsibilities

• Inbound Lead Conversion and site tours to convert inquiries into booked events.
• Design custom floor plans and AV setups for corporate events and upscale dinners.
• On-site supervision and coordination with kitchen and service staff during events.
• Catering business expansion through outbound outreach to local corporations and venues.

Skills

Tripleseat

Reservation systems

Microsoft Office

Education

ServSafe Manager certification

Local alcohol server training

Job description

Program Overview

We are seeking a dynamic, sales-driven Special Events Sales Manager for our highly desirable private event room and aggressively scale our growing off‑site catering operations. This hybrid sales and operations role serves as the primary liaison between clients, the kitchen, and service staff to ensure the flawless execution of all high‑end private dinners, corporate meetings, and off‑site catered experiences.

Core Responsibilities

1. Private Event Space Sales & Management

• Inbound Lead Conversion: Convert inquiries for our premier private dining room into booked events through swift communication, professional site tours, and customized tastings.
• Floor Plan Layouts: Design custom table arrangements, seating charts, and audio‑visual setups tailored to corporate presentations, milestone parties, and upscale dinners.
• On‑Site Supervision: Direct the operational flow on the day of the event, coordinating exact timing with the kitchen and floor staff to maintain strict service standards.

2. Catering Business Expansion

• Outbound Business Development: Actively pitch off‑site catering services to local corporations, wedding venues, planners, and community organizations to build a recurring pipeline.

3. Culinary & Team Collaboration

• BEO Creation: Author highly detailed Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and distribute them to the kitchen and service teams during mandatory weekly operational meetings.
• Staffing & Training: Assist in hiring, scheduling, and training dedicated banquet servers, bartenders, and off‑site catering staff.

4. Financial & Administrative Duties

• Profitability Reporting: Analyze the food, beverage, and labor cost margins for every event to guarantee maximum profitability.
• CRM Management: Maintain an organized client database to send post‑event surveys and systematically follow up for annual corporate re‑bookings.

Recommended Qualifications

• Professional Experience: 2–5 years of dedicated event sales or catering management experience, ideally within a high‑volume restaurant environment.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with restaurant event management platforms (such as Tripleseat), reservation systems, and Microsoft Office.
• Industry Certifications: Possession of a valid food safety certification (like ServSafe Manager) and local alcohol server training credentials.
• Physical Capability: Ability to stand, walk, and coordinate logistics for 8+ hour shifts, and lift event equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.