Maple & Ash Chicago - Event Sales Manager

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Corporate Marketing, Culinary, and the Sales & Events Director on menu updates, launches, LTOs, events, and brand initiatives.
• Protect and elevate the guest experience in all marketing and event materials.
• Review guest feedback and reputation data to identify opportunities and improvement plans.
• Cultivate and activate relationships with local businesses, community leaders, and aligned partners to drive local store marketing initiatives, increase brand visibility, and generate business opportunities.
• Stay informed on competitive trends and emerging insights in the hospitality industry.
• Provide local market insights, partnership opportunities, and event moments to support Corporate PR, social media, email, and design initiatives.
• Own local store marketing initiatives that drive awareness, traffic, and community affinity in the Boston market.
• Identify, develop, and manage strategic local partnerships including businesses, cultural institutions, nonprofits, hotels, and neighborhood organizations.
• Represent Maple & Ash at relevant community events, networking opportunities, and industry functions to build authentic local presence.
• Develop and execute grassroots marketing opportunities that extend beyond traditional paid media and digital channels.
• Serve as the primary local liaison between restaurant operations and Corporate Marketing, sharing timely insights, opportunities, and market-specific wins.
• Proactively surface local storytelling opportunities for PR, social media, and email marketing teams (without owning execution).
• Drive outbound sales initiatives to generate private event leads and corporate partnerships through structured outreach.
• Leverage existing community relationships to increase event revenue and expand Maple & Ash’s presence.
• Communicate with clients regarding proposals, bids, collateral, and contracts.
• Conduct walkthroughs and site visits that highlight the Singular Maple & Ash experience.
• Coordinate with external vendors including rentals, linens, AV, and floral partners.
• Review private event sales trends with finance partners and identify opportunities to grow revenue.
• Oversee event execution with FOH and BOH leaders to ensure seamless service and consistent brand delivery.
• Handle guest concerns pre- and post-event and ensure follow-through aligned with our hospitality expectations.
• Plan events and serve as the onsite contact for the group, in coordination with the event captain, management, chefs and service team.
• Adhere to financial plans, budgets, and departmental targets.
• Follow all corporate and restaurant SOPs.
• Partner with the Executive Chef and culinary team to ensure exceptional event food quality and guest satisfaction.
• Maintain a safe and healthy environment by upholding sanitation standards.
• Demonstrate a professional, caring, and solution-oriented demeanor in all interactions.
• Support broader company goals by owning assigned responsibilities and identifying opportunities to add value.

Requirements

• 4+ years of catering, events, sales, or marketing experience in hospitality.
• High-end restaurant experience is required.
• Strong community relationships and the ability to leverage them for outbound sales and brand growth.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of sales and event systems.
• Genuine passion for food, beverage, and hospitality.
• Ability to operate effectively within structured systems.
• Adaptability and alignment with MHG policies and values.