Event Sales Manager - Oak Brook, IL

At Fogo de Chão, we strive to give our guests an unforgettable dining experience of discovery while showcasing the Culinary Art of Churrasco. Our mission is to ignite fire and joy to care for our team, our guests and our communities.

We believe better futures start when we bring our best to the table every day to Feed a Purposeful Future – starting with our team members. We feed our teams with fulfilling job opportunities, making space around the table so everyone feels welcome. At Fogo, we’ll provide you with a fulfilling career with professional and personal growth opportunities at every level. Our values of teamwork, integrity, excellence, humility and Deixa Comigo (we’ve got you!) are more than just words, it’s how we do things every day.

In this role you will

• Grow sales through active prospecting of targeted businesses, organizations, associations, and event planning for groups of 15 or more in assigned restaurant.
• Enter all prospects, contacts, accounts and booking information in the CRM (Tripleseat) and enter basic reservation information in Open Table for booked parties greater than 15.
• Maintain weekly updates and details on current leads through Tripleseat, and convert those leads to bookings, accounts, and contacts.
• Act as primary contact for all group clients, ensuring completion of event details and client satisfaction.
• Manage the booking process to obtain client signatures on CRM-generated contracts and event order forms to confirm bookings. Update documents and Operations with changes.
• Develop quarterly sales plans and solicit new customer relationships while maintaining existing relationships in their restaurant.
• Full cycle sales management, including following proper accounting procedures.
• Understand and be able to speak to the business on a weekly basis and being able to forecast three months in advance.
• Attend and take part in all company-related trainings, including weekly, quarterly, and annual meetings.
• Strategize with the General Manager and restaurant to: Source, plan, and execute local store marketing activities.
• Create profitable bookings using the yield and all other tools provided to make aligned business decisions.
• Drive overall traffic.
• Attending networking events and other public events as a brand ambassador and fostering relationships with individuals and corporations to drive sales and increase revenue.
• Maintains company values of integrity, professionalism, and next-level service by communicating with guests in a professional manner, being punctual for appointments, returning phone calls promptly, and all other business courtesies.
• Effectively schedule and be present for all guest site tours and communicate with the restaurant management team.
• Availability to host in-store Fogo marketing events.
• Ability to work Live Chat 3-4 times a month.
• Ability to be on-site at the home restaurant a minimum of 5 days a week and able to work the necessary hours to perform all duties and responsibilities in a timely manner.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by GM, AD, and DOS.

Competencies

• Decisive Judgment - Make good decisions in a timely and confident manner.
• Driving for Results - Challenge and push the organization and yourself to excel and achieve.
• Guest Focus - Anticipate guest needs and design, promote, or support the delivery of products and services that exceed guest expectations.
• Resilience - Effectively deal with work-related problems, pressure, and stress in a professional and positive manner.
• Persuading to Buy - Effectively convince people by knowing how to position the product and understanding the audience. Change methods of persuasion to match specific potential buyers.
• Negotiation - Identify the needs and motives of all parties involved and work towards mutually beneficial agreements.
• Presentation Skills - Have the skills to communicate to an audience in a formal setting.
• Business Acumen - Understand general business and financial concepts, understand the company’s business, and use both general and specific knowledge to be effective.

Education, Experience & Travel Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 2+ Years of Sales or relevant experience.
• Experience in the Restaurant / Attraction industry preferred.
• Up to 10% travel required.

Computer Skills

• Administrative Skills – must be able to keep up with paperwork, accounting procedures, multi-tasking, and high level of organization.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and various office applications.
• Experience in Tripleseat and Open Table preferred.

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance are available for full-time, hourly Team Members on the first of the month following 60 days of employment. Additionally, company-paid Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability are provided where allowed. We offer a comprehensive voluntary benefits package including Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Coverage, Permanent Life, and Pet Insurance.

Fogo de Chão is an Equal Opportunity & E Verify Employer

This position has a pay range that starts at $54,080.00 and goes up to $74,880.00. Your rate is dependent upon your relevant work experience.