At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive revenue through business development and manage exciting events with exceptional hospitality.
- Company: Join Caravan, a B Corp certified restaurant known for its diverse food and community focus.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, discounts, mental health support, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours, dynamic environment, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team that values diversity, sustainability, and creativity in the workplace.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in hospitality, strong communication skills, and a knack for building relationships.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 £ per year.
Overall earnings - Up to £40,000 dependent on experience.
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
- Co-ordinate 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
- Ensuring all bookings have the correct payments, either card authorisation are completed or invoiced and paid via BACS prior to the booking date
- Ensuring 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
- Supporting the Head of Sales & Events 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.
To say thanks for choosing us, we also offer our Reservations & Events Assistant and all teams:
- Free meals & drinks when working
- Dining discount when visiting with family & friends
- Coffee discount
- Bike to work scheme
- Mental health and well-being support
- Financial health education and support
- Leadership training and development
- Birthday & Anniversary Treat - on your birthday and on your work anniversary, you'll receive a Caravan voucher to spend in any of our restaurants
- Development and career progression, 80% of all our management roles are filled internally.
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.
Sales and Events Executive in London employer: Caravan Support Team
At Caravan, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions diversity, sustainability, and personal growth. Our vibrant work culture fosters creativity and collaboration, offering employees ample opportunities for career progression, with 80% of management roles filled internally. Located in the heart of Lambworks, our team enjoys a range of benefits including free meals, mental health support, and a commitment to environmental stewardship, making Caravan not just a workplace, but a community where everyone is valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales and Events Executive in London
✨Tip Number 1
Networking is key! Get out there and attend industry events, trade shows, and local meet-ups. It's all about building those relationships that can lead to new opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t just wait for the phone to ring! Proactively reach out to previous clients and corporate accounts. A friendly follow-up can remind them of your fantastic service and keep you top of mind.
✨Tip Number 3
When you're at events, make sure to establish a strong presence. Engage with guests and showcase your hospitality skills. This is your chance to shine and build lasting connections!
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to get noticed and show us you’re serious about joining the Caravan family. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales and Events Executive in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see who you are beyond your qualifications. Use a friendly tone and share a bit about what makes you tick, especially if it relates to hospitality and events.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application specifically for the Sales and Events Executive role. Highlight your relevant experience in hospitality reservations and event management, and don’t forget to mention any corporate accounts you've managed. We love seeing how your background aligns with our needs!
Be Detail-Oriented:Attention to detail is key in this role, so make sure your application reflects that. Double-check for any typos or errors, and ensure that your documents are well-organised. This will show us that you’re meticulous and ready to handle the demands of event management.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about Caravan and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caravan Support Team
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Caravan's values and mission. Understand their focus on sustainability, diversity, and community. This will not only help you align your answers but also show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your success in sales and event management. Be ready to discuss how you've built relationships with clients and driven revenue, as this is crucial for the Sales and Events Executive role.
✨Practice Your Pitch
Since communication is key in this role, practice presenting your ideas clearly and confidently. You might even want to prepare a mock proposal for an event, showcasing your organisational skills and attention to detail, which are essential for managing bookings.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready about the company culture or upcoming events. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if Caravan is the right fit for you. Plus, it demonstrates your proactive approach to business development!
