Essential by Christophe, a Michelin Starred Property, is seeking a  Private Dining Sales Manager to promote, sell and plan all private event bookings for our Michelin starred restaurant and private dining room.  The applicant will be responsible for event sales outreach, planning, coordinating event details, and assisting in final execution, working directly with clients and the FOH & BOH team.  Aggressively reach out to new business prospects and convert into bookings through various methods of outreach.  Applicants must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a proven track record of leadership in both sales and F&B management.

Compensation:

• This position receives a base salary in addition to commission. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES:

• Manage all incoming event inquiries; must ensure follow up on the same business day.
• Coordinate all administrative event details with client from inquiry to close including but not limited to negotiating, executing proposals, contracts, ensuring client payment in full, rental orders, and post event follow-up.
• Coordinate all logistical event details from planning to execution, including site inspections, tastings, vendor meetings, COI paperwork, and day-of onsite client contact.
• Responsible for BEOs, Menu Cards, Event Details, Itemized Bills, taking & logging deposits and final payments, managing specific client event needs, event administrative paper work, noting in reservation system, and keeping all information up to date for all departments.
• Must be flexible to work weekends and events as needed.
• Meet and greet guests upon arrival on the day of the event and ensure the operations team is informed on all details about the event.
• Collaborate with the Sommeliers to ensure that the wines for an event for available and in stock for the event
• Up selling with clients when confirming details for their upcoming event by upgrading menu items, selling feature menu items or having the sommelier select wines to complement their menu
• Coordinate with Restaurant Operations Team (BOH & FOH) to ensure seamless execution of event.
• Build and maintain client database to ensure repeat business by providing excellent guest service
• Individual outreach to establish key relationships with new corporate clients, high profile fashion houses, media, and destination management companies and drive sales in corporate and social sectors
• Brainstorm and implement new marketing ideas to build business and sales
• Develop long-term event strategies that demonstrate continued evolution. To include, but not limited to, conducting industry research to identify new event opportunities and maintaining knowledge on local competitors
• Work collaboratively with the Essential team to provide guests with an elevated guest experience.
• Follow proper time and attendance procedures.
• Solicit and promote event business through cold-calling, existing relationships, attending networking events with local businesses and other activities.

• Understand the philosophy of the restaurant and accurately represent the restaurant on daily communication with guests.

SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he/she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Able to speak, read, write, and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Able to learn and perform all essential job functions accurately and safely.
• Ability to meet and greet and coordinate with prospective and current clients.
• Strong telephone etiquette, specifically in tone of voice, listening and understanding clients needs, communicating your thoughts clearly, and recording all pertinent data collected from frequent phone conversations.
• Knowledge of the private event menus and beverage list and the ability to communicate clear suggestions to the guests.
• Provide friendly, courteous and efficient service to all guests.
• A thorough understanding of all booking policies and procedures.
• Ability to work with multiple computer applications including but not limited to the Microsoft office suite, Tripleseat®, Toast, and Resy or similar software.
• Knowledge of the following; kitchen functions, general culinary practices, restaurant operations and banquet operations.
• Knowledge of meeting room technology such as lighting and A/V systems a plus.

   Benefits & Perks

• Health insurance reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Dining discounts
• Paid birthdays off
• Wellness reimbursements
• Education reimbursements
• Commuter benefits

Essential by Christophe is an EEO company that hires and employs people based solely on their experience and performance. EEO does not base any decisions of employment on any protected class characteristic and is proud to employ, hire and retain staff of all protected classes.