Overview Rule No. One Hospitality is seeking a Director of Events to lead the events business across our restaurants, Merchant and Lucille. This person will own the full life of an event, from the first inquiry and client meeting through booking, planning, execution, and follow-up. The director will also manage the sales pipeline, strengthen client relationships, and build dependable systems that keep ownership and restaurant teams informed. We are looking for an organized, detail-oriented leader who communicates exceptionally well, enjoys developing business, and understands how to balance client requests with our company policies and the realities of restaurant service. Responsibilities Lead event sales and planning for private dining, large parties, catering, and partial and full buyouts across Merchant and Lucille. Respond promptly to inquiries, meet professionally with prospective clients, conduct site visits, prepare proposals, and guide leads through the booking process. Own the events pipeline in Tripleseat, including lead status, next steps, tasks, client discussions, contacts, bookings, event records, and follow-up. Ensure another team member can understand the current status of any opportunity from the record. Maintain accurate event calendars and manage space availability in OpenTable in coordination with restaurant managers, preventing booking conflicts and protecting regular service. Develop event details with clients, including menus, beverage service, room setup, timelines, accommodations, contracts, deposits, and final counts. Create complete, accurate banquet event orders and communicate updates in time for culinary, bar, service, and management teams to prepare. Lead regular reviews of upcoming events and open leads with the internal team. Clearly identify decisions, deadlines, responsibilities, and changes. Serve as the primary point of contact for clients while upholding company pricing, policies, procedures, and operational standards. Be present for significant events and buyouts as needed, supporting the onsite team and resolving issues with sound judgment. Build repeat business and new relationships with corporate clients, planners, community organizations, and other partners. Track sales activity, conversion, future bookings, and event performance; share useful updates and recommendations with ownership. Improve event packages, sales materials, Tripleseat workflows, and internal handoffs as the business grows. Own the financial performance of the events business, including revenue goals, pricing recommendations, sales forecasts, and regular reporting to ownership. Build proposals that apply the correct minimum spends, space fees, deposits, service charges, and cancellation terms while considering each event's staffing and operational costs. Track contracts, deposits, payment deadlines, final charges, and outstanding balances; coordinate with the appropriate team members to ensure accurate invoicing and collection. Review event results against the original proposal, identify opportunities to improve profitability, and use those findings to refine packages and pricing. Experience and Qualifications Event sales and execution experience in a restaurant, venue, hotel, or catering business; wedding planning experience strongly preferred.

Strong administrative skills:

managing schedules, records, correspondence, deadlines, and multiple events at once. Hands-on Tripleseat experience managing leads, bookings, event details, and follow-up. Experience with OpenTable and proficiency in Google Workspace. Confidence leading client meetings, site visits, and planning conversations. Financial fluency with proposals, minimum spends, deposits, invoices, and sales reporting. Exceptional organization, attention to detail, and clear communication with clients and restaurant teams. Sound judgment that balances client needs with company policies, pricing, and operational capacity.

Pay:

$75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee discount Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Madison, WI 53703