Private Events Sales Manager

Job Summary
The Private Events Sales Manager owns Maplewood Public House's private events business end to end. This person is the primary contact for all event guests — they generate and respond to leads, conduct site visits, close the booking, organize every detail, and act as onsite manager when the event happens. They manage the internal communication across kitchen, bar, and floor teams to deliver an exceptional guest experience, and are responsible for outside sales and networking to recruit new event business in Glen Ellyn, Logan Square and the broader Chicagoland market. The Private Events Sales Manager must be detail-oriented, professional, and self-motivated, and will work closely with hospitality leadership and the Executive Chef in the continuous push for brand building and positive, original guest experiences. As our events business grows across our family of venues, this role is positioned to expand into multi-venue events leadership.

Compensation
- Base salary: $45,000–$55,000, commensurate with experience
- Commission: 3% of net private event sales — uncapped
- Benefits: health insurance options, paid time off, and dining/product privileges across our family of brands
- Growth path: as our events business scales, this role can grow into an events leadership position spanning all three faraway company hospitality locations

Duties / Responsibilities
- Respond professionally and with detail to all event inquiries via phone and email within one business day
- Assess and guide guest inquiries to the ideal service format (ex: large party reservation vs. semi-private booking vs. full buyout)
- Conduct site visits and tastings with prospective clients prior to booking
- Book events and secure menu, event specifics, contract, deposit, and payment method while meeting appropriate timelines for professional delivery
- Schedule events strategically to maximize available resources (space, staffing, equipment) and protect regular dining operations
- Network and prospect outside our walls to bring in event business — corporate accounts, wedding and event planners, chambers of commerce, community organizations, and local networks
- Develop and maintain relationships with previous clients to drive repeat and referral bookings
- Master and maintain our operational technologies:
- Reservations / space management platform
- Toast (point of sale / invoicing)
- Events management platform (ex: Tripleseat or similar) — including building the templates, packages, and processes for a new events program
- Coordinate with clients and relevant outside vendors (ex: rentals, décor, music, florals, desserts) regarding the logistics of each event
- Build detailed event orders (BEOs) covering menus, beverage packages, timelines, floor plans, and staffing needs, and distribute them with adequate lead time
- Create budgets and revenue forecasts in order to maintain and manage an efficient, profitable events department
- Conduct P&L analysis on the events business to ensure continued profitability and effective allocation of resources (staffing, equipment) against sales objectives
- Lead weekly event review meetings with the General Manager, Executive Chef, and floor leadership to ensure proper preparation and execution of all upcoming events
- Lead day-of event review with event staff and the manager on duty to communicate event specifics, service timeline, and floor plan transitions
- Act as onsite manager during events — oversee setup, greet the host, direct the service team, resolve issues in real time, and manage breakdown. This will be as needed depending on size and sensitivity of the event
- Ensure correct and accurate financial close-out of all events in POS and events platforms; send final invoices and follow up with guests for feedback
- Evaluate and update event menus and packages with the Executive Chef for guest satisfaction and business profitability
- Work with our marketing team to promote the events program and keep event materials accurate, current, and on-brand
- Support hospitality leadership with public programming and activations from concept to execution as capacity allows
- Build and maintain positive relationships with all internal departments

Required Skills / Abilities
- Must be 21+ years old
- Highly professional correspondence, both written and verbal
- Proven ability to sell — comfortable prospecting, touring, and closing
- Detail-oriented with efficient, concise communication
- Ability to self-manage and build process from a blank page
- Comfortable with crowds and public speaking
- Strong interpersonal skills; confident in stressful situations
- Financial fluency — comfort with event P&Ls, costing basics, and margin-minded package building
- Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as events demand
- Illinois BASSET certification and food handler requirements (or ability to obtain)
- Enthusiasm for our beer, spirits, food, and programs

Beneficial Experience
- Minimum 2 years in event or catering sales preferred
- Experience in hospitality preferred
- Experience using event software (Tripleseat, Perfect Venue, or similar) a plus
- Existing network in the western suburbs / DuPage County market a plus
- Experience opening a venue or building an events program from scratch a plus
- Management experience a plus
- Business or Hospitality Bachelor's degree a plus

Physical Requirements
- Must be able to lift up to 35-pound cases and assist with moving tables, chairs, and event equipment
- Must be able to stand and walk for 8–10 hour shifts during events