The Sales and Events Manager is a revenue-driving role responsible for owning the full sales cycle - from outbound prospecting and lead generation through to close and flawless execution - for all private functions and private dining sales at Hawksmoor Chicago. This role is first and foremost a sales role: success is measured by pipeline growth, conversion, and booked revenue, with events execution as the natural extension of a well-managed sales funnel.
We're looking for a proactive hunter who thrives on building relationships from scratch, generating new business, and consistently filling the sales funnel - while also operating as a trusted, collaborative member of the broader restaurant leadership team.
Key Responsibilities
Drive Sales & Own the Funnel
- Own and drive the full sales funnel - prospecting, lead generation, qualification, proposal, negotiation, close, and post-event follow-up - with a relentless focus on maximizing conversion at every stage
- Proactively generate new business through outbound prospecting as a core, daily activity - targeted outreach and networking to build a consistent pipeline of new leads
- Maintain and grow sales momentum needed to keep private dining rooms and the restaurant fully booked months and years into the futu
- Build and own a robust sales database for Chicago, ensuring no opportunity in the local market goes untapped
- Set and hit personal sales targets and KPIs tied to outbound activity volume, pipeline value, and closed revenue
- Track and report on funnel health - lead volume, conversion rates, average deal size, and velocity - to continuously improve sales performance
- Identify and cultivate relationships across every type of booker - from executive assistants to corporate event planners to CEOs
- Liaise with sales and marketing communities, membership organizations, associations, and listing guides to build referral pipelines and incentivize bookings
Sales Execution & Relationship Management
- Promote Hawksmoor Chicago to discerning diners across the city and beyond, positioning the brand as the go-to destination for private events
- Run regular showcases, tastings, and client events designed specifically to generate and convert new sales leads
- Keep all digital booking systems, CRM, and databases accurate and current to support disciplined pipeline management
- Embed the Hawksmoor Chicago brand into the local dining scene, building it into a respected long-term cornerstone of Chicago culture
- Be the host for onsite events, introduce and turn over clients to the operations team
Team Collaboration
- Act as a key, collaborative member of the Hawksmoor Chicago team - working closely with operations, culinary, and front-of-house leadership to ensure every sold event is flawlessly executed
- Partner cross-functionally to align sales promises with operational capability, ensuring a seamless handoff from sale to execution
- Support a team-first culture, pitching in wherever needed to support the broader goals of the restaurant
Qualifications and Skills
- Proven sales experience with a track record of driving revenue through proactive outbound prospecting and full-funnel sales management - hospitality or events experience is a strong plus
- Hunter mentality: demonstrated success generating new business from cold outreach, not just managing inbound leads
- Excellent negotiation, closing, and customer service skills
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage a high-volume, multi-stage sales pipeline and multiple projects simultaneously
- Proficiency in Tripleseat, Prospecting systems (LinkedIn, Crunchbase and beyond), and Microsoft Office Suite
- A collaborative, team-oriented approach with the ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced restaurant environment
This role requires working some evenings, weekends, and holidays to oversee events.