Director of Restaurant Sales & Events

Company Summary  

ELIA Group is a multi-faceted, fully integrated real estate and hospitality company that acquires, develops, and manages commercial properties in landmark locations throughout the United States. In Real Estate & Development and Hospitality, we don’t sit back and let things happen, we make things happen! Whether we’re crafting deals or cocktails, our unparalleled attention to detail leads to award-winning real estate development and hospitality projects. 

Come join our expanding team in Nashville, TN and play a meaningful role in continuing ELIA’s legacy of creating unique opportunities and iconic experiences! 

Job Summary  

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Director of Restaurant Sales & Events to lead our sales team and drive event bookings, private dining experiences, and high-volume group reservations. This role is ideal for a hospitality-driven professional with a strong background in sales, relationship building, and event management. 

What You’ll Be Doing (Key Responsibilities) 

• Develop and execute sales strategies to grow private event, catering, and group sales revenue. 

• Identify and pursue new revenue streams with a creative and entrepreneurial mindset. 

• Cultivate strong relationships with local businesses, hotels, event planners, and corporate clients. 

• Manage the full event sales lifecycle—from initial inquiry and proposal to contract negotiation and post-event follow-up. 

• Lead, coach, and support the sales team to achieve individual and team performance goals. 

• Collaborate with culinary, operations, and service teams to ensure flawless event execution. 

• Maintain and manage CRM systems, track sales activities, and provide performance reports to leadership. 

• Represent the restaurant at networking events, trade shows, and in the community to build brand awareness and drive business. 

• Be a team player with a flexible, solutions-oriented approach to client and operational needs. 

What We Expect of You 

At ELIA, we use our unique experience and contributions to deliver more than value – we set new standards! We seek someone that is looking for more than a job – we want to work with someone who is as passionate as us about what we do and how we go about doing it. 

Your success with us requires these qualifications: 

• 5 years of proven success in sales and event planning within the hospitality or restaurant industry 

• Demonstrated ability to meet and exceed revenue targets 

• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and motivating teams 

• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills 

• Proficiency in CRM platforms and Microsoft Office or Google Workspace tools 

• Creative thinker with a passion for finding fresh approaches to customer engagement and sales growth 

• Knowledge of the Nashville hospitality and events market is a strong plus 

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends as needed 

Competitive Salary and Great Benefits 

• Dental insurance 

• Health insurance 

• Vision insurance 

• Dining Discounts 

• Paid time off 

• Opportunities for career growth in a fast-growing hospitality group 

• Competitive base salary performance based bonus 

Working Conditions: Day and hours will vary dependent on scheduled events. All work is to be completed on property or in the corporate office.   

Physical Requirements 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  This position is regularly required to stand, reach, bend and lift heavy objects. The noise level in the work environment is typically high.   

• Stamina and Endurance: Ability to work long hours, often on foot, including during setup, the event itself, and breakdown. 

• Strength: Capability to lift and move event supplies, equipment, and décor, which can range from light to moderately heavy items. 

• Mobility: Agility to navigate various event venues, sometimes in crowded or tight spaces, and ability to handle unexpected changes quickly. 

• Manual Dexterity: Skill in setting up and arranging items, such as furniture and decorations, often requiring careful and precise movements.