The Grand Rapids Downtown Market is seeking a seasoned Event Sales Manager to join our Private Events Team!

The Event Sales Manager is primarily focused on the sales for all private and corporate events at the Downtown Market.

Our ideal candidate has at least five years of experience in a structured event sales setting with a proven record of setting, meeting, and exceeding sales goals. This key role is instrumental in ensuring the Downtown Market’s continued success and long-term profitability. 

Our Event Sales Manager must maintain an extensive network of community connections and strategic partnerships and will be able to develop and maintain relationships with key clients.

Most importantly, any team member at the Downtown Market is expected to possess kindness and integrity. They will respect and uphold the organization's vision and mission and be willing to help and support their team members with whatever is needed, whenever it’s needed, to the best of their ability.

If you fit this description and would like to come work with one of GR's most exciting venues, then we invite you to apply!

Here are the technical details...

Our ideal Event Sales Manager will have the following education and experience: 

• 5 years experience in event sales, with demonstrated success in hitting sales goals
• 5 years experience in building effective business relationships
• Bachelor's Degree in business, hospitality, or other related field required
• Sales experience in a hotel, venue, or convention center environment highly preferred
• Salesforce experience highly preferred

Our ideal Event Sales Manager will have the following characteristics and skills: 

• Self-motivated and goal-orientated with the ability to work independently and with a team 
• Extensive knowledge of the Grand Rapids market and surrounding areas
• Ability to identify areas of business to generate leads
• Ability to analyze sales data
• Exceptional ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing
• Strong partnership building skills
• Strategic thinker

These are the General Responsibilities for the Event Sales Manager role (including, but not limited to):

• Build, implement, and execute both short-term and long-term sales strategies that contribute to the organization’s overall profitability
• Forecast sales trends and conduct competitive market analysis
• Ensure both team and individual sales goals are met or exceeded
• Prospect new private event rental sales opportunities, and establish and manage client database
• Represent company through participation in community events and organizations
• Develop and maintain relationships with an extensive network of community connections, strategic partnerships, and key clients to maximize growth opportunities
• Provide weekly and monthly sales activity reports
• Collaborate with the Marketing Department to develop private event rental marketing campaigns 
• Manage client correspondence and conduct follow-ups in a timely manner
• Organize and attend client meetings
• Prepare client proposals and contracts, and ensure deposits and payments are made in a timely manner
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours when required

Working Conditions (because HR said we had to include this):

• Team members will work in a fast paced office environment requiring frequent collaboration across departments
• Team members will work both inside and outside areas of the market, where the noise level and temperature may change
• Team members may be exposed to inclement weather; pollen, mold, dust, dirt, grease, and other airborne contaminants; and temperature variations
• Team members will perform frequent computer-related activities and must have the ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time
• Team members must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds
• While performing the duties of this job, team members are regularly required to stand, walk, use hands, and bend to manipulate tools and equipment precisely
• Team members must be able to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time
• Team members must be able to tolerate exposure to extreme hot and cold outdoor temperatures
• Must have sufficient mobility with or without assistive devices to access all areas of outdoor and indoor areas of the market

And last but definitely not least... Benefits!

This full-time exempt position includes health, vision, and dental insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid time off, 401(k) participation with an employer match, and more! Pair that with a side order of fun team-building activities, individual professional development programs, employer-supported healthy lifestyle initiatives, free parking downtown, and lots and lots of delicious food options, and you’re looking at a recipe for success! 

Hungry for more? Reach out and let’s get cookin’!