Sr. Manager of Event Sales

SSA Group at Maritime Aquarium is looking for a Sr. Manager of Event Sales to join our team!

Please note that for this position, we accept applications on an ongoing basis. There is no set deadline for submitting your application. We encourage interested candidates to apply at any time via our website at thessagroup.com, and we will review applications as they are received. This approach allows us to continuously consider potential candidates and ensures that opportunities remain open until the ideal candidate is found.

Job Title: Senior (Sr.)Manager, Event Sales

Location: [Your Location], Onsite

Department: Catering

Reports to:General Manager

Number of Direct Reports:0-2                

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’tjust 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 Sr. Manager ofEvent Sales is responsible fordriving sales and revenue growth by promoting and selling the venue and catering services. This role involves developing and implementing sales strategies, building strong client relationships, and ensuring the successful execution of events. The Sr. Manager ofEvent Sales primary responsibility will be as an active sellerto meet and exceed sales targets.This position requires a dynamic individual with excellent communication, negotiation, and organizational skills, dedicated to delivering exceptional client experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Sales and Client Acquisition:

• Develop and implement strategies to sell the venue and catering services to new and returning clients.
• Solicit, negotiate, and book events through a defined sales process.
• Plan and upsell functions with clients, including space requirements, times, equipment, menus, themes, and decorations.
• Respond to client requests promptly and ensure client satisfaction.
  
  

Client Relationship Management:

• Prepare and manage contracts, Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), diagrams, and other necessary documents.
• Maintain strong, positive relationships with clients to encourage repeat business.
• Conduct post-event follow-ups to engage clients and foster continued development.
• Work closely with clients to understand their needs and provide tailored solutions.
• Develop and execute andinbound and outbound sales strategy in order to exceed sales targets.
  
  

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.
  
  

Team Management:

• Collaborate with Catering District team to develop training programs to motivate and mentor employees.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with the Catering Operations, Culinary Team, and other departments involved in events, implementing new strategies and procedures where necessary.
  
  

Operational Excellence:

• Maintain communication with the General Manager, Catering Managers, and Executive Chef to ensure events are executed flawlessly.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Uphold and demonstratea complete understanding of company policies and procedures.
  
  

Vendor and Resource Management:

• Maintain communication with vendors, including pricing knowledge and negotiation.
• Uphold an active list of resources for client and internal operational use.
  
  

Financial Management:

• Develop, meet, and exceed monthly and annual sales budgets and plans.
• Analyze sales and inventory to maximize opportunities.
• Practice and implement yield management and forecasting regularly.
• Review all invoices, bills, and accounting-related documents for accuracy and communicate necessary changes to Accounts Receivable.
  
  

Reporting and Analysis:

• Report weekly and monthly sales through the contract system and SSA standard reporting.
  
  

Social Responsibility:

• Promote an inclusive and supportive approach within the unit.
• Support sustainability and conservation efforts in business applications and provideteaching opportunities to unit staff.
  
  

Other Responsibilities:

• Perform other tasks as deemednecessary.
  
  

IDEA Belonging:

• Promote an inclusive & supportive approach within the Catering team, with networking continuing at all units.
• Focus on removing barriers and empowering growth and opportunity for team members at all levels.
• Lead by example through Sustainability/Conservation efforts; display knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staffas necessary.
• Engage with SSA/Unit in driving community effort through engagement activities and focus on opportunities of giving back.