Event Sales & Service Manager
Description
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Sales & Service Manager – SMERF Market is responsible for generating, contracting, detailing, and servicing all events within the Social, Military, Educational, Religious, and Fraternal (SMERF) segments across RMD Group venues in San Diego. This role manages the full event lifecycle exclusively for SMERF clients, from initial inquiry and proposal development through event execution and post-event follow-up.
This hybrid position combines proactive sales outreach with high-touch event servicing, ensuring that SMERF clients receive tailored solutions, accurate event details, and seamless execution. The Sales & Service Manager builds strong relationships with community-based organizations, drives new and repeat business, and collaborates closely with venue and operations teams to deliver exceptional experiences while increasing market penetration and revenue growth.
Type: Salary, Full-time
Pay scale: $70,304.00 + Commission
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Sales Responsibilities – SMERF Market
- Manage all inbound and outbound sales activity exclusively for SMERF groups across all RMD venues.
- Proactively generate new business through SMERF-focused outreach, including community partnerships, military and educational engagement, networking, and targeted prospecting.
- Respond promptly to all inbound SMERF inquiries; qualify opportunities and prepare tailored proposals, sample menus, layouts, and cost estimates.
- Conduct site tours and present venue capabilities with a strong understanding of the needs, budgets, and decision-making processes of SMERF organizations.
- Negotiate terms, secure deposits, and convert proposals into signed contracts in alignment with RMD pricing and policies.
- Maintain a disciplined sales cadence—including follow-ups, outreach blocks, and pipeline management—consistent with departmental expectations.
- Track all communication, forecasting, activities, and deal progress within TripleSeat to ensure full visibility and accurate reporting.
- Achieve or exceed individual sales goals tied to SMERF revenue targets.
Event Service & Execution – SMERF Market
- Oversee and execute all servicing phases for SMERF events from contract turnover through event completion.
- Detail and manage event logistics including timelines, menus, room layouts, audiovisual needs, staffing requirements, décor, and special requests.
- Prepare and distribute Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), staffing schedules, and event recaps; maintain accuracy within TripleSeat for all event details and financials.
- Serve as the primary client liaison leading up to the event and act as on-site support as needed to ensure smooth execution and client satisfaction.
- Identify opportunities to upsell enhancements such as food & beverage packages, AV elements, décor, or third-party services.
- Ensure all deadlines, internal processes, and client communication standards are met or exceeded.
- Complete post-event tasks including billing review, thank-you notes, and feedback collection to drive repeat SMERF business.
Department & Company Contribution
- Partner with Venue GMs, Sales Managers, and the VP of Sales & Events to align SMERF strategies, pricing, and service standards across all RMD properties.
- Support department-wide revenue goals through collaboration, service consistency, and cross-venue communication.
- Participate in SMERF-related networking, community events, chamber involvement, and organizational outreach to expand visibility and lead flow.
- Assist with ongoing departmental initiatives including social media support, marketing collateral, and administrative projects as needed.
- Stay informed on competition, SMERF market trends, seasonal demand, and partnership opportunities to strengthen RMD’s position in the segment.
- Perform additional responsibilities or special projects as assigned by RMD Partners, Venue GMs, or the Director of Sales & Events.
WHAT WE OFFER:
- A collaborative & hands-on learning environment where you’ll be a part of our team, surrounded by marketing & hospitality experts.
- A team of individuals committed to both personal & company growth. While grabbing lunch, we’re talking about the latest event trends, and our personal goals for the month.
- The ability to continue to add real-life examples to your portfolio/work experience. We want you to be proud of what you accomplish here and encourage you to promote your role & completed projects.
- Employee discounts at RMD properties – Huntress, Lumi, Rustic Root, Swing Social, Canvas, and Ballast Point.
- Team development, education, and appreciation events throughout the year.
Education & Experience Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Business, Communications, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
- 2–4 years of experience in event sales, SMERF market segments, hotel sales, or hospitality operations preferred.
Certificates & Licenses:
- San Diego County Food Handlers Card (must be obtained within 30 days of employment).
- Anti-harassment and nondiscrimination 1-hour class.
Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to travel frequently between venues within San Diego County; occasional evening and weekend availability required to support restaurant operations. Work is performed in both office settings and onsite in active hospitality environments.
- Must be able to sit, stand or walk for up to 8 hours at a time.
- Must be able to lift at least 30 pounds safely and properly.
- Must be able to bend, stoop and climb.
- Must be able to push and pull.
ABOUT RMD GROUP
RMD Group is a San Diego–based hospitality company specializing in the development, management, and consulting of distinctive restaurant, nightlife, and lifestyle concepts. Founded by partners with a shared passion for hospitality and guest experience, RMD Group has spent more than a decade creating and operating some of the city’s most successful venues, including Rustic Root, Huntress, Lumi, Side Bar, and FLUXX.
In addition to owned and operated concepts, RMD Group partners with select hospitality brands to provide strategic consulting, operational support, and management services. With deep expertise across design, development, marketing, and operations, RMD Group is driven by a hands-on leadership team committed to innovation, growth, and exceptional experiences.
ABOUT RMD EVENTS
RMD Events is the private events and venue sales division of RMD Group, providing centralized sales, planning, and operational support across a diverse portfolio of venues in Southern California. The team partners closely with venue leadership to drive private event revenue while ensuring a seamless experience from initial inquiry through event execution.
Specializing in corporate events, social celebrations, weddings, and large-scale buyouts, RMD Events combines strategic sales efforts with detailed event servicing to make it easy for venues to execute successful events. The department serves as an extension of each venue’s team, delivering consistent standards, strong client relationships, and thoughtful event experiences.