Job Description
Events Director – Midtown Restaurant
We are seeking an experienced, organized, and hospitality-driven Events Director to lead and grow the private events and group dining business for our high-volume Midtown restaurant. This role is responsible for generating event revenue, managing client relationships, coordinating event logistics, and ensuring flawless execution from inquiry through post-event follow-up.
The Events Director will report directly to the General Manager and work closely with the culinary and operations teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
Position Details
- Full-time, on-site position
- Schedule: Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Evening availability required as needed for event execution. Due to the cyclical nature of the industry, employees may be required to work varying schedules dependent on the business needs. Attendance to scheduled training sessions and meetings are required.
- Reports to: General Manager
Key Responsibilities
- Drive private dining and event sales through inbound inquiries, outbound outreach, networking, and relationship building
- Effective lead management via phone, email and TripleSeat to ensure quick correspondence and timely follow ups.
- Manage the full event lifecycle, including:
- Initial client communication
- Site tours
- Proposal development
- Contracting and deposits
- Menu planning
- Event timelines and logistics
- On-site execution
- Post-event client follow-up and relationship management
- Serve as the primary point of contact for all private events, corporate functions, buyouts, celebrations, and special occasions
- Coordinate closely with the General Manager, Chefs, and operations team to ensure seamless execution of all events
- Create detailed event orders and communicate all client expectations promptly and clearly to operations teams
- Assist with on-site event setup and execution, and breakdown alongside the operations team
- Maintain strong client relationships to encourage repeat business and referrals
- Track event revenue, maintain booking calendars, and provide reporting to management including pace reports, lead reports, and loss reports.
- Ensure all events reflect the restaurant’s standards of hospitality, service, and professionalism
- Responsible for working with booked clients on customized food and beverage menus, determining the best layout and run of show for the specific event they would like to organize.
- Prepare clear BEO’s that will be posted weekly to ensure full team transparency and clear communications for a seamless event execution.
- Coordinate all administrative event details with clients from inquiry to close. Including but not limited to: negotiating, drafting sample proposals, executing contracts, ensuring client payment in full, post-event follow-up and accounting reconciliation.
- Coordinate all logistical event details from planning to execution, including site inspections, floor plan development, rental orders, tastings, vendor management, Kosher meal arrangements, COI documentation, and day-of point of contact onsite.
- Responsible for printed menus and any collateral necessary for the specific event.
- Responsible for syncing reservations platforms with any event bookings for full team awareness of event schedule
- Greet host/clients onsite at the beginning of an event to ensure total client satisfaction and assist with any last minute adjustments or requests.
- Prepare documents needed for staff to review during event pre-shift.
- Generate financial analysis reports as needed to track budget, sales, deposits, and/or commissions
- Understand demand and seasonality to creatively maximize event revenue when selling private events and group dining experiences
- Generate new business by promoting the event space within your network and proactive outreach to new and existing clients
- Identify opportunities to improve event operations, guest experience, and profitability
Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience in event sales, private dining, hospitality, or restaurant event management
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple events and deadlines simultaneously
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and client service skills
- Proven ability to drive sales and build lasting client relationships
- Experience working in high-volume restaurant or hospitality environments preferred
- Hands-on, team-oriented attitude with willingness to assist operationally during events
- Proficiency with event management software, POS systems, and Microsoft Office or Google Workspace
- Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
Specific Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Professional, polished, and hospitality-focused demeanor
- Strong attention to detail
- Strong telephone etiquette, listening and understanding clients’ needs, communicating your thoughts clearly, and recording all pertinent data collected from all forms of correspondence/conversation
- Self-motivated and proactive
- Ability to remain calm and solution-oriented under pressure
- Passion for food, beverage, hospitality, and guest experience
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and Tripleseat are required, Adobe Illustrator is preferred
- Knowledge of the following: kitchen functions, general culinary practices, restaurant operations and banquet operations
Compensation & Benefits
Job Tags
Full time, Work at office, Monday to Friday, Flexible hours, Shift work, Afternoon shift