Catering and Events Manager - Bower Surf Club

Catering and Events Manager

Location: Santa Monica, CA 

Restaurant: Bower Surf Club

Company: New School 

Bower Santa Monica is a new restaurant opening this August at the Colorado Center, a premier 15-acre office campus in Santa Monica. Bower, spanning 6,500 square feet, brings together California Coastal cuisine with influences from Australian cafe culture as well as Mediterranean and Southeast Asian flavors. From daytime espresso, grain bowls, and smoothies to evening shareable plates, whole-grilled fish, and cocktails. Founded by restaurateur Dave Harper (Bondi Harvest, Amigo Roasters, Likeminded Wellness Club) in partnership with BXP and New School Hospitality, Bower is rooted in a love of surfing, coastal living, and genuine community. With warm, earthy interiors, open-air accordion doors, and an outdoor patio, we’re creating a laid-back yet vibrant gathering place for the people who work, live, and play on the Westside.

Position Overview:

This position is responsible for managing all aspects of private events, from initial inquiry and venue tours through planning, coordination, and execution. The ideal candidate has a proven background in hospitality sales and experience managing high-profile social, corporate, and private events. And also familiar with Tripleseat and Ande. This position will also require time on the floor, assisting during peak business periods, and opening the restaurant. 

Key Responsibilities Include (but are not limited to):

Sales and Inquiry Management:

• Respond promptly to all private event and large party inquiries
• Conduct venue tours and client walkthroughs
• Prepare proposals, contracts, and event agreements
• Convert inquiries into confirmed bookings
• Identify opportunities to grow event revenue and increase repeat business

Event Planning and Execution:

• Manage event logistics from booking through execution
• Coordinate menus, timelines, floorplans, staffing needs, and special requests
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the planning process
• Maintain strong communication with culinary and operations teams
• Ensure exceptional client experiences and flawless event execution

Guest Experience:

• Lead by example in delivering exceptional client service, setting the standard for the events team
• Respond promptly and professionally to client feedback, resolving any issues to ensure full satisfaction
• Showcase personable and engaging qualities as a conversationalist and understand the fundamentals of sales within a dining establishment
• Demonstrate patience with the ability to keep calm in the face of distress
• Operate with appropriate speed and efficiency without sacrificing elements of quality
• Rely on the ability to multitask and prioritize a variety of tasks and responsibilities simultaneously

Relationship Management:

• Develop relationships with corporate clients, event planners, concierges, and community partners
• Strategically maintain an ongoing level of engagement with others to develop positive social experiences and strong partnerships
• Utilize emotional intelligence to best serve the needs of clients, team members, and the organization
• Communicate effectively while modeling collaborative and professional relationship-building techniques

Business Acumen:

• Demonstrate an interest and intrigue in business operations and objectives, with the willingness to understand and learn metrics relevant to the organization and the industry
• Understand how the Catering Sales and Events Manager role influences the company’s longevity, reputation, and guest experience
• Demonstrate strong data literacy and business judgment in decision-making

Growth Mindset:

• Work towards improving and developing professional abilities through dedication and hard work
• View setbacks and challenges as learning opportunities and a chance to enhance performance
• Show resilience and flexibility through a variety of changes and transitions

Qualifications and Skills:

• Minimum 2 years of event sales experience in hospitality, restaurants, hotels, catering, luxury venues, or related industries
• Proven track record of achieving sales goals and generating event revenue
• Experience coordinating and executing private events, corporate functions, and large-scale celebrations
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Professional demeanor with exceptional client relationship skills
• Ability to manage multiple events and priorities simultaneously
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations and best practices
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required
• Strong experience and focus on events, catering, and corporate partnerships
• Previous experience in management preferred 

Compensation and Benefits

• $35.00/hour
• Commission program
• Paid Time Off
• Employee dining discounts

Perks

• The opportunity to work hand in hand with a best-in-class F&B management company
• A collaborative, mission-driven team environment
• Direct access to thought leaders in culinary, hospitality, and design
• An entrepreneurial culture that celebrates creativity, autonomy, and grit
• Dining discounts available at managed locations

We are looking for a hospitality professional who thrives on building relationships, closing business, and creating exceptional guest experiences. If you have a passion for hospitality sales and event execution, we’d love to hear from you.

Teaching and teamwork are the core of what we do on all levels. We look forward to meeting you.

New School Hospitality provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.