Event Sales Manager (Greater Chicago Area)

About Us:

Big Onion Hospitality is a growing restaurant group that loves great food, great drinks, and bringing people together. We’re looking for an Event Sales Manager who is outgoing, energetic, and loves meeting new people to join our team and help make one of our locations the place everyone wants to celebrate.

This isn’t your typical office sales job. You’ll be selling fun. Birthdays, work parties, engagement celebrations, happy hours, game days, family gatherings, and all the other moments people want to get together for.

You’ll have the opportunity to really get to know your location, become a familiar face in the neighborhood, and build genuine relationships with guests, local businesses, and community partners. If you’re someone who makes friends everywhere you go, this could be a great fit.

It’s also a great opportunity for someone who has recently graduated college or is new to Chicago and wants to meet people, build a network, and make a name for themselves.

What You’ll Do:

Sell Fun!

· Respond to event inquiries and turn them into booked parties.

· Build your own book of business and become the go-to person for events at your location.

· Meet with guests, give tours, talk through ideas, and help them plan an event they’re excited about.

· Create proposals and menus that fit what each guest is looking for.

· Follow up with leads, past guests, and potential new clients.

· Find creative ways to bring new groups and events into the restaurant.

· Help make your location the neighborhood’s go-to spot for parties and celebrations.

Build Relationships

· Get to know your guests and make them feel like regulars—even if it’s their first visit.

· Build relationships with local businesses, offices, schools, sports organizations, venues, and community groups.

· Network in the neighborhood and look for opportunities to get involved.

· Attend events and game-day activations and be a familiar face for our guests.

· Turn great events into repeat business and long-term relationships.

Be Part of the Team

· Work closely with the restaurant and management teams to make sure every event runs smoothly.

· Coordinate event details from the initial inquiry through the event itself and follow up afterward.

· Keep client and event information organized in our event sales system.

· Support marketing promotions, game-day events, and other opportunities to drive business.

· Jump in where needed—hospitality is a team sport!

What We’re Looking For

· You’re easy to talk to and can strike up a conversation with just about anyone.

· You make friends easily and genuinely enjoy building relationships.

· You’re comfortable picking up the phone, meeting new people, networking, and following up.

· You’re organized and can keep track of lots of moving pieces.

· You’re motivated by goals and excited about earning commission.

· You’re comfortable working evenings and weekends when events require it.

· Some event sales experience, preferably in restaurants or hospitality.

· Experience with Tripleseat or another event sales system is a plus, but we can teach you the system.

· Bonus points if you’re a sports fan! We love game days and the energy they bring to our restaurants.

Why This Job

· You’ll have one location to own and make your own .

· You’ll have the opportunity to build a real network of guests, businesses, and community connections.

· You’ll meet a lot of people—and hopefully make a few friends along the way.

· You’ll have the freedom to get creative and find new ways to bring people through the door.

· You’ll earn uncapped commission on your sales.

· You’ll be part of the energy of a busy restaurant rather than sitting behind a desk all day.

· This is a great role for someone starting their career, recently out of college, or new to the city who wants to get out, meet people, and build something.

· There’s plenty of opportunity to grow with Big Onion Hospitality.

What We Offer

· Competitive base salary of $50,000–$60,000, based on experience

· Uncapped commission with significant earning potential

· Monthly bonus opportunity

· Health, dental, and vision insurance

· 401(k) with employer match

· Paid time off and holidays

· Dining and venue discounts

· Professional growth and development opportunities

· A fun, social, and team-oriented work environment

Big Onion Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.