Event Sales Manager

About the Role

SSA Group at Texas State Aquarium is seeking a talented Event Sales Manager to drive sales and revenue growth by promoting and selling the venue, catering services, and add-on experiences. This role requires advanced knowledge of sales strategies, strong client relationships, and successful event execution.

Qualifications

• Job Requirements:
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Advanced leadership skills with a focus on team building and development
  • Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities
  • Financial management, analytical, and planning skills
  • Ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment
  • Basic computer skills for office functions
  • Physical ability to stand for extended periods, lift boxes (up to 35lbs), and perform related tasks
  • Availability to work varied hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Previous Experience:
  • Minimum 4 years in catering, event sales, operations, or event planning management (6+ years preferred)
  • Experience in off-site catering, hotels, or cultural attraction venues
  • Working knowledge of Tripleseat is a plus
  • Must be 18 or older

Responsibilities

• Sales and Client Acquisition:
  • Develop and implement strategies to sell venue and catering services
  • Analyze market for new revenue opportunities
  • Prospect and secure new business through cold calling, networking, and outreach
  • Conduct site tours and menu tastings
  • Negotiate and secure signed agreements
  • Plan and upsell event functions
  • Respond promptly to client requests
• Client Relationship Management:
  • Serve as primary client contact throughout sales and planning
  • Prepare and manage contracts, BEOs, diagrams, and documents
  • Maintain strong relationships with clients and venue departments
  • Conduct post-event follow-ups
• Vendor and Resource Management:
  • Maintain communication with vendors and negotiate pricing
  • Uphold resource lists for clients and operations
  • Ensure vendor compliance with venue guidelines
• Event Coordination:
  • Develop detailed event plans, timelines, and floorplans
  • Inspect event spaces before events
  • Manage last-minute changes
  • Collaborate with Catering Operations, Culinary Team, and other departments
• Operational Excellence:
  • Ensure accurate documentation of contracts, BEOs, and event details
  • Maintain compliance with laws and company policies
  • Uphold a clean, safe, and organized work environment
  • Attend event starts to ensure seamless execution
• Financial Management:
  • Collect and process payments
  • Meet and exceed sales budgets
  • Analyze sales and inventory
  • Review invoices and accounting documents
• Reporting and Analysis:
  • Report sales through Tripleseat
  • Analyze sales trends and client feedback
  • Adjust sales strategies based on data
• Social Responsibility:
  • Promote inclusivity and sustainability efforts
  • Engage in community activities
• Team Management (Where Applicable):
  • Recruit, supervise, and develop team members
  • Conduct performance evaluations and coaching
  • Set individual sales targets
  • Ensure compliance with company policies

Benefits

• $75 monthly cell phone stipend
• Bonus eligibility based on company guidelines
• Flex Time Off (no accruals)
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and voluntary benefits
• 401(k) program with 15% company match (after 1 year and 1,000 hours worked)
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Parental Leave (6-8 weeks fully paid for birthing parents)
• Up to 120 hours of Paid Leave for qualifying reasons
• Up to 5 days Paid Bereavement Leave
• On-Demand Pay Program
• Meal Plan & Employee Discounts (where applicable)
• Paid sick leave (varies by location)

SSA Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.