Events Manager

Catering and Events ManagerLocation: Santa Monica, CA Restaurant: Bower Surf ClubCompany: New School Bower Santa Monica is a new restaurant opening this August at the Colorado Center, a premier 15-acre office campus in Santa Monica. Bower, spanning 6,500 square feet, brings together California Coastal cuisine with influences from Australian cafe culture as well as Mediterranean and Southeast Asian flavors. From daytime espresso, grain bowls, and smoothies to evening shareable plates, whole-grilled fish, and cocktails. Founded by restaurateur Dave Harper (Bondi Harvest, Amigo Roasters, Likeminded Wellness Club) in partnership with BXP and New School Hospitality, Bower is rooted in a love of surfing, coastal living, and genuine community. With warm, earthy interiors, open-air accordion doors, and an outdoor patio, we’re creating a laid-back yet vibrant gathering place for the people who work, live, and play on the Westside.Position Overview:This position is responsible for managing all aspects of private events, from initial inquiry and venue tours through planning, coordination, and execution. The ideal candidate has a proven background in hospitality sales and experience managing high-profile social, corporate, and private events. And also familiar with Tripleseat and Ande. This position will also require time on the floor, assisting during peak business periods, and opening the restaurant. Key Responsibilities Include (but are not limited to):Sales and Inquiry Management:Respond promptly to all private event and large party inquiriesConduct venue tours and client walkthroughsPrepare proposals, contracts, and event agreementsConvert inquiries into confirmed bookingsIdentify opportunities to grow event revenue and increase repeat businessEvent Planning and Execution:Manage event logistics from booking through executionCoordinate menus, timelines, floorplans, staffing needs, and special requestsServe as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the planning processMaintain strong communication with culinary and operations teamsEnsure exceptional client experiences and flawless event executionGuest Experience:Lead by example in delivering exceptional client service, setting the standard for the events teamRespond promptly and professionally to client feedback, resolving any issues to ensure full satisfactionShowcase personable and engaging qualities as a conversationalist and understand the fundamentals of sales within a dining establishmentDemonstrate patience with the ability to keep calm in the face of distressOperate with appropriate speed and efficiency without sacrificing elements of qualityRely on the ability to multitask and prioritize a variety of tasks and responsibilities simultaneouslyRelationship Management:Develop relationships with corporate clients, event planners, concierges, and community partnersStrategically maintain an ongoing level of engagement with others to develop positive social experiences and strong partnershipsUtilize emotional intelligence to best serve the needs of clients, team members, and the organizationCommunicate effectively while modeling collaborative and professional relationship-building techniquesBusiness Acumen:Demonstrate an interest and intrigue in business operations and objectives, with the willingness to understand and learn metrics relevant to the organization and the industryUnderstand how the Catering Sales and Events Manager role influences the company’s longevity, reputation, and guest experienceDemonstrate strong data literacy and business judgment in decision-makingGrowth Mindset:Work towards improving and developing professional abilities through dedication and hard workView setbacks and challenges as learning opportunities and a chance to enhance performanceShow resilience and flexibility through a variety of changes and transitionsQualifications and Skills:Minimum 2 years of event sales experience in hospitality, restaurants, hotels, catering, luxury venues, or related industriesProven track record of achieving sales goals and generating event revenueExperience coordinating and executing private events, corporate functions, and large-scale celebrationsStrong organizational and project management skillsExcellent written and verbal communication abilitiesProfessional demeanor with exceptional client relationship skillsAbility to manage multiple events and priorities simultaneouslyKnowledge of health and safety regulations and best practicesFlexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as requiredStrong experience and focus on events, catering, and corporate partnershipsPrevious experience in management preferred Compensation and Benefits$35.00/hourCommission programPaid Time OffEmployee dining discountsPerksThe opportunity to work hand in hand with a best-in-class F&B management companyA collaborative, mission-driven team environmentDirect access to thought leaders in culinary, hospitality, and designAn entrepreneurial culture that celebrates creativity, autonomy, and gritDining discounts available at managed locationsWe are looking for a hospitality professional who thrives on building relationships, closing business, and creating exceptional guest experiences. If you have a passion for hospitality sales and event execution, we’d love to hear from you.Teaching and teamwork are the core of what we do on all levels. We look forward to meeting you.New School Hospitality provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.