Senior Sales and Events Manager

The Senior Events and Sales Manager works closely with the Head of Sales on strategies and oversees the events and exclusive hire operations at SUSHISAMBA and Duck and Waffle in London. This role focuses on proactive sales, exclusive hire management, nurturing key client relationships, and building strategies to maximize private dining and group bookings. They will lead the events team, collaborate closely with reservations, marketing, and operations, and drive event growth through innovative strategies and client-focused initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Team Leadership & Collaboration
   Oversee and support the sales team, ensuring alignment with the overall sales and events strategy.
   Work closely with the reservations and marketing teams to maximize opportunities and drive seamless execution.
   Attend weekly meetings with the operations team to review and align on upcoming events and strategies.
2. Proactive Sales & Exclusive Hire Management
   Identify and secure new business opportunities, with a focus on group bookings (9 guests and more), private dining, and exclusive hires.
   Develop strategies to maximize private dining occupancy and group sales across all venues.
   Build and implement a targeted DMC (Destination Management Company) outreach strategy through warm/cold calling and networking.
3. Key Client Relationships & CRM Management
   Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, event agencies, and DMCs to encourage repeat business and referrals.
   Regularly update the CRM with a comprehensive list of event bookers, tracking and nurturing relationships.
   Stay informed about new businesses and opportunities in both the City and Covent Garden areas.
4. Contracts & Commissions Management
   Write and manage contracts for special events, ensuring all terms and client expectations are met.
   Review and negotiate agency commissions annually to ensure competitive and mutually beneficial agreements.
5. Systems & Platforms Management
   Maintain and update booking systems, databases, and online platforms to ensure accuracy and accessibility.
   Collaborate with the marketing team to optimize digital event listings and drive lead generation.
6. Marketing & Communication
   Create and distribute engaging marketing emails to promote event offerings, exclusive hires, and seasonal updates to event agencies and corporate clients.
   Develop and execute innovative strategies to reach new markets and showcase the venues’ unique offerings.
7. Event Planning & Execution
   Work closely with the operations, kitchen, and front-of-house teams to deliver exceptional events and exclusive hires.
   Provide creative input to enhance guest experiences and ensure events exceed client expectations.
8. Reporting & Analysis
   Monitor and analyse sales data, providing regular performance reports and insights.
   Track ROI on marketing efforts and adjust strategies as needed to drive growth.

Key Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience in events sales and management within luxury hospitality or high-end venues.
• Strong leadership skills with a proven ability to manage and inspire a team.
• Established network of corporate clients, event agencies, and industry contacts.
• Expertise in CRM and event management platforms; TripleSeat experience is a plus.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with a client-focused approach.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities, with a keen eye for detail.
• Ability to strategize and implement proactive outreach efforts, including cold and warm calling.

This summarizes the main responsibilities of your role but there may be other reasonable requests made and other responsibilities included from time to time. I understand and agree to adhere to the above job description.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years previous work experience in event coordination/planning (event marketing/promotions experience a plus) and food industry experience is preferred.
• Exceptional written, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Independent, proactive, accurate and deadline oriented.
• Account management experience a plus.
• Ability to network to build business by entertaining prospective clients weekly, joining at least one organization with networking opportunities to generate business, and developing relationships.
• Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK, without restrictions. Documented evidence of eligibility will be required from all candidates.

Your Office:

Join our dynamic and growing restaurant group of companies, where innovation meets culinary excellence. As a leading player in the hospitality industry, we are dedicated to crafting memorable dining experiences whilst maintaining a commitment to financial health and strategic growth.

Owned restaurants include the SUSHISAMBA and Duck & Waffle restaurants and bars in the City of London and Edinburgh, SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden and SUSHISAMBA Las Vegas with a new restaurant SUSHISAMBA Los Angeles opening in 2025 and a growth strategy for 2 further new US restaurant openings. Licensed operations currently include Dubai, Doha, Edinburgh, Bahrain, Riyadh and Singapore with new licenses opening in 2025 and beyond including Abu Dhabi and Milan.

#J-18808-Ljbffr