This role is for a Sales & Events Manager who will own private event sales and execution for Garcia's Chicago, a new concert venue. The manager will handle everything from the initial inquiry to the final invoice, helping to establish Garcia's as a premier destination for corporate, social, and convention groups. The ideal candidate is connected in the Chicago events market, enjoys business growth, and thrives in a non-traditional, fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities
Actively solicit new business and maintain assigned existing accounts to meet or exceed established revenue and sales goals through prospecting, telephone and email outreach, outside sales calls, networking, site inspections, and relationship development
Maintain an active, hands-on selling role, managing opportunities from initial lead and proposal through contracting and event handoff
Meet established individual and departmental sales goals and maintain an active, accurate sales pipeline
Drive new business development through consistent prospecting, networking, community outreach, industry relationships, trade shows, and other relevant events
Meet with prospective and existing clients onsite for venue tours, tastings, and event planning discussions
Manage assigned client relationships and dedicated accounts to maximize repeat business, referrals, and long-term revenue opportunities
Negotiate event terms and contracts within established company guidelines while protecting profitability and minimizing risk to the venue and Company
Maintain strong knowledge of Garcia's Chicago's event spaces, food and beverage offerings, live music and production capabilities, and other venue offerings in order to effectively sell the full experience
Build relationships with hotel concierge and sales teams, DMCs, and planners to increase lead generation
Become an active member of one or more approved local associations (for example ILEA Chicago, MPI Chicago Area, or NACE Chicago)
Keep the venue's listings on third-party event platforms (for example PartySlate, Eventective, Peerspace) accurate, current, and responsive
Partner closely with venue operations to ensure a smooth transition from sale to execution, including accurate event details, timelines, contracts, deposits, BEOs/event documents, and other required information
Support the administrative and logistical coordination of events as needed, ensuring event information is complete, accurate, and properly communicated to operations, finance, production, food & beverage, and other applicable teams
Collaborate with the Executive Chef on menus and F&B packages for special events
Participate in the rotation of BEO packet checks
Coordinate with talent buying, production, and venue operations to place holds and avoid conflicts with the public show calendar, load-ins, and soundchecks
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Coordinate AV, sound, lighting, and staging needs with the in-house production team, including private performances and client-booked talent
Serve as the on-site lead for assigned events, including pre-event walkthroughs with the client and a hand-off to the floor manager
Collect vendor certificates of insurance and confirm events meet capacity, fire code, alcohol service, and any City of Chicago permit requirements
Follow up after each event to gather feedback, request reviews, and secure repeat bookings
Oversee the sales function for Garcia's Chicago, including management of the PT Event Coordinator and other future sales team members as applicable
Maintain open communication and strong working relationships with onsite venue management and Dayglo leadership
Conduct and participate in weekly sales meetings, pre-con/post-con meetings, trainings, and other sales-related meetings as required
Track sales activity, pipeline, conversion, and revenue performance and provide regular reporting to management
Monitor market trends, competitive venues, customer needs, and sales opportunities and contribute relevant information to forecasting and annual budgeting
Assist in developing and improving sales department SOPs, processes, reporting, and workflows to create an efficient and scalable sales operation
Enter all groups into the venue's sales system and maintain accurate account records
Track event profitability, including food and beverage minimums, fees, labor, and discounts, and flag events that miss margin targets
Partner with marketing on private event collateral, the venue website's events page, and social content that showcases past events
Keep the sales office and event materials organized and client-ready, and help train new team members
Requirements
Experience in full-service restaurant, bar, or live music venue operations, with prior shift lead or supervisory experience preferred
Clear, consistent communication with floor staff, kitchen, and management before, during, and after shifts
Hands-on service skills, including serving, bussing, running food, and resetting tables
Strong guest service skills and comfort resolving routine service or payment concerns face to face
Sound judgment about when to escalate issues to the Manager on Duty
Ability to follow event one sheets and adapt quickly to changing show and event needs
Awareness of room conditions (lighting, temperature, music levels, cleanliness) and of safety and security procedures
Ability to observe and document shift activity and staff performance for management reports and reviews
Comfort training new staff and leading refresher trainings using Company materials
Flexible team player willing to support bar, security, facilities, and production as needed
Availability for evenings, weekends, and holidays based on the show calendar
Ability to stand and walk for long periods and lift up to 50 lbs
Food handler and/or BASSET certification (or willingness to obtain)
Minimum 5 years of event sales or event execution experience
Restaurant, venue, or hospitality experience strongly preferred
At least 2 years of experience in the Chicago events market, with a network of clients and planners that can make an immediate impact
Proven record of meeting or exceeding sales goals
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and strong negotiation skills
Ability to handle difficult clients and problems with both internal and external partners while staying professional
Strong organization, multitasking, and priority-setting skills in a fast-paced environment
Experience with sales and event management software
Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Outlook
Passion for hospitality, food, and live music
Strong work ethic, including attendance, quality of work, and support of colleagues
Decisive and persuasive without being ego-driven; leads by example and stays hands-on
Open to change: duties may grow as the venue and market evolve
Illinois BASSET (on-premise) certification, or the ability to obtain it within the timeframe required by state and City of Chicago rules after hire
Nice to have:
Experience selling music venue buyouts, private concerts, or artist-related events
Membership or leadership in ILEA, MPI, NACE, or a similar Chicago industry group
Benefits
401(k)
Dental insurance
Employee discount
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Referral program
Retirement plan
Vision insurance
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
Split between the sales office and the venue floor during events, tours, and tastings
Exposure to loud music, crowds, and changing lighting during shows and events
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, including full event shifts
Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds (for example decor, signage, and event supplies)
Ability to move through all areas of the venue, including stairs, back-of-house, and stage areas
About the Company
Garcia’s Chicago is a stunning, 300-capacity seated concert venue inspired by landmark jazz clubs, offering an elevated music and dining experience in the heart of Chicago’s West Loop. This new venture is from Peter Shapiro and Dayglo Presents in partnership with the Jerry Garcia Estate, celebrating Jerry Garcia’s eclectic artistry and heritage.