Private Event Sales Manager (Chicago)

Kindling | Downtown Cookout & Cocktails is seeking a driven, detail-oriented Private Event Sales Manager to lead revenue growth and curate exceptional guest experiences at our busiest private dining location in the Chicago Loop. As a premier Fifty/50 Group establishment anchoring the base of the iconic Willis Tower, our culinary program is proudly led by James Beard Award-winning chef and Food Network star, Jonathon Sawyer. With our division expanding to an additional Loop location in 2027, this is an exciting time to join our growing team.

In this role, you will build relationships with corporate event planners, high-net-worth individuals, and local businesses to successfully sell and design top-tier private events. While our dedicated operations staff flawlessly handles the on-the-floor, day-of execution, you will serve as the architect of the event—ensuring the culinary and operations teams are perfectly set up for success and that the ultimate guest experience is delivered from the first inquiry to the final follow-up.

Compensation: Competitive Base Salary + Commission.

A sales manager at Kindling will earn between $125-$175k per year.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Event Sales & Booking

• Drive end-to-end sales for all in-house private events, corporate buyouts, and large group reservations.
• Maintain rapid response times for all inbound inquiries and conduct persuasive on-site venue tours.
• Draft, negotiate, and execute event proposals, custom contracts, and Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) through Tripleseat.
• Proactively generate new business through outbound outreach, networking, and targeted prospecting across the Chicago market.
• Build and own a robust sales database of executive assistants, corporate planners, C-suite executives, and local business leaders to keep rooms booked well into the future.

Operations & Execution

• Direct private dining shifts to ensure seamless execution, high-touch service, and guest satisfaction.
• Act as the primary liaison connecting clients, internal culinary/service teams, and outside vendors.
• Manage event logistics, including master timelines, floor plan setups, custom menu printings, and AV equipment.

Financial & Administrative Strategy

• Track active sales pipelines to consistently hit and exceed monthly and annual revenue goals.
• Process guest deposits, final event billing, and third-party vendor invoices accurately.
• Analyze event labor and food cost data to maximize profitability on every booking.

Qualifications & Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in private dining sales, catering management, or high-volume hospitality management.
• Solid working knowledge of culinary trends, wine pairings, and craft cocktail programs.
• Proficiency with event and POS management software (e.g., Tripleseat, OpenTable, and similar platforms).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills paired with sharp contract negotiation abilities.
• Ability to spend hours in front of a computer during business hours responding to a steady volume of in-bound leads. This is not a 9-5 job.
• Flexibility to work a varied schedule aligned with event volume, including nights and some weekends. Kindling is closed on Sunday.