Event Sales Manager | Weddings, Banquets, and Corporate Events

Job Description

Job Description

The Wilshire Grand Hotel, Catering & Conference Center in West Orange, NJ, is seeking an experienced, motivated, and results-driven Event Sales Manager to join our team.

We are looking for a dynamic hospitality sales professional with a proven track record of generating leads, building client relationships, and successfully booking weddings, social celebrations, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, fundraisers, birthday parties, brunches, corporate meetings, and special events.

The ideal candidate is a proactive self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment, understands the importance of consistent follow-up, and has the confidence and experience to turn inquiries into confirmed bookings.

This is a sales-focused position, not simply an event planning or coordination role. We are looking for someone who can generate opportunities, manage a strong sales pipeline, and consistently deliver results.

About The Wilshire Grand

Located in West Orange, NJ, just 20 miles from New York City, The Wilshire Grand Hotel, Catering & Conference Center is a premier destination for weddings, corporate meetings, and special celebrations.

Our property features 89 guest rooms and nearly 28,000 square feet of flexible event space, including our distinctive venues, The Wilshire Grand, Loft350, and Grill350.

We host a wide variety of events, from intimate gatherings and milestone celebrations to large-scale weddings, corporate functions, conferences, galas, and fundraisers.

Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional hospitality, personalized service, and memorable guest experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Event Sales & Revenue Generation

• Actively prospect, sell, and secure bookings for weddings, wedding receptions, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, birthdays, Sweet 16s, Quinquennia's, anniversaries, baby showers, brunches, fundraisers, galas, corporate meetings, conferences, and other social and business events.
• Generate new business through outbound prospecting, networking, referrals, and relationship development.
• Respond promptly to incoming inquiries and consistently convert qualified leads into confirmed bookings.
• Meet or exceed established monthly and quarterly sales and revenue goals.

Client Relationships & Sales Process

• Conduct professional property tours and client consultations.
• Prepare customized event proposals, menus, packages, and pricing presentations.
• Negotiate contracts, secure deposits, and finalize event bookings.
• Maintain consistent communication and follow-up with prospective and existing clients.
• Develop long-term relationships that generate repeat business and referrals.

Sales Pipeline & CRM Management

• Manage incoming leads, follow-ups, proposals, and booking activity using CRM and event management systems.
• Maintain accurate client records, sales activity, and booking information.
• Track lead sources, conversion rates, and projected revenue.
• Participate in regular sales meetings and provide updates on pipeline activity and booking performance.

Marketing & Business Development

• Build relationships with wedding planners, event professionals, corporate decision-makers, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses.
• Represent The Wilshire Grand at bridal expos, trade shows, networking functions, and community events.
• Identify opportunities to expand business within the wedding, social, corporate, and nonprofit markets.
• Collaborate with management on sales initiatives, promotions, and strategies to increase bookings.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with banquet, culinary, and operations teams to ensure a smooth transition from the sales process to event execution.
• Communicate client expectations, contracted services, and event details accurately.
• Maintain the highest standards of professionalism and hospitality.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of proven sales experience in hospitality, catering, banquet facilities, hotels, or event venues.
• Demonstrated success in selling and booking weddings, social celebrations, birthdays, brunches, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, fundraisers, corporate meetings, conferences, and special events.
• Proven ability to generate leads, negotiate contracts, and close business.
• Strong communication, presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple prospects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong follow-up discipline, attention to detail, and a results-oriented mindset.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative sales team.
• Professional appearance and a commitment to delivering exceptional client service.

Work Schedule & Flexibility

This is not a typical 9-to-5 position.

The hospitality and event industry requires flexibility, and candidates must be willing and available to work occasional early mornings, late nights, and weekends based on client appointments, property tours, scheduled events, bridal showcases, networking functions, and business needs.

Flexibility, reliability, and a commitment to being available when our clients need us are essential to success in this role.

Preferred Qualifications - A Plus

• Working knowledge of the Tripleseat CRM platform, including lead management, sales pipeline tracking, proposal and contract creation, event bookings, and follow-up management.
• Existing relationships with wedding planners, corporate clients, event professionals, and local organizations.
• Knowledge of the Northern New Jersey wedding, social event, and corporate hospitality markets.
• Experience developing outbound sales strategies and generating business beyond incoming inquiries.
• Experience with hotel group room bookings and corporate meeting sales.

What We're Looking For

We're not simply looking for someone to answer inquiries or coordinate events.

We're looking for a true sales professional who knows how to create opportunities, build relationships, and close business.

The successful candidate will be:

• A Hunter: Proactively identifies new business opportunities rather than relying solely on incoming leads.
• A Closer: Confidently guides clients from the initial inquiry through a signed agreement and deposit.
• A Relationship Builder: Establishes trust and develops lasting client and referral relationships.
• Results-Driven: Takes ownership of sales goals, conversion rates, and revenue performance.
• Organized & Accountable: Maintains accurate records, follows up consistently, and manages an active sales pipeline.
• A Team Player: Works collaboratively with colleagues to deliver exceptional events and guest experiences.

Why Join the Wilshire Grand?

The Wilshire Grand offers an exciting opportunity to represent an established hospitality and event destination with multiple unique event spaces and a diverse client base.

Our Event Sales Managers have the opportunity to sell a wide variety of events, develop meaningful client relationships, and contribute directly to the continued growth and success of our business.

We value initiative, accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and individuals who take pride in delivering results.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced hospitality sales professional with a passion for events, strong relationship-building skills, and a proven ability to close business, we encourage you to apply.

Please submit your resume along with a brief summary of your relevant event sales experience and accomplishments.

Where exceptional events begin with exceptional salespeople.

Banquet and conference center.

Company Description

Banquet and conference center.