What are the responsibilities and job description for the Venue Sales Manager position at Blue Plate Catering?

Job Description

Description : Job Title : Venue Sales Manager Department : Larkin Hall / Venue Meeting Space

FLSA : Exempt Status : Full Time

Reports to : General Manager

Customary Days : Monday - Friday

Customary Hours : 40 hours per week; varies to include evenings, holidays, and extended hours as business requires

Over the past 40 years, we have become known for our delicious food, dedicated service, deep

relationships, and generous word-of-mouth promotion from our customers. We’re active members of

the community and partners with all (85 ) of Chicago’s top venues. We hire the best and most

dedicated people. We’re constantly trying new things and being amazing at it because we’re

entrepreneurial to our core. Plus, we’re working on some new things that are going to surprise people.

Larkin Hall, situated in the vibrant Fulton Market district, is the home of Blue Plate Catering. The building

offers a variety of meeting and event spaces, perfect for hosting gatherings ranging from intimate

groups of 10 to large-scale events of up to 700 guests. Our newest addition, The Rooftop, will be the

largest event space in the area, offering stunning city views and an unparalleled event experience.

We are currently seeking a dynamic individual to fill the role of Venue Sales Manager. This position is

crucial for driving sales and positioning our venue as the premier choice for events in the vibrant Fulton

Market district. With a clear vision for the future of Larkin Hall, we need someone who can fully

embrace this vision and transform it into a strategic sales framework. The Venue Sales Manager will lead

this initiative, focusing on client satisfaction and revenue growth through proactive business

development, effective relationship management, and collaboration with internal teams. Your

leadership will be instrumental in shaping the reputation and success of our venue while delivering

exceptional experiences for our clients and their guests.

Essential Functions :

Lead Larkin Hall sales function by responding promptly to inquiries, actively seeking new business opportunities through prospecting and networking, and conducting site visits with potential clients and Blue Plate sales team. Convert prospects into clients, ensuring their expectations are met through effective communication, detailed event planning, and exceptional service.
Draft initial sales goals in collaboration with General Manager, projecting associated revenues and timing. Prepare monthly sales report for management. Attend Blue Plate marketing and sales meetings to provide updates on venue.
Partner with Finance to ensure compilation of accurate final billing and collection of account receivables if appropriate; review commission reports if appropriate.
Oversee all aspects of Larkin Hall venue management from an event operations perspective, ensuring successful planning and execution. Collaborate closely with internal and external clients to meet their needs and expectations.
Manage client and customer satisfaction by promptly addressing issues and ensuring feedback is appropriately communicated to relevant departments. Personally follow up on all client satisfaction issues and customer service problems.
Determine final rental prices and prepare contracts according to client needs and services provided. Ensure accurate billing and collection of accounts receivable.
Manage all venue logistics including communication, audiovisual requirements and secure additional vendors for security, parking and other operations needs to ensure successful event execution. Coordinate vendor load-in and load-out logistics and schedules for events, collecting insurance and submitting payments as necessary.
Partner with the Blue Plate Operations teams to ensure events are adequately prepared for and executed. Provide recommendations to enhance processes and create efficiencies for both venue and Blue Plate. Identify areas for improved efficiency and effectiveness in sales and operations, developing standard operating procedures to improve financial outcomes.
Collaborate with the Blue Plate Marketing team to develop marketing strategies and materials supporting the Larkin Hall brand. Prepare monthly sales reports and attend marketing and sales meetings to provide updates on venue activities. Cultivate relationships with key business associations.
Coach, mentor, and instruct both internal and external team members, fostering a culture where no client is seen as a one-time client. Partner with Blue Plate Human Resources team to develop comprehensive employee life-cycle training initiatives.
Manage venue daily calendar, maintain comprehensive client files, and ensure efficient event planning and execution. Communicate event updates to Larkin Hall staff and Blue Plate sales and operations teams. Provide standard event details to all parties for effective planning and entering events into CaterXpert . Collect and process client payments as appropriate.
Attend work functions as needed for quality assurance purposes while maintaining an exemplary level of confidentiality when handling sensitive issues.
Develop a comprehensive understanding of both Larkin Hall and Blue Plate corporate identities, championing these values throughout the organization to foster alignment and maintain a winning culture.
Perform other relevant tasks as required to support the smooth operation and success of the venue.

Requirements :

Education and Experience : The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required.

Bachelor’s degree. Hospitality or related industry preferred.

Minimum 5 years of progressive experience within the hospitality industry that includes quantifiable success with growing and managing a sales team. Venue management experience is strongly desired.

Proven experience with developing sales goals and objectives.

Comprehensive knowledge of off-site catering and event operations.

Basic knowledge of financial management disciplines to include but not limited to : gross profitability, budget design and management, financial analysis, and return on investment.

Essential Qualifications : To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactory. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Blue Plate is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) :

Demonstrated ability to plan, implement and support systems in a rapidly growing company.

Proven leadership with the ability to inspire others to work toward a common goal and reach their potential.

Ability to identify and resolve issues and alert executive leadership to potential areas of liability.

Ability to function independently and intuitively in a fast-paced environment.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to prepare and deliver clear, concise reports and presentations that are understandable by the target audience.

Highly organized; strong attention to detail.

Demonstrated initiative; results-oriented and entrepreneurial minded.

Strong project management experience and ability to manage on-going multiple priorities.

Ability to interact with diverse groups and foster a cooperative work environment.

Ability to manage confidential information and maintain its integrity.

Strong computer skills that include proficiency with MS Office applications and CRM software.

Language Skills : Ability to read, write and speak English proficiently. Bilingual skills preferred.

Physical Demands : The physical demands describe here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Blue Plate is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) :

Occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs ladders; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell.

Regularly required to lift and / or move up to 50 lbs.

Specific vision requirements include the ability to see at close range, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment : The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Blue Plate is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) :

May work in extreme heat and cold (non-weather and weather).

May work in wet conditions (non-weather and weather).

Noise level is moderate to loud.

May work near toxic / caustic chemical and with fumes or airborne particles.

Will work near moving or mechanical parts.

Compensation and Benefits :

Salary Range : $95,000–$105,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications.

Bonus Eligibility : This role is eligible for a potential annual performance-based bonus.

Benefits Overview : At Blue Plate Catering, we live our core values : Happy, Joyful Fun; We Care More; Humbly Confident; Genuine Authentic; Goes Beyond. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects our commitment to supporting our team’s well-being and growth. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, and paid time off (PTO) with sick leave. Additional perks such as commuter benefits, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), free meals, and pet insurance options ensure our team feels valued. We also offer wellness rewards, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and resources to help you thrive in work and life.

Blue Plate Catering complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment, including protections related to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.

Salary : $95,000 - $105,000

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