Sales & Events Manager

Sales & Events Manager

The Sales & Events Manager is a highly motivated and relationship-driven hospitality professional responsible for generating revenue through business travel, group, wedding, social, and special event sales while creating exceptional guest experiences that reflect The Huntington Hotel's gracious, residential style of hospitality. This role manages the complete sales and event lifecycle from lead generation, inquiry management, site inspections, proposal development, forecasting, and contract negotiation through event planning and on-site execution. As a key ambassador of the hotel, the Sales & Events Manager builds lasting relationships with corporate clients, meeting planners, travel advisors, wedding professionals, community partners, and local businesses, while collaborating closely with Operations, Food & Beverage, Front Office, Marketing, and other hotel departments to ensure every event is executed seamlessly with exceptional attention to detail, personalized service, and operational excellence. This position requires outstanding organization, communication, leadership, strategic thinking, and commercial acumen, along with a genuine passion for creating memorable experiences that foster client loyalty and contribute to the continued success of the hotel.

Responsibilities

• Generate new business across corporate, group, meetings, weddings, social events, and private dining while cultivating and expanding relationships with existing clients, travel advisors, event planners, community partners, and local businesses.
• Manage the complete sales lifecycle, including prospecting, lead qualification, site inspections, proposal development, contract negotiation, event confirmation, and post-event follow-up to achieve established revenue goals.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients from initial inquiry through event execution, ensuring timely communication and personalized service throughout the planning process.
• Respond promptly and professionally to all inquiries received via telephone, email, website, or internal referrals regarding meetings, private dining, and special events.
• Maintain all sales and customer relationship management (CRM) systems to ensure accurate tracking of leads, bookings, event details, customer preferences, contracts, and historical data while ensuring all relevant sales materials remain current.
• Develop and execute local sales, networking, and community outreach initiatives that strengthen brand awareness, increase market visibility, and generate new business opportunities.
• Conduct hotel presentations, networking events, client entertainment, and property tours to showcase the hotel's facilities, services, and unique guest experiences.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Food & Beverage, Culinary, Marketing, Front Office, and other departments to ensure all event details are communicated effectively and executed to the highest standards.
• Prepare and maintain accurate contracts, event orders, forecasts, production reports, sales activity reports, and other documentation in accordance with company policies and revenue objectives.
• Ensure all departments receive timely and accurate event information, including guest counts, room setups, timelines, VIP requirements, dietary accommodations, and special requests to support successful execution.
• Maintain an active on-site presence during assigned events, weddings, VIP functions and any high-profile programs to oversee full execution and resolve any issues proactively to ensure guest satisfaction.
• Conduct post-event evaluations with clients, review guest feedback, identify opportunities for continuous improvement, and cultivate repeat and referral business through thoughtful follow-up communications.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and emerging business opportunities to support strategic sales initiatives, pricing strategies, and revenue growth.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of hotel services, guest rooms, meeting and event spaces, food and beverage offerings, pricing, service standards, and operational capabilities.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations relating to health, safety, labor, and hospitality operations.
• Foster strong working relationships across all hotel departments through effective communication, teamwork, professionalism, and mutual accountability.
• Demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning while embracing feedback and contributing to a positive, high-performing workplace culture.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• At least 2+ years of prior experience in events management in a restaurant environment.
• Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management or related field.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and organization skills.
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales and revenue goals
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to interact professionally and diplomatically with a variety of business partners.
• Responsive to constructive feedback from Management, Ownership, Chefs and Staff
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Familiarity with the San Francisco market and luxury hospitality segment preferred.