Private Events Manager

Position Summary

   The Private Events Manager oversees all private dining operations while also serving as a leader within the main restaurant dining room. This role is responsible for managing event sales, planning, and execution, while supporting service on the floor to ensure a seamless and elevated guest experience.

   The Private Events Manager maintains a presence during service, leading teams in real time and ensuring alignment between event execution and overall restaurant operations.

   This role requires a hospitality-driven and highly organized professional who can balance event management responsibilities with hands-on leadership in a fast-paced, service-driven environment.

Reports To: General Manager

Core Responsibilities

• Manage all private dining inquiries from initial contact through post-event follow-up
• Conduct site tours and build strong client relationships
• Create customized event proposals, contracts, and BEOs
• Coordinate menus, beverage packages, room setups, and event timelines
• Collaborate with culinary and dining room teams to ensure seamless execution
• Oversee event setup, service, and breakdown; when not present, clearly delegate responsibilities to a designated point person
• Oversee the planning and execution of all private events to ensure alignment with operational standards
• Ensure a high level of guest satisfaction throughout all stages of the event experience
• Manage event billing, deposits, and final payments
• Maintain organization and accuracy of all event-related documentation including event calendar, BEO, contracts and Tripleseat
• Identify opportunities to grow private dining revenue
• Ensure accurate communication of event details across all departments
• Support staffing alignment for events and dining room operations as needed

Leadership & Team Development

• Support and guide front-of-house teams during both private events and regular service
• Foster and maintain a culture of accountability, professionalism, and hospitality that reflects the company’s core values
• Lead pre-service meetings for the team, setting clear expectations for each shift
• Oversee training, and ongoing performance management to ensure consistency and growth across the team
• Provide ongoing coaching and feedback to ensure consistency in execution and service standards
• Maintain an active presence on the floor to support, direct, and motivate the team
• Lead by example, demonstrating professionalism, composure, and a solution-oriented mindset
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and high-performing work environment
• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration between dining room and kitchen teams

Service & Guest Experience

• Actively manage service on the floor, both for private events and within the main dining room
• Uphold and continuously refine service standards to reflect company values and expectations
• Oversee daily dining room operations, including opening and closing, ensuring smooth and efficient service
• Maintain a strong, visible presence on the floor, anticipating guest needs and resolving issues proactively
• Act as the primary point of escalation for service-related challenges
• Support the kitchen with expediting during service
• Ensure seamless coordination between the dining room, bar, and kitchen teams
• Manage reservations and seating to optimize flow, covers, and guest satisfaction in a high-volume environment
• Uphold and refine service standards, ensuring alignment with company values
• Maintain expert knowledge of the menu, beverage program, and brand standards
• Ensure all guest-facing areas meet the highest standards of cleanliness, organization, and compliance with health regulations
• Align staffing levels with business needs, making real-time adjustments as needed
• Lead guest recovery efforts to ensure concerns are resolved and guests leave with a positive experience

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in private events or restaurant event management
• 2+ years of restaurant dining room management experience
• Proven ability to manage the planning of multiple events simultaneously while maintaining a high level of organization and attention to detail
• Strong understanding of event planning, BEO creation, and coordination across departments
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build client relationships and lead service teams effectively
• Professional presence with a genuine passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences
• Ability to remain composed under pressure and make decisive, guest-focused decisions
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion
• Highly organized, adaptable, and able to perform in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (8+ hours), and to crouch, bend, and lift or move 25+ lbs, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays