Allium Venue Sales Manager

Job Title: Allium Venue Sales Manager

Department: Allium Venue, Larkin Hall

FLSA: Exempt

Status: Full-time

Reports to: COO

Customary Days: Monday - Friday

Customary Hours: 40 hours per week; varies to include evenings, holidays, and extended hours as business requires

Position Summary:

The Allium Venue Sales Manager is responsible for driving the overall sales performance, growth, and market positioning of Allium at Larkin Hall. This role leads venue sales and business development efforts, with accountability for achieving revenue goals, maximizing venue utilization, building strong sales pipeline, and cultivating lasting client and community relationships.

Serving as a key business leader and brand ambassador for Allium, the Venue Sales Manager oversees the client journey from initial inquiry through event completion and partners across Blue Plate to delivery exceptional experiences. This role combines sales leadership, business acumen, and hospitality while championing our We Care More culture and positioning Allium as a premier Chicago event destination.

Essential Functions:

Sales & Growth Strategy

• Lead Allium’s sales efforts: prospecting, networking, conducting site visits, negotiating contracts, and closing new business.
• Drive venue programming strategies (corporate events, social gatherings, community partnership, and programing) to increase utilization during off-peak periods.
• Collaborate with Marketing to position Allium as Chicago’s premier venue through campaigns, media, and community engagement.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, vendors, and local business associations to drive repeat and referral business.

Business & Financial Leadership

• Own Allium’s P&L, including budgeting, forecasting, and profitability management.
• Develop and execute annual business and sales plans with measurable revenue and utilization goals.
• Analyze KPIs (sales pipeline, occupancy, event profitability, labor %), providing monthly reporting and course-correction as needed.
• Partner with Finance to monitor costs, manage contracts, and ensure accurate billing and collections.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee Blue Plate, the caterer delivers flawless execution of events, maintaining the highest guest service standards.
• Develop and enforce SOPs for event operations, safety, and client service.
• Partner with Blue Plate Facilities to ensure preventive maintenance and readiness of Allium’s venue.
• Ensure compliance with city and state requirements (liquor license, fire safety, ADA, public assembly permits).

Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise the Venue Operations Supervisors.
• Lead, mentor, and coach the team, ensuring high performance, accountability, and continuous professional development.
• Partner with HR to implement employee training, recognition, and engagement programs.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, excellence, and guest-centered service.

Client Experience & Brand Representation

• Act as the face of Allium with clients, partners, and the Fulton Market community.
• Monitor client satisfaction, address feedback promptly, and implement service improvements.
• Champion our core value Care More by ensuring an exceptional guest experience at every event.
• Serve as the escalation point for client issues, vendor disputes, or emergency situations.