Assistant Event Sales Manager

Job Title: Event Sales Assistant Manager

Department: Catering

Reports to: General Manager

Number of Direct Reports: 0

WHO ARE WE:

SSA Group works with zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural attractions on integrating dining, retail, admissions and more. We increase revenue opportunities for partners across the United States. With 50 years in the business, SSA has refined the basics while pioneering better ways forward. With pillars of focus like sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, SSA is transforming the cultural attraction industry.

SSA was built by families, for families, with a family’s sense of love and dedication. We don’t just rely on the best practices in our industry, we customize best practices for each partner to set the bar higher and higher, always. We do all we can to further the mission of our partners because their guests and the communities they serve, deserve it.

Job Summary

The Assistant Manager of Event Sales is responsible for driving both inbound and outbound sales efforts on the property, including venues and food and beverage. This role involves managing client relationships, generating new business, and ensuring the highest level of customer satisfaction. The Assistant Manager will work closely with the General Manager, location Partner and other departments to deliver seamless and memorable events.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Sales and Business Development:

• Actively solicit, negotiate, and book new and return business through a defined sales process.
• Handle inbound sales inquiries and proactively reach out to potential clients to generate leads.
• Develop and execute sales strategies to meet and exceed monthly and annual sales targets.
• Upsell food, beverage, and event services to maximize revenue opportunities.
  
  

Client Management:

• Prepare and manage contracts, Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), diagrams, and other necessary documents.
• Maintain thorough and timely communication with clients to ensure their needs are met.
• Respond to client requests promptly and ensure client satisfaction.
• Meet and greet all clients at events to ensure proper handoff to operations team for day of execution.
  
  

Event Coordination:

• Coordinate with the operations and culinary teams to ensure events are executed flawlessly including menu planning, setup, staffing, and equipment.
• Walk event spaces before events to ensure everything is in working order and address any issues promptly.
• Maintain communication with vendors and uphold an active list of resources for client and internal use.
  
  

Administrative Support:

• Secure deposits and ensure all event payments are made in full prior to each event.
• Conduct post-event follow-up to engage clients and foster ongoing relationships.
• Report weekly and monthly sales through the contract system and standard PACE reporting.
  
  

Team Collaboration:

• Communicate and collaborate effectively with the Catering Operations, Culinary Team, and other departments involved in events.
  
  

Compliance and Safety:

• Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
  
  

Financial Management:

• Develop and execute plans for coordinating department sales goals with budget and operational plans.
• Analyze sales and inventory to maximize opportunities.
• Minimize controllable costs associated with the operation and strategize on revenue avenues.
  
  

Social Responsibility:

• Promote an inclusive and supportive approach within the unit.
• Support sustainability and conservation efforts in line with company and client guidelines.
  
  

Job Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proven leadership skills with an understanding of team building and development.
• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to remain organized and flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• Financial management, merchandising, analytical, planning, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency in basic office functions and computer skills.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and handle boxes (up to 35 lbs).
• Availability to work varied hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
  
  

Preferred Experience

• 2 years of experience in catering sales and/or event planning, preferably in off-site catering, hotel, or cultural attraction venues.
• Knowledge and execution of BEOs. Working knowledge of Tripleseat is a plus.
• Must be 18 years or older.
  
  

Compensation And Benefits

• Hourly, Non-Exempt. Pay is based on range in consideration of relevant job experience and certification/education
• Paid Time Off
• Medical | Dental | Vision
• 401 (K) Plan Match
• Supplemental Insurance
• Training and Career Development
• Tuition Discount through Partnership College
• Parental Leave
• Meal Plan & Employee Discounts
  
  

Don't meet every requirement? At SSA we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job description. The Company reserves the right to revise the job description or to require that other or different tasks are performed when circumstances change (i.e. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technological developments)