Sales, Catering and Events Manager

Position Overview

We are seeking an ambitious, relationship-driven Event Partnerships Manager to grow private dining and off-site catering sales across our Chicago venues. This is a highly external, community-facing role ideal for someone who thrives on networking, building partnerships, and creating new business opportunities while also executing exceptional events.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable attending networking events, cultivating corporate and community relationships, and managing high-volume events from initial inquiry through execution. This person will serve as a brand ambassador for The Good Plate Hospitality Group, actively representing our restaurants throughout the Chicago business, social, and hospitality communities.

This role is perfect for a self-starter with an entrepreneurial mindset who is excited to help grow and shape the event business of an evolving restaurant group.

About Us

The Good Plate Hospitality Group is committed to delivering outstanding dining experiences across our portfolio of restaurant concepts—from neighborhood favorites to destination dining. We believe in authentic hospitality, meaningful guest connections, and operational excellence. As our private dining and catering business continues to grow, we are seeking a hospitality professional who is passionate about building relationships, creating memorable experiences, and expanding our presence throughout the Chicagoland market.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Community Engagement

• Proactively generate private dining and catering business through outbound sales efforts, networking, relationship-building, and community involvement
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with corporate clients, local businesses, hotels, event planners, concierges, chambers of commerce, and community organizations
• Represent The Good Plate Hospitality Group at networking events, industry functions, community gatherings, and local partnerships
• Identify new business opportunities, strategic partnerships, and revenue streams across all restaurant concepts
• Maintain an active pipeline of leads through prospecting, referrals, outreach campaigns, and ongoing relationship management
• Conduct venue tours, client meetings, and off-site presentations to promote event offerings

Event Sales & Client Experience

• Guide clients through the full event sales process from inquiry to contract execution
• Create customized event proposals tailored to client needs, budgets, and guest experience goals
• Ensure a high-touch hospitality experience throughout the planning process and beyond
• Follow up post-event to strengthen client relationships and drive repeat business and referrals
• Meet and exceed monthly and annual private dining and catering revenue goals

Event Planning & Execution

• Plan and oversee all aspects of in-house private dining events and off-site catering operations
• Collaborate closely with culinary and operations teams to coordinate menus, layouts, staffing, rentals, timelines, and logistics
• Attend and oversee key events to ensure seamless execution and exceptional guest experiences
• Troubleshoot and adapt quickly in fast-paced event environments

Strategy & Growth

• Assist in developing scalable systems and processes for private dining and catering programs across existing and future restaurant concepts
• Contribute to event marketing initiatives, promotional strategies, pricing structures, and sales materials
• Analyze sales performance, market trends, and event feedback to identify growth opportunities and improve operational efficiency
• Support new restaurant openings and event program launches as the company continues to expand

Qualifications & Experience

• 3–5+ years of hospitality event sales experience in restaurants, catering, hotels, or hospitality groups
• Proven success generating new business through outbound sales, networking, and relationship development
• Strong understanding of the Chicago dining, corporate, and events landscape
• Experience planning and executing both on-site private dining events and off-premise catering events
• Demonstrated ability to manage high-volume events (100+ guests) while delivering exceptional hospitality
• Outgoing, self-motivated, and highly relationship-oriented personality
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive, “roll up your sleeves” approach
• Strong organizational, communication, and multitasking skills in fast-paced environments
• Experience with CRM platforms (TripleSeat preferred), Toast POS, and Microsoft Office 365
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed to attend and oversee events, participate in networking and community functions, and meet with clients outside of standard business hours.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary + commission structure
• Opportunity to help shape and grow the event business across a dynamic restaurant group
• Professional growth, mentorship, and advancement opportunities within The Good Plate Hospitality Group
• Collaborative, creative, and hospitality-driven work environment
• Health benefits including Medical, Dental, and Vision
• PTO package and employee dining privileges across all restaurants within our group