Event Sales Manager

Event Sales Manager

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted Glassdoor's Employee Choice Awards - Best Places to Work, This is R/A!

Job Summary

The Event Sales Manager is responsible for the strategic growth, planning, and execution of Marcel's events program. This role blends sales leadership with operational expertise, overseeing both internal and external events while ensuring each experience reflects Marcel's standard of excellence and cultural identity. Working at the intersection of hospitality, culinary artistry, and client relations, the Event Sales Manager will lead the full lifecycle of events, from concept and proposal through execution and follow-up, while driving revenue, managing budgets, and building lasting client and partner relationships. Success in this role requires a highly organized, detail-driven professional who thrives in a fast-paced luxury environment, demonstrates strong financial acumen, and consistently delivers events with precision, creativity, and grace.

• Drive event revenue through proactive sales strategies, relationship-building, and business development
• Conceptualize, sell, and execute private dining, semi-private events, full buyouts, and offsite experiences
• Create customized proposals, contracts, and banquet event orders aligned with client vision and Marcel's brand
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, ensuring a seamless and elevated experience from inquiry through execution
• Build and maintain a robust local client database, cultivating long-term relationships and repeat business
• Oversee all aspects of event planning including menu development, pricing, logistics, and production
• Partner closely with culinary and beverage teams to design menus tailored to each event experience
• Coordinate preparation, transportation, setup, service, and post-event breakdown for both on-site and off-site events
• Manage event floorplans, timelines, and staffing to ensure flawless execution
• Collaborate with vendors and external partners, negotiating contracts and maintaining strong working relationships
• Develop and manage operating budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting for the events department
• Monitor and control labor and food costs, ensuring profitability without compromising quality
• Track revenue, manage receivables, and produce operational report
• Support strategic growth initiatives for Marcel's expanding events program, including offsite opportunities
• Hire, train, and develop team members and managers within the events function
• Lead by example, fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, and refined hospitality
• Contribute to the development of service standards, event procedures, and presentation techniques
• Inspire and guide teams to deliver consistent, high-level hospitality reflective of Marcel's identity
• Ensure all events adhere to health, safety, and sanitation standards, including HACCP compliance
• Maintain consistency with Marcel's luxury service standards and attention to detail across all touchpoints

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent professional experience
• Minimum of 2+ years in hospitality, including at least 1 year in catering or event sales within fine dining or luxury environments
• Proven track record of achieving and exceeding sales goals
• Strong understanding of food, beverage, and luxury service standards
• Experience developing menus and proposals in collaboration with culinary leadership
• Exceptional client relationship management and service orientation
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and cost control
• Ability to assess client needs and deliver tailored, high-touch experiences
• Excellent leadership, coaching, and team development skills
• Advanced organizational skills with a keen attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including proposal development
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
• Knowledge of A/V equipment and event production logistics
• Ability to remain composed under pressure and adapt to evolving business needs
• A proactive, solution-oriented mindset with high personal integrity and professionalism