Our client develops and manages upmarket bars and restaurants throughout Los Angeles. With a focus on exemplary food and beverage programs, visually stunning environments, and top-tier customer service, they aim to curate a one-of-a-kind experience for their customers across their nearly 30,000 square feet of dining and event space. As their business expands, they’re looking for a proactive Director of Event Sales and Marketing to guide the events and marketing departments by overseeing sales (including sales and reservation teams), marketing, events, and PR and ensuring sales goals are achieved.

This is an in-person role in downtown Los Angeles, CA.

Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement strategic plans to increase banquet and event bookings for the properties, taking a hands-on approach in the execution of events
- Proactively market the company’s restaurants in a unique and enticing way, using digital, print, photo, and video content to increase brand awareness, drive revenue, and bring in new business
- Create and roll out marketing campaigns and initiatives to boost performance and drive awareness and recognition of the restaurants
- Direct and oversee the company’s marketing department, managing reservations team, event staff, and salespeople
- Ensure the sales team is soliciting, negotiating, and booking new and returning customers in order to maximize profitability
- Review customer contracts and maintain strong relationships with key customers
- Serve as point person for larger events, ensuring customers are taken care of, event staff are executing flawlessly, and facilitating the overall flow of events
- Train and oversee sales staff in proactively selling and marketing versus “order taking” for existing business; soliciting new customers and maintaining relationships with key customers
- Create sales reports and forecasts to analyze trends in the restaurant industry, booking or planning events to increase market share, and monitoring subsequent performance
- Work with local business leaders, officials, and high-profile representatives to promote publicity for the brands

Qualifications:
- 6-10+ years of proven experience in event or catering sales and marketing – hotel background is ideal; experience in downtown LA a strong preference
- Demonstrated track record of using marketing and brand strategy to boost sales performance and achieve revenue goals in a hospitality setting
- Proactive spirit with a “hunter” mentality – this person needs to direct the sales team in both managing existing customers and pursuing new business
- Deep event management experience, with working knowledge of event staffing, logistics, and execution
- Excellent team leadership capabilities
- Strong analytical skills, ability to use insights from data to drive business and marketing strategy
- Familiarity with OpenTable, Triple Seat, or similar hospitality CRM software
- Ability to work nights and weekends as needs require