Event Program Manager Jobs in Lakeland, FL (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Event Sales Manager
Reports To: General Manager
Department: Sales & Events – Food & Beverage
Employment Type: Salaried, Exempt

Salary: $65,000 - $70,000 base salary, with total earning potential of up to $150,000 through commissions, plus a comprehensive benefits package.

About José Andrés Group: José Andrés Group (JAG) is a hospitality company led by Chef José Andrés, known for outstanding guest experiences, innovation, and a values-driven culture. Our teams bring world-class food and warm hospitality to life across acclaimed concepts.

Position Summary: The Event Sales Manager drives profitable private dining and events revenue while delivering gracious, detail-perfect experiences. You’ll own the full sales cycle—from prospecting and proposals to contracting, BEO creation, and post-event follow-up—partnering closely with Culinary, Beverage, and Operations to execute flawlessly and build repeat business.

Key Responsibilities

Sales Strategy & Pipeline Management

• Prospect and qualify leads across corporate, social, hotel, and agency segments; conduct site visits and tastings.
• Build proposals and menus tailored to occasion, budget, and brand standards; negotiate and close with clear timelines.
• Manage holds, options, and room blocks (as applicable); secure deposits and signed contracts to policy.
• Maintain accurate forecasts, pace, and pipeline health; meet or exceed monthly/quarterly revenue targets.

Event Design, BEOs & Execution Partnership

• Translate client vision into detailed BEOs (menus, staffing, floor plans, AV, décor, timelines).
• Lead internal hand-offs and pre-con meetings; ensure teams have complete and current event specs.
• Be on-site for key programs as needed; support real-time adjustments that protect guest experience and margin.
• Conduct post-event recaps; capture feedback and opportunities for future bookings.

Client Service & Account Growth

• Provide white-glove service from first inquiry to post-event thank-you; maintain CRM notes and contact plans.
• Grow repeat and referral business with strategic touches, offers, and partnerships.
• Manage VIP, concierge, and hotel partner relationships where applicable.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Culinary/Beverage on seasonal packages, tasting notes, and costed menus.
• Align with Operations on staffing plans, set-ups, and service standards; with Marketing/PR on content and promotions.
• Coordinate with Finance on invoicing, deposits, credits, and final billing accuracy.

Revenue Management & Reporting

• Optimize mix and margins via pricing, minimums, upsells (pairings, premium bars, enhancements), and room usage.
• Track KPIs (inquiries, conversion, ADR, covers, revenue mix, event profitability) and share weekly dashboards.
• Monitor market trends and competitive sets; recommend offers and calendars that drive demand.

Compliance & Brand Standards

• Ensure contracts, COIs, permits, and vendor agreements meet company and local requirements.
• Uphold JAG brand voice and service standards across proposals, collateral, and the guest journey.

SUCCESS IN THIS ROLE

Success in this position will be measured through:

-Achievement of individual and departmental event sales goals.

-Growth in new business, repeat clients, and key account revenue.

-Accuracy of contracts, event details, forecasting, and client records.

-Client satisfaction and post-event feedback.

-Profitability and operational success of booked events.

-Strength of internal partnerships and communication.

-Contribution to the development and performance of the broader event sales team.

 Required Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of event/private dining sales in upscale restaurant, luxury hotel, or catering environment.
• Proven track record meeting/exceeding revenue targets with strong close rates.
• Expert communicator and negotiator; polished client presence and writing skills.
• Proficiency with CRM and event tools (e.g., TripleSeat/SevenRooms/Delphi), diagrams (Social Tables), and POS basics.
• Strong project management and attention to detail; calm under pressure and deadline-driven.
• Schedule flexibility (nights/weekends/holidays) based on event needs.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Frequent walk-throughs of event spaces and dining rooms.
• Stand/walk for extended periods during events; occasional lifting of materials up to ~25–35 lbs.
• Ability to spend time in a fast-paced, professional kitchen atmosphere with exposure to heat.

In Return, We Offer You

• Competitive salary with performance-based commission
• Comprehensive health & wellness benefits
• Retirement savings program
• Employee dining and partner discounts
• Professional development and growth within an award-winning hospitality group

Equal Opportunity Employer: José Andrés Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in the federal E-Verify Program.