Senior Special Events Manager

Cosm•Inglewood, CA

About The Position

The Sr. Special Events Sales Manager is responsible for liaising between the client and Cosm sales and operations departments to plan and execute successful group and catering events to meet/exceed revenue/profit goals and create repeat business where possible. The ideal candidate is resourceful and innovative, a creative dealmaker with an entrepreneurial spirit and partnership-oriented mindset.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
5+ years of experience in a catering sales or convention services position.
Outstanding guest service skills and ability to engage with fans and team members in an attentive, friendly, courteous, and service oriented manner.
Excellent communication skills in terms of the ability to negotiate, sell, and influence clients and meeting attendees.
Experience thriving in a fast-paced environment. Must have the ability to adapt to change on a daily basis.
Ability to proactively prioritize, manage and complete multiple projects simultaneously within time constraints and with strong attention to detail.
Ability to effectively evaluate risks and liabilities of special events and venue rentals.
Must be able to speak, read, write, and communicate in English to adequately perform the duties of the job.
Knowledge of event planning/hospitality principles and practices.
Ability to travel to area businesses and accounts to solicit new business as needed.
Ability to multitask and prioritize daily workload.
Outstanding organizational and time management skills.
Ability to handle sensitive material with the utmost discretion and confidentiality.
Must be energetic, a self-starter, and able to work in a fast-paced environment.
Must be detail-oriented and able to work both independently and with a team.
Must be effective in handling problems, including anticipating, preventing, identifying, and solving problems as necessary.
Must be able to show initiative, including anticipating fan and/or operational needs.
Must be able to maintain standards of attendance and punctuality and must be able to work varying schedules that include evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as business dictates.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of employment. This requirement is in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local labor laws.

Responsibilities

Solicit, negotiate and book new and repeat catering business through various efforts including outside sales calls, telemarketing, mailings, referrals, networking etc.
Respond to all RFP’s received via all channels including internet/website, direct inquiries, third party lead sites, and walk-ins. Create and send proposals, collateral, and menus, follow up with potential clients and log all activity.
Work with clients to obtain all final booking details, i.e., food & beverage, room set-up, and audiovisual requirements.
Anticipate and ensure quick, efficient responses to customer issues, comments, and problems to ensure a quality experience and enhance future sales prospects.
Develop and continually enhance relationships with key group and catering clients to maintain and increase market share.
Ensure Special Events Order’s (SEO) are accurate and provide all relevant information to departments giving them ample time to plan and execute.
Hold regular meetings with operations and F&B departments to review SEO’s for upcoming events and updates on other groups/events as needed.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all property offerings, food & beverage minimums, room rental, strategies, discounts/promotions, event space layout, capacities, and catering menus with pricing.
When needed, participate in trade shows, community, professional, and industry organizations to maintain high visibility/exposure for Cosm.
Maintain accurate and comprehensive records and files to provide sales history and continuity of quality service.
Plan and conduct pre and post-event meetings with clients and respective departments.
Ensure site inspections and client visits to the venue are successful by planning carefully and communicating accurate details in advance to all departments.
Effectively communicate all venue policies, procedures, and charges in regard to services being provided to the client.
Perform administrative duties relevant to account responsibilities in compliance with Cosm guidelines.
Assist in development and implement standards, systems, processes and best practices across special events.
Oversee the successful execution of select high-profile and large-scale events outside home venue, including but not limited to reviewing sales contracts, payment terms and special considerations to ensure deliverables.
Partner with leadership to develop cross promotional programs to maximize special event revenue sales year-round across Cosm venues.
Perform special projects and other duties as assigned by management.