Event Manager

Private Events & Catering Manager
Scratchboard Kitchen – Arlington Heights, IL
Salary + Commission
Nights & Weekends Required

Role Summary
Scratchboard Kitchen is hiring a Private Events & Catering Manager to lead the growth and execution of our private dining and catering program. This role is responsible for generating private event revenue, converting inquiries into booked business, planning event details, and overseeing on-site execution while maintaining organized systems that support the continued growth of the restaurant’s private events program. The position combines sales ownership, event leadership, and floor presence, guiding events from inquiry through execution while working closely with the kitchen and service teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences. Most events are intimate private dining experiences, celebrations, and corporate gatherings hosted within the restaurant. Scratchboard Kitchen is a chef-driven, high-standard restaurant environment where attention to detail, hospitality professionalism, and strong service leadership are expected. This role is ideal for a confident hospitality professional who enjoys building guest relationships, taking ownership of events, and leading a room with professionalism and presence.

Responsibilities

Private Event Sales & Booking
Respond to private event and catering inquiries
Prepare proposals, pricing, contracts, and invoices
Maintain follow-up with prospective clients until bookings are confirmed or declined
Secure deposits and enforce payment policies
Maintain an organized sales pipeline and track inquiry conversion to booked events

Event Planning & Coordination
Create detailed BEOs including menus, timelines, and staffing needs
Coordinate event details with kitchen and FOH management teams
Maintain the private events calendar and event preparation schedules
Ensure all event details are clearly communicated to staff

Event Execution
Serve as Event Captain for booked events
Lead event flow, timing, and guest communication during service
Confidently lead events and act as the primary host for private dining guests
Work alongside the service team to ensure smooth execution
Resolve issues in real time and maintain Scratchboard Kitchen hospitality standards

Internal Events
Assist in developing and executing in-house ticketed events that drive guest engagement and revenue
Collaborate with the kitchen team on event concepts and menus

Marketing Support
Assist with promotion of private events and ticketed events through website updates, social media, and marketing materials when needed

Schedule & Expectations
This role includes a combination of on-site service shifts and administrative time dedicated to event sales and planning.

Three regularly scheduled on-site shifts are expected each week, including Friday and Saturday nights.

In weeks when additional private events occur outside the standard weekend schedule, the Events Manager may work up to four on-site shifts to support event execution.

Administrative time is dedicated to responding to event inquiries, client follow-up, proposal preparation, event planning, and sales activity.

The Private Events & Catering Manager is expected to be present for the events they book whenever possible to ensure proper execution and guest experience.

Event inquiries should be monitored daily, with responses sent the same business day whenever possible.

Evening, weekend, and holiday availability is required based on the event calendar.

Compensation
Base Salary: $45,000 annually
Commission: 4% of contracted private event and catering revenue personally booked
Commission is calculated on contracted event revenue and requires adherence to approved pricing and operational guidelines.
This is a non-tipped management position. Servers retain 100% of gratuities and the Events Manager does not participate in tip pools.

Requirements
2+ years experience selling and executing restaurant private events or catering
Strong organizational and communication skills
Strong presence on the floor and confidence leading guest-facing events
Ability to manage multiple event timelines and client communications
Professional, organized, and guest-focused
Available nights and weekends

ABOUT SCRATCHBOARD KITCHEN

Who We Are
We are an upscale casual restaurant in downtown Arlington Heights serving scratch-made breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with fresh coffee, juice, and a curated bar program.

Our Vibe
We are warm, welcoming, and community-focused. Our space is cozy and stylish, perfect for friends and family to enjoy great food together.

Our Mission
We want every guest to feel at home here. From the warm welcome to the last bite, we aim to go above and beyond to create a memorable dining experience.