SSA Group
Dallas Zoo, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
Job Description
SSA Group at Dallas Zoo is looking for a talented Director of Event Sales to join our team! Please note that for this position, we accept applications on an ongoing basis. There is no set deadline for submitting your application. We encourage interested candidates to apply at any time via our website at thessagroup.com, and we will review applications as they are received. Job Title: Director, Event Sales Department: Catering Reports to: General Manager Number of Direct Reports: 0-4 WHO ARE WE: SSA Group works with zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural attractions on integrating dining, retail, admissions and more. We increase revenue opportunities for partners across the United States. With 50 years in the business, SSA has refined the basics while pioneering better ways forward. JOB SUMMARY The Director of Event Sales is responsible for driving sales and revenue growth by promoting and selling the venue and catering services. This role involves developing and implementing sales strategies, building strong client relationships, and ensuring the successful execution of events. The Director of Event Sales will lead a team, manage vendor relations, and oversee financial performance to meet and exceed sales targets. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Sales and Client Acquisition: Develop and implement strategies to sell the venue and catering services to new and returning clients. Solicit, negotiate, and book events through a defined sales process. Plan and upsell functions with clients, including space requirements, times, equipment, menus, themes, and decorations. Respond to client requests promptly and ensure client satisfaction. Client Relationship Management: Prepare and manage contracts, Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), diagrams, and other necessary documents. Maintain strong, positive relationships with clients to encourage repeat business. Conduct post-event follow-ups to engage clients and foster continued development. Work closely with clients to understand their needs and provide tailored solutions. Event Coordination: Coordinate with the operations and culinary teams to ensure events are executed flawlessly including menu planning, setup, staffing, and equipment. Walk event spaces before events to ensure everything is in working order and address any issues promptly. Maintain communication with vendors and uphold an active list of resources for client and internal use. Team Management: Hire, recruit, and integrate new team members. Supervise assigned personnel, evaluate performance, and provide coaching and development. Develop training programs to motivate and mentor employees. Communicate and collaborate effectively with the Catering Operations, Culinary Team, and other departments involved in events. Operational Excellence: Maintain communication with the General Manager, Catering Managers, and Executive Chef to ensure events are executed flawlessly. Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws. Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment. Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures. Vendor and Resource Management: Maintain communication with vendors, including pricing knowledge and negotiation. Uphold an active list of resources for client and internal operational use. Develop, meet, and exceed monthly and annual sales budgets and plans. Analyze sales and inventory to maximize opportunities. Practice and implement yield management and forecasting regularly. Review all invoices, bills, and accounting-related documents for accuracy. Minimize controllable costs associated with the operation. Reporting and Analysis: Report weekly and monthly sales through the contract system and SSA standard PACE reporting. Social Responsibility: Promote an inclusive and supportive approach within the unit. Support sustainability and conservation efforts in business applications. Drive community efforts through hiring, engagement activities, and focus on giving back. Job Requirements Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Proven leadership skills with an understanding of the importance of team building/development. Exceptional problem solving/decision making skills. Demonstrates financial management, merchandising, analytical, planning and leadership skills. Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment. Computer knowledge and skill level for basic office functions. Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (35lbs) as necessary. Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed. Previous Experience Five years minimum catering sales, operations and/or event planning management in off-site catering, hotel or cultural attraction catering venue preferred. Knowledge and execution of BEOs. All education backgrounds eligible, must be 18 or older. Don't meet every requirement? At SSA we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. Compensation and Benefits Full-Time Salary based on range in consideration of relevant job experience and certification/education. Bonus eligible based on company guidelines. Vacation or TAFW (time away from work) Plan. Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance; employee premiums applicable. Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability, employer sponsored. Birthing Parent Plan covers up to (6-8) weeks fully paid leave. (4) Week fully paid Parental leave following birth, adoption or foster event. 401k program, eligible for enrollment after (1) year of employment. $75 monthly cell phone stipend. SSA Group, LLC. is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and equal opportunity through our commitment to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. #J-18808-Ljbffr
SSA Group at Dallas Zoo is looking for a talented Director of Event Sales to join our team! Please note that for this position, we accept applications on an ongoing basis. There is no set deadline for submitting your application. We encourage interested candidates to apply at any time via our website at thessagroup.com, and we will review applications as they are received. Job Title: Director, Event Sales Department: Catering Reports to: General Manager Number of Direct Reports: 0-4 WHO ARE WE: SSA Group works with zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural attractions on integrating dining, retail, admissions and more. We increase revenue opportunities for partners across the United States. With 50 years in the business, SSA has refined the basics while pioneering better ways forward. JOB SUMMARY The Director of Event Sales is responsible for driving sales and revenue growth by promoting and selling the venue and catering services. This role involves developing and implementing sales strategies, building strong client relationships, and ensuring the successful execution of events. The Director of Event Sales will lead a team, manage vendor relations, and oversee financial performance to meet and exceed sales targets. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Sales and Client Acquisition: Develop and implement strategies to sell the venue and catering services to new and returning clients. Solicit, negotiate, and book events through a defined sales process. Plan and upsell functions with clients, including space requirements, times, equipment, menus, themes, and decorations. Respond to client requests promptly and ensure client satisfaction. Client Relationship Management: Prepare and manage contracts, Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), diagrams, and other necessary documents. Maintain strong, positive relationships with clients to encourage repeat business. Conduct post-event follow-ups to engage clients and foster continued development. Work closely with clients to understand their needs and provide tailored solutions. Event Coordination: Coordinate with the operations and culinary teams to ensure events are executed flawlessly including menu planning, setup, staffing, and equipment. Walk event spaces before events to ensure everything is in working order and address any issues promptly. Maintain communication with vendors and uphold an active list of resources for client and internal use. Team Management: Hire, recruit, and integrate new team members. Supervise assigned personnel, evaluate performance, and provide coaching and development. Develop training programs to motivate and mentor employees. Communicate and collaborate effectively with the Catering Operations, Culinary Team, and other departments involved in events. Operational Excellence: Maintain communication with the General Manager, Catering Managers, and Executive Chef to ensure events are executed flawlessly. Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws. Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment. Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures. Vendor and Resource Management: Maintain communication with vendors, including pricing knowledge and negotiation. Uphold an active list of resources for client and internal operational use. Develop, meet, and exceed monthly and annual sales budgets and plans. Analyze sales and inventory to maximize opportunities. Practice and implement yield management and forecasting regularly. Review all invoices, bills, and accounting-related documents for accuracy. Minimize controllable costs associated with the operation. Reporting and Analysis: Report weekly and monthly sales through the contract system and SSA standard PACE reporting. Social Responsibility: Promote an inclusive and supportive approach within the unit. Support sustainability and conservation efforts in business applications. Drive community efforts through hiring, engagement activities, and focus on giving back. Job Requirements Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Proven leadership skills with an understanding of the importance of team building/development. Exceptional problem solving/decision making skills. Demonstrates financial management, merchandising, analytical, planning and leadership skills. Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment. Computer knowledge and skill level for basic office functions. Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (35lbs) as necessary. Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed. Previous Experience Five years minimum catering sales, operations and/or event planning management in off-site catering, hotel or cultural attraction catering venue preferred. Knowledge and execution of BEOs. All education backgrounds eligible, must be 18 or older. Don't meet every requirement? At SSA we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. Compensation and Benefits Full-Time Salary based on range in consideration of relevant job experience and certification/education. Bonus eligible based on company guidelines. Vacation or TAFW (time away from work) Plan. Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance; employee premiums applicable. Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability, employer sponsored. Birthing Parent Plan covers up to (6-8) weeks fully paid leave. (4) Week fully paid Parental leave following birth, adoption or foster event. 401k program, eligible for enrollment after (1) year of employment. $75 monthly cell phone stipend. SSA Group, LLC. is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and equal opportunity through our commitment to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. #J-18808-Ljbffr