City Winery logo

Event Sales Director

Oak Park, IL, USA|Travel, Onsite

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Salary
Range $65,000.00 - $75,000.00
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Work Schedule

Flexible
Weekend Shifts
Night Shifts
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Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401k
flexible spending accounts
health savings accounts
Dependent Care
basic life insurance
accidental death and dismemberment insurance
Employee Discounts
Paid Time Off

Job Description

City Winery is a pioneering hospitality and entertainment company that artfully blends the pleasures of food, wine, and live music into an all-encompassing cultural experience. Established in 2008 by music industry visionary Michael Dorf, City Winery has carved a unique niche as a fully functioning winery integrated with intimate concert venues, cooking and wine classes, private events spaces, and fine dining. The company delivers an unparalleled wine country ambiance right in the heart of metropolitan areas, presenting a sophisticated environment that appeals to food lovers, wine connoisseurs, music enthusiasts, and active cultural patrons alike. With a strong commitment to sustainability and quality, the wines produced by City Winery have garnered critical acclaim, earning 90+ point ratings and establishing a reputation for excellence on a national level.

The Event Sales Director position at City Winery is a rare leadership opportunity, designed for a seasoned hospitality professional eager to drive and innovate event operations within a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Reporting directly to the General Manager and working closely with the Regional Event Sales Director, this role is pivotal in managing all facets of both private and public events at the venue. The successful candidate will oversee event production, staff recruitment, training, and day-to-day operational management, all while fostering collaboration with various departments such as culinary and beverage teams to control costs and maintain high service standards. This position not only demands a strong leader with a passion for hospitality, wine, food, and music but also requires an individual with acumen in financial management and an ability to multitask efficiently. The Event Sales Director plays a crucial role in crafting a memorable experience for City Winery’s upscale clientele, ensuring every event runs smoothly from conception through execution.

City Winery offers a competitive pay structure and an attractive benefits package which demonstrates the company’s commitment to its workforce. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, participation in a 401K retirement plan with matching contributions, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, dependent care support, basic life and AD&D insurance, plus exclusive discounts on dining and retail wine, free family meal tickets to shows, and much more. The workplace culture emphasizes inclusivity and professional growth, with continuous opportunities for training and development. City Winery prides itself on creating a safe, supportive environment where every team member is encouraged to thrive, develop new skills, and contribute to the company’s ongoing success and expansion. This role also involves a flexible scheduling commitment, including availability for nights, weekends, and holidays, along with willingness to travel as business needs dictate.

City Winery stands out not only for its distinguished blend of wine, culinary arts, and live entertainment but also for its dedication to community, creativity, and diversity. The company encourages applications from all qualified candidates and is committed to equal employment opportunities, respecting diversity in every form. Participation in the E-Verify program also reflects City Winery’s adherence to federal employment regulations, reinforcing its standing as a responsible and ethical employer.

Job Requirements

  • 5+ years of experience in a high-volume restaurant, venue, or similar setting
  • proven leadership and commitment to excellence
  • strong financial and business acumen
  • passion for hospitality, food, wine, and music
  • ability to multitask and manage projects in a fast-paced environment
  • strong mentoring, training, and accountability skills
  • detail-oriented with strong execution skills
  • knowledge of health department regulations
  • exceptional communication skills
  • strong culinary and wine knowledge
  • proficient in English and basic business math
  • technologically proficient
  • ability to meet physical demands of the role
  • flexible scheduling availability including nights, weekends, and holidays
  • willingness to travel for business needs

Job Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in hospitality or related field
  • 5+ years of experience in a high-volume restaurant, venue, or similar setting
  • proven leadership and commitment to excellence
  • strong financial and business acumen
  • exceptional communication skills
  • passion for hospitality, food, wine, and music
  • strong mentoring, training, and accountability skills
  • detail-oriented with excellent execution abilities
  • knowledge of health department regulations
  • strong culinary and wine knowledge
  • proficiency in English and basic business math
  • technologically proficient

Job Duties

  • Oversee private and public event operations from conception through execution
  • develop operational communication tools in partnership with Event Sales teams
  • design and produce event space layouts including floorplans, maps, and flowcharts
  • streamline client relations and operations checklists
  • identify and mitigate potential risks with contingency planning
  • collaborate with General Manager and Food & Beverage Manager on staffing, supply, and equipment allocation
  • communicate operational details timely to relevant departments
  • manage property and internal departments for event success
  • address event service issues with General Manager
  • oversee pre-event messaging and operations notes
  • conduct monthly staff meetings to boost communication and morale
  • manage Event Service teams to uphold service standards
  • establish and maintain vendor relationships ensuring policy adherence
  • meet weekly with department heads for operational alignment
  • oversee event staffing, inventories, monitor operations, and ensure client satisfaction
  • foster positive company culture and professional workforce
  • conduct staff training and development, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions
  • ensure safe working environment and proper incident reporting
  • handle recruitment, onboarding, and personnel issues with GM, HR, and Regional Director
  • maintain training documents and monitor new hire training
  • coordinate ongoing training and new menu training with Chef
  • review new hire paperwork and company policies
  • monitor Event Sales revenue and manage labor budgets
  • collaborate with Culinary and Beverage to manage cost of goods sold
  • analyze sales reports and payroll to enforce labor controls
  • produce labor reports and review monthly budget and P&L statements
  • ensure proper scheduling and administrative task completion
  • oversee payroll administration and benefits communication with HR

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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