Events & Catering Manager

About Us: 

16 On Center Chicago owns and operates several live music venues, third-party production, restaurants, bars, and food halls across Chicago and New York. Join the team of one of the country's leading independent promoters.

Our most effective service to our community comes from a team with a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. 16 On Center actively seeks a diverse applicant pool and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Position Summary:

As the Events & Catering Manager at Olly Olly Market, you will lead both private event sales and public-facing experiential programming that bring the space to life. This role blends hospitality, creativity, and strategy, driving event revenue while building community through memorable experiences. You’ll collaborate closely with marketing, operations, and leadership teams to deliver seamless events from inquiry through execution. The Events & Catering Manager ensures exceptional service, strong client relationships, and on-brand activations that reflect 16”OC’s culture and “hospit-totally” spirit.

Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Sales & Revenue

• Identify and qualify new leads to grow private event and catering business.
• Develop and implement sales strategies that achieve monthly, quarterly, and annual targets.
• Negotiate pricing and packages to maximize revenue and profitability.
• Track progress toward goals and encourage repeat business through relationship management.

Experiential & Community Events

• Create and execute fun, engaging, and brand-aligned public-facing events built around the spirit of community within the Olly Olly Market and Expo spaces.
• Build partnerships and collaborations that strengthen brand visibility and loyalty.
• Work with the Marketing Manager to develop an annual event and partnership plan, including budgets and promotions.

Marketing & Promotion

• Partner with marketing and leadership to create event materials, toolkits, and digital content.
• Maintain accurate event listings and information across all platforms.
• Represent Olly Olly Market at community and industry events to attract new business and partnerships.

Client & Vendor Relations

• Serve as the main point of contact throughout the planning process, ensuring a high level of communication and service.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with vendors, operations, and beverage teams for seamless event delivery.

Event Operations & Financials

• Lead walk-throughs, oversee timelines, staffing, and budgets, and ensure on-brand execution of all events.
• Manage event budgets, monitor costs and margins, and report on event outcomes.
• In partnership with leadership, hire, train, and guide event staff to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

About You:

• 3–5 years of experience in sales, business development, or event planning
• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, hospitality, or related field preferred
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Strong knowledge of event industry trends, pricing strategies, and best practices
• Proficiency with Tripleseat, Creative Suite, Canva, Microsoft Office, and Social Tables
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills
• Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Flexibility and adaptability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Ability to stand and move for extended periods during events, and to perform the essential functions of the role with or without reasonable accommodation