Event Sales Manager - True Food Kitchen

At True Food Kitchen, we believe in the power of whole, real food. We partner with each of our growers, ranchers and producers so that every ingredient meets our TRUE standards. That means better food for our guests and the planet. By crafting "Real Food for Real Life" we embody our purpose: empowering more people to eat real food. 

Our Purpose:  Real Food for Real Life.

Position Summary:

In this role, you'll be a driving force behind shaping our regional sales strategy here at True Food Kitchen through building a network and guest/client book for catering and event sales. Your responsibilities go beyond the usual, including sourcing, developing, and running sales programs, nurturing important client relationships, actively engaging with our regional communities, and providing steadfast leadership to our sales program.   

Principal Accountabilities:

• Manages and directly accountable for annual catering and group event sales goals for their selected market by booking special events, catering orders, and group dining.
• Grows sales through active prospecting of targeted businesses, organizations, associations, and event planners, from a regional and national level.
• Seeks out new guests and sales opportunities, initiating action plans to advance and procure new business.
• Consistently follows up to ensure guest satisfaction exceeding our service standards for all special events, catering orders, and group dining.
• Partners with the Regional Operations team to facilitate the creation and execution of annual/quarterly revenue planning.
• Focuses on key opportunities to grow and enhance catering sales without sacrificing the guest experience.
• Ensures all local and national account offerings and initiatives are focused on driving revenues and profitability.
• Tracks feedback closely and, in conjunction with the resulting revenue expansion, offers valuable insights into prospective growth avenues.
• Is knowledgeable of targeted marketing techniques to promote the restaurants and provides creative revenue solutions for restaurants experiencing low catering sales performances.
• Coordinates, organizes, and heads sales and brand awareness efforts to represent the restaurant favorably in the community.
• Attends appropriate networking and community events to represent company and seek out new business opportunities.
• Assists with managing the execution of off premise and private dining events.   
• Guide guests through catering menu, offerings, and pricing for group events. Lead and assist with the planning of their menu and order.  Identify and facilitate delivery of special requests.

• Manages all incoming leads via Gather, Open Table, telephone, email, and other channels; actively moves the business through the sales process.
• Creates detailed and accurate BEOs (Event Contract with All Event Details) shared with the guest and appropriate restaurant team members.
• Leads with operations or is available for site-visits prior to the event and the day/night of the event.
• Lead their events in partnership with operations and is available to be onsite and working events as necessary.

• Proven experience: 5+ years, in restaurant sales, with a strong track record in private events and national accounts.
• Proven Sales Track Record: Demonstrated success in driving sales growth, particularly in the catering and group dining sectors within the restaurant or hospitality industry.
• Strategic Sales Planning: Ability to develop and execute strategic sales plans to expand catering and group dining revenue streams, including setting ambitious targets and implementing effective strategies to achieve them.
• Client Relationship Management: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and nurture relationships with corporate clients, event planners, and other key stakeholders. Proven experience in providing exceptional customer service and maintaining long-term partnerships.
• Required restaurant or hotel/hospitality experience.
• Must have the ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
• Food, nutrition, and wine knowledge.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Able to work flexible days and hours. Working weekends and evenings may be expected.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation abilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• A passion for the culinary and hospitality industry.
• Proficiency in CRM software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Familiar with the restaurant operations and business, including (but not limited to) menu items, group space, business trends, and sales goals.
• Self-starter, focused and driven to excel at the job daily.
• Professionally deals with situations and people while utilizing conflict resolution skills.
• Willingness to travel (up to 30%)
• Ability to be available days, nights or weekends depending on the events and needs.

• Competitive Compensation Package with base salary and commission
• Health and Wellness Benefits (medical, dental, eye & more)
• Pet Insurance for your fur babies
• Discounts to over 15,000 gyms nationwide
• 401k Plan and TRUE Matching
• Work-life balance with FLEXIBLE PTO & 11 paid holidays
• Dining discount
• Additional perks and discounts through Perkspot

If you're excited about working for us and have most of the skills or experience we're looking for, please go ahead and apply. You could be just what we need! We believe strongly in creating supportive environments where our colleagues can succeed. As such, True Food Kitchen is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, or other protected characteristics under federal, state or local law.