The Special Events Food & Beverage Sales Manager will be responsible for driving food and beverage sales across special events, corporate bookings, private functions and hospitality experiences at Co-op Live.
Acting as the key point of contact for all catering and hospitality requirements, the role will manage enquiries from handover through to event delivery, providing timely quotations, tailored proposals and expert guidance throughout the planning process.
Working closely with the Special Events, Venue Management, Culinary and Hospitality teams, the successful candidate will focus on maximising food and beverage revenue through effective upselling, whilst ensuring a smooth and seamless experience for clients.
The role will support a wide range of events including conferences, exhibitions, brand activations, private functions and hospitality experiences, helping to deliver exceptional service, improve response times and drive commercial performance across the venue.
Acting as the key point of contact for all catering and hospitality requirements, the role will manage enquiries from handover through to event delivery, providing timely quotations, tailored proposals and expert guidance throughout the planning process.
Working closely with the Special Events, Venue Management, Culinary and Hospitality teams, the successful candidate will focus on maximising food and beverage revenue through effective upselling, whilst ensuring a smooth and seamless experience for clients.
The role will support a wide range of events including conferences, exhibitions, brand activations, private functions and hospitality experiences, helping to deliver exceptional service, improve response times and drive commercial performance across the venue.
Day to Day Key Responsibilities
Sales & Commercial Performance
- Lead food and beverage sales activity across the Special Events portfolio.
- Manage catering and hospitality enquiries, creating tailored proposals and event packages.
- Drive food and beverage revenue growth through upselling, premium experiences and menu enhancements.
- Build strong relationships with clients and event organisers, acting as the key contact for all F&B requirements.
- Support commercial strategies that maximise revenue and contribute to venue growth.
Event Planning & Client Management
- Manage the end-to-end food and beverage planning process from enquiry through to event delivery.
- Coordinate menus, beverages, dietary requirements and event logistics.
- Produce detailed event briefs and ensure seamless communication between clients and operational teams.
- Collaborate with Culinary, Hospitality and Operations teams to deliver exceptional events.
- Attend key events and support post-event reviews where required.
Financial & Operational Management
- Ensure all food and beverage revenue is accurately captured and invoiced.
- Validate event consumption and reconcile post-event charges.
- Maintain accurate event records, contracts and documentation.
- Support reporting on revenue, conversion rates and event performance metrics.
- Work closely with Finance and Operations teams to resolve queries and ensure accuracy.
Stakeholder Collaboration
- Act as the food and beverage specialist within the Special Events team.
- Partner with internal stakeholders across Hospitality, Culinary, Operations, Finance and Commercial teams.
- Provide expert guidance during event planning and decision-making.
- Represent the business professionally at client meetings, venue tours and networking events.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Essential
- Previous experience in hospitality sales, conference and events, venue sales, hotel sales or a similar client-facing hospitality role.
- Strong understanding of food and beverage operations and event delivery.
- Experience preparing proposals, quotations and client presentations.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Strong organisational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
- Commercially minded with a proactive approach to identifying revenue opportunities.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
Desirable
- Experience within a stadium, arena, conference centre, hotel or large-scale events venue.
- Knowledge of premium hospitality and corporate events markets.
- Experience using CRM or event management systems.
- Understanding of invoicing, event reconciliation and revenue reporting processes.
- Interest in live entertainment, hospitality and events.
Why Join Us?
- Private Medical Insurance (Vitality) – including Virtual GP access and rewards
- Group Life Assurance – 4x salary paid to your nominated beneficiary
- Birthday Day Off – an extra day to celebrate
- Complimentary Meals on Shift – breakfast, lunch, fruit and hot drinks
- Employee Assistance Programme & Wellbeing Platform – including counselling support
- Employee Discounts Platform (Blackhawk) – cashback and savings across major retailers
- Company Pension Scheme
- Generous Holiday Allowance – plus bank holidays
- Career Development Opportunities – with progression across the campus
Special Events, F&B Sales Manager in Manchester employer: Eastlands Venue Services Limited
Eastlands Venue Services Limited is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and vibrant work environment in the heart of Manchester. With a strong focus on teamwork and employee well-being, we provide benefits such as private medical insurance and a generous holiday allowance, ensuring our staff feel valued and supported. Join us to grow your skills in a fast-paced hospitality setting where every day brings new opportunities for personal and professional development.
Contact Details:
Eastlands Venue Services Limited Recruitment Team
