Events Sales Manager

San Francisco, CA | Full-Time

Compensation | $100,000+ ($80,000 annual base salary + 3% commission on event sales)

Position Overview

We are seeking a results-driven and highly organized Events Sales Manager to lead all aspects of private event and banquet sales for an established San Francisco restaurant. This position owns the full sales and planning lifecycle—from prospecting and booking new business through detailed pre-event coordination and post-event follow-up.

The Events Sales Manager will be responsible for developing new business, cultivating lasting client relationships, preparing proposals and Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), and partnering closely with culinary and service leadership to ensure each event is positioned for success. On-site execution will transition to the assigned event or banquet captain and service team.

The ideal candidate is a proactive self-starter who enjoys building relationships, thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment, and can balance sales generation with detailed event planning and exceptional client service.

Key Responsibilities

Event Sales & Business Development

• Respond promptly and professionally to event inquiries by phone, email, and in person.
• Proactively generate new business through outreach to corporate, social, community, and local clientele.
• Cold-call prospective clients and consistently follow up with leads, previous guests, and past event customers.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with repeat and prospective clients.
• Meet or exceed established sales targets and quarterly activity goals.
• Maintain accurate pricing for all billable event products and services, reflecting current costs and profitability goals.
• Identify opportunities to upsell menus, beverage packages, enhancements, and additional services throughout the sales process.
• Assist with event sales forecasting and revenue planning.

Proposals, Contracts & Event Planning

• Develop customized event proposals, contracts, and Banquet Event Orders (BEOs).
• Document all final event arrangements, including guest counts, timelines, menus, room setup, and special requests.
• Partner closely with culinary and restaurant leadership to develop menus and packages that meet both client expectations and business objectives.
• Regularly review upcoming BEOs and communicate with clients to finalize guarantees and last-minute changes.
• Maintain an accurate and up-to-date event calendar and booking pipeline.

Event Logistics & Coordination

• Coordinate event logistics, including timing, room setup, AV requirements, décor, and special requests.
• Communicate event details clearly to culinary, service, and management teams before each function.
• Inspect event spaces in advance to ensure setup, menus, and staffing align with the BEO.
• Brief assigned event and banquet captains to ensure a seamless transition from planning to on-site execution.
• Facilitate pre- and post-event meetings as needed to align department leaders and gather feedback.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the client and restaurant throughout the sales and planning process.
• Ensure each event is positioned to run smoothly, efficiently, and profitably while fulfilling all contractual and guest requirements.

Client Experience & Relationship Management

• Deliver exceptional customer service throughout the inquiry, booking, planning, and post-event follow-up process.
• Proactively address client concerns and communicate feedback to restaurant leadership.
• Solicit feedback from guests and internal teams to continually improve event operations and service.
• Follow up after events to ensure client satisfaction and cultivate repeat business and referrals.

Financial & Administrative Management

• Ensure deposits, payments, invoicing, and final billing are processed accurately and on time.
• Review event bills with clients to ensure accuracy before finalization.
• Monitor event profitability and support cost-control initiatives.
• Maintain organized and accurate event records, BEOs, function sheets, and sales reporting.
• Track event performance and contribute to ongoing revenue and profitability initiatives.

Marketing & Business Development Support

• Partner with restaurant leadership on marketing initiatives designed to increase private event bookings.
• Support email campaigns, seasonal promotions, and event-related marketing initiatives.
• Maintain accurate event information across relevant third-party and digital platforms.
• Collaborate with creative and marketing partners on social media, promotional materials, and private event collateral.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in event sales, private dining, catering, banquets, hospitality sales, or event management.
• Proven ability to meet or exceed sales goals through proactive prospecting, relationship building, and follow-up.
• Strong knowledge of banquet and event service standards, room setups, and event logistics.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple events, clients, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to prepare contracts, BEOs, proposals, and accurate event billing.
• Comfortable analyzing event expenses and working within established budget and profitability guidelines.
• Experience with hospitality platforms such as TripleSeat, Toast, SevenRooms, OpenTable, MarginEdge, and 7Shifts is a plus.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional nights, weekends, and holidays as required for client meetings and site visits.
• Self-motivated, professional, and comfortable working in a fast-paced restaurant environment.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate is a sales-minded hospitality professional who genuinely enjoys developing relationships and creating memorable events. They are proactive about generating new business rather than relying solely on inbound inquiries and understand how to turn prospective clients into long-term relationships.

This individual is equally comfortable conducting a sales call, giving a site tour, developing a proposal, negotiating event details, preparing a BEO, and collaborating with culinary and service teams. They are polished, personable, organized, and motivated by both client satisfaction and revenue growth.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $80,000
• Commission: 3% on event sales
• Full Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)

The commission structure provides meaningful additional earning potential for a motivated sales professional who can successfully grow the restaurant's private events and banquet business.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. #AA