Sales and Events Executive

Overview

The Sales & Events Executive is a pivotal role focused on driving revenue through business development, guest relationship management, seamless execution of private dining, corporate bookings, and events whilst delivering exceptional hospitality. The Sales & Events Executive will be responsible for maximising reservations performance for large group and private dining reservations while proactively identifying new event and partnership opportunities. They will work closely with the Head of Sales to position Caravan as a leading destination for events & group dining experiences.

What You'll Do

• Business Development
  • Build relationships with corporate offices, event agencies, hotels, and local businesses
  • Attend networking events, trade shows, and industry gatherings to generate leads
  • Work with the Head of Sales to proactively reach out to previous bookers promoting new initiatives
• Reservations & Event Management
  • Oversee semi/private dining and full venue hire enquiries, ensuring a seamless journey from initial enquiry through to post event follow up
  • Prepare event assets such as proposals and quotes based on the guests needs
  • Attend show arounds & meetings for clients
  • Coordinate with internal teams such as kitchen, management to ensure seamless execution of large group bookings and events
  • Establish strong physical presence at events when required, in particular, major revenue driving events ensuring a smooth delivery and supporting teams to secure guest relationships onsite
  • Build strong relationships with repeat clients and corporate accounts
  • Ensure all bookings have the correct payments, either card authorisation are completed or invoiced and paid via BACS prior to the booking date
  • Ensure run-sheets and pre-orders are created in a timely manner for the venues
  • Manage booking systems and ensure accurate reporting on covers, bookings & revenue
  • Support the Head of Sales & Events with ad hoc duties such as booking reports, system settings updates, future campaign planning & execution
  • Attend key internal Caravan events

Requirements

• Essential Experience
  • Minimum 2 years' experience in hospitality reservations and event management
  • Proven track record of hitting revenue targets and driving sales initiatives
  • Hands-on operational experience in restaurants or events (understanding service delivery from floor level)
  • Experience managing corporate accounts and B2B relationships
  • Proficiency in booking systems (SevenRooms or OpenTable preferred)
• Skills & Competencies
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for client proposals and presentations
  • Strong relationship-building and negotiation abilities
  • Highly organised with ability to manage multiple events simultaneously and meet tight deadlines
  • Meticulous attention to detail in documentation, contracts, and financial processes
  • Commercial awareness including budgeting, quoting, and P&L impact
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Personal Attributes
  • Self-motivated and proactive approach to business development
  • Professional demeanour for guest-facing meetings and show arounds
  • Flexibility to work evenings and weekends when events require
  • Alignment with Caravan's values: DEIB, sustainability, and community focus
• Desirable
  • Existing network within London/Manchester corporate offices, event agencies, or hotels
  • Experience with CRM systems and sales reporting
  • Knowledge of food & beverage trends and coffee culture
  • Understanding of licensing and event regulations

About Caravan

Here at Caravan, we like to push the boundaries. Our well-travelled food and drinks range is all about bringing together flavours from all around the globe. We also share a love of mighty fine coffee, great drinks, good food and friendly vibes. Since 2010, we’ve been building our award-winning restaurants and roastery while also investing in initiatives that make a real difference to the world around us. We love to challenge the norm, whether it’s supporting our people, the community, or standing up for diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. At Caravan, we care deeply about both people and the planet - from using energy efficient equipment to reducing waste, we’re all about doing our bit for a better future. We’re very proud to be one of very few restaurants that can state that they are B Corp certified, having joined in 2024! We’re also big on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) at Caravan. We celebrate and respect individual differences, whether that’s identity, culture, or experience, and that extends to everyone—our team, guests, and the wider public. For us, creating a welcoming and diverse workplace is just how we roll. We live by 4 core values and behaviours, we expect all our teams to live, promote and role model at all times:

• Caravan of Love
• No boundaries
• Well-travelled
• All welcome

Sustainability

We expect our teams to support environmental stewardship targets and efficiency goals by following departmental environmental policies and monitoring own usage of vital resources such as energy, disposable goods, and food waste, to name a few.

Diversity & Inclusion

All our teams must respect individual differences with regards to identity, national and cultural background, and level of experience in all interactions while at work, including with members of the public.

What you'll be doing as a Caravan Reservations & Events Assistant:

The reservations team is centralised, so you'll be based in our HQ and roastery, Lambworks. As the first point of contact, you’ll be delivering our ‘Caravan of Love’ style of customer experience by working with the rest of the team on phone and email, to ensure bookings are maximised, events well-organised and our private dining spaces are always full. You will be open to learning in order to develop your knowledge and skills and in return we will embrace your individuality and creativity, so that you have every opportunity to develop your career with us. You’ll take ownership of your role and strive to be the best.