Event Sales Manager - F&B

Description:

Olympia Events is more than an exhibition venue, conference centre and live-event space - it’s an inspiration. Against a backdrop of grand Victorian architecture, the seven connected spaces inspire engagement and enjoyment. Olympia Events is recognised in the industry for exceptional levels of customer service and support, and our numerous awards are testament to our clients' satisfaction. Beyond the walls of our venue, Olympia is on the ground, working to invest in people, strengthen our communities, and protect the environment.

Olympia Events is undergoing a period of change. In 2017, the venue was bought by a consortium led by Yoo Capital and Deutsche Finance international. Work is currently underway to transform the wider estate into a cultural hub of which Olympia Events will be the central part. Once complete, the estate will include a new theatre, music venue, two hotels, over 30 eateries, world-class office space and over two acres of public realm. More information can be found at

Job Purpose:

As Event Sales Manager (Food & Beverage) act as the main point of contact all matters relating to event hospitality, retail offerings, and exhibitor stand catering, blending sales generation with relationship management to drive revenue.

Key responsibilities:

· Manage a portfolio of event organisers, fostering long-term partnerships while identifying upselling opportunities, and solving food & beverage issues to ensure retention and growth.

· Ensure that event organisers comply with the terms of their contract and that venue licensing conditions are met.

• Create bespoke, high-end food and beverage proposals that reflect current market trends, seasonality, and profitability.

• Proactively sell "stand catering" packages to individual exhibiting companies.

• Partner with event organisers to design the retail "food court" strategy, ensuring the food & beverage offering aligns with the event’s demographic.

• Work with the floor-planning team to position food & beverage outlets in "high-footfall" zones to maximise impulse purchases and reduce queuing.

• Host product tastings and perform product demonstrations to encourage upselling and cross-selling

• Actively support Olympia’s sustainability programme, ‘The Grand Plan’.

• Be the bridge between the venue sales teams and operational teams ensuring a smooth handover from and to each team.

• Gather information and communicate it to other departments within the organisation through briefing meetings, de-briefing meetings, general correspondence and the event requirements document.

• Create detailed function sheets within the event management system to ensure high standards of food service and operational excellence for all visitors, exhibitors and event organisers.

• Forecast sales revenue, issue invoices and secure payment for all bookings.

• Support other team members on events as required.

Person specification

Skills, experience and behaviours

• Event management experience, or a degree (or equivalent) in Event Management

• Exhibition industry knowledge and experience desirable

• Understanding of and empathy with the needs of event organisers

• Administrative accuracy and attention to detail

• Computer literacy

• Communication skills

• Organised with good time management

• Presentation skills

• Ability to work under pressure

Sustainability Responsibilities:

· Continuously improve your knowledge of Olympia Events’ sustainability programme - the ‘Grand Plan’. Complete all training provided and promote sustainability practices to meet our Grand Plan objectives

· Follow and promote all sustainable workplace policies and procedures and seek ways to make your department more sustainable by taking an active role to initiate change

Olympia Events is fully committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups) that attend our premises. As a consequence, Olympia Events may require any successful applicant to complete a DBS Check prior to working in our business.

Olympia Events is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and expects all its people to have a positive commitment to EDI by treating others fairly and not committing any form of discrimination, victimisation or harassment and to promote positive working relationships amongst employees and stakeholders.

This Job Description is not intended to be exhaustive; the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over according to the changing needs of the business.