Event Planning Associate Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

The Restaurant Sales Manager is responsible for driving private dining and group event revenue at BLVD Kitchen & Bar by developing new business, cultivating relationships with existing clients, and converting inquiries into successful events. This position will serve as the primary point of contact for private dining clients from initial inquiry through event completion, ensuring an exceptional guest experience while achieving sales and revenue goals.

The ideal candidate is a highly motivated, relationship-driven sales professional with experience in restaurant, private dining, catering, or event sales. This individual should have a strong understanding of the local market, excellent communication skills, and the ability to confidently sell BLVD Kitchen & Bar as a premier destination for corporate gatherings, celebrations, and other group events.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute sales strategies to increase private dining, group dining, and event revenue.
• Generate new business through proactive prospecting, networking, referrals, community involvement, and outreach to local businesses and organizations.
• Respond promptly to private dining and event inquiries, identify client needs, and effectively communicate available options, menus, pricing, and event details.
• Conduct tours and consultations with prospective clients and confidently sell BLVD Kitchen & Bar’s dining spaces.
• Manage the full sales process from initial inquiry and proposal through contract, event planning, and post-event follow-up.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with corporate clients, local businesses, event planners, community organizations, and repeat guests.
• Create customized event proposals and work with clients to develop menus, event details, timelines, and other requirements.
• Coordinate closely with restaurant leadership, culinary, service, and operations teams to ensure events are properly planned and executed.
• Maintain accurate records of sales activity, leads, bookings, client communications, and upcoming events.
• Identify opportunities to increase event revenue through menu enhancements, beverage packages, upgrades, and other offerings.
• Conduct post-event follow-up to obtain feedback, encourage repeat business, and develop long-term client relationships.
• Stay informed on local market trends, competitive offerings, and opportunities to position BLVD Kitchen & Bar effectively.
• Meet or exceed established sales, revenue, and booking goals.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• 2+ years of restaurant, private dining, catering, hospitality, or event sales experience.
• Proven track record of generating new business and achieving sales goals.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Highly organized with excellent attention to detail and follow-through.
• Ability to manage multiple events, leads, and client relationships simultaneously.
• Strong customer service mindset with the ability to build lasting client relationships.
• Confident and professional when interacting with clients, business leaders, and event planners.
• Self-motivated and comfortable working independently in a sales-driven environment.
• Ability to understand client needs and create customized event solutions.
• Ability to work collaboratively with restaurant operations and culinary teams.
• Knowledge of the Minneapolis/Twin Cities business and social community is preferred.

Availability: Monday - Friday, onsite at BLVD Kitchen & Bar. Flexibility to work a weekend day as needed based on scheduled private dining events and client needs.

Education: High school diploma or GED required

Rate: $40,000 annually, plus a 3.5% commission on all private dining sales.

This document describes the general nature and level of work required of those assigned to this role. It is not intended to be an all-encompassing list of responsibilities, duties, and skills. Responsibilities may vary depending on brand/location. All associates are expected to deal with customers and co-workers positively and respectfully and perform duties safely and effectively.

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty/responsibility and meet all criteria under physical demands, with or without accommodation.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” employment relationship. Management retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.

CSM Corporation is an equal opportunity employer who provides employment opportunities to qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other area prohibited by applicable laws and regulations.