Private Events Manager

Private Events Manager

Kinzie Chophouse, Chicago

At Kinzie Chophouse, private events are built on trust and long-term relationships. As we approach our 35th year as Chicago’s only woman-owned, independent steakhouse, we are seeking a Private Events Manager to help grow and steward one of the city’s most established private dining programs.

Chicago is a steakhouse city, and the role of the modern steakhouse has evolved. Kinzie is not just a dining room. It is a destination for business development, client entertainment, and meaningful celebrations. This role is ideal for someone who is sales-minded, highly organized, and energized by relationship-driven hospitality.

Role Overview

The Private Events Manager owns the private dining sales process from first inquiry through execution. This is a hands-on, revenue-focused role that balances sales, planning, and on-site coordination.

Responsibilities

• Manage private dining and event inquiries from initial contact through event execution
• Drive new and repeat private events business across corporate, concierge, and social markets
• Build and maintain a strong client portfolio including corporate offices, event planners, concierges, and returning guests
• Proactively cultivate new business channels through outreach and relationship-building with nearby residential buildings, corporate offices, hotels, and neighborhood partners
• Prepare proposals, contracts, and Banquet Event Orders using event sales and CRM platforms
• Conduct site visits and walkthroughs of Kinzie’s private dining spaces
• Partner closely with culinary, service, and leadership teams to ensure seamless execution
• Support on-site coordination for events as needed to deliver exceptional guest experiences
• Track leads, bookings, and performance metrics to support revenue growth and forecasting

Sales and Relationship Focus

This role is designed for someone who understands how to:

• Convert regular diners into private event clients
• Grow existing accounts into repeat and multi-event relationships
• Build new pipelines through targeted outreach to residential buildings, corporate offices, hotels, and local organizations
• Represent Kinzie Chophouse externally with confidence and professionalism

You will regularly engage with:

• Corporate clients and professional organizations
• Event planners and venue partners
• Hotel concierges and travel partners
• Property managers and residential building teams
• Local community and neighborhood organizations

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in private events, hospitality sales, or upscale restaurant environments
• Comfortable managing both sales conversations and operational details
• Highly organized with strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience using event management or CRM platforms such as Tripleseat, SevenRooms, OpenTable, or similar
• Service-driven, proactive, and confident in guest-facing situations
• Strong interest in food, wine, and hospitality

Compensation

• Salary range: $60,000–$65,000, commensurate with experience
• Performance-based bonus or commission structure
• Benefits include PTO, dining perks, and growth opportunities