Department: Sales
Reports To: Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyard General Manager + EPG Chief Operating Officer
Summary: Identify and initiate sales leads and qualify incoming event inquiries. Own client accounts from the booking process to event execution and follow-up. Define and deliver intrinsic value for high-end weddings and private events. Deliver top-level customer service, creating relationships with clients with a strong passion to elevate one’s special event experience. Act as a liaison between the kitchen, service teams, sales, and guests to provide a truly wonderful and memorable experience.
Role: This position is an exempt full-time position within our company.
Essential Functions: The ideal candidate will possess a strong hospitality background and a passion for delivering exceptional customer service. Must possess strong communication skills, both verbal and written, and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities. Must be able to delegate responsibilities, organize complex projects, and establish priorities consistent with business objectives and philosophies. Have a positive attitude and a courteous demeanor with all customers, staffers, and vendors. Must be able to work well with others and help with other responsibilities as needed to foster an environment of teamwork.
Additional Duties:
- Lead the department by example, currently with 5 direct reports
- Work with the General Manager on forecasting event sales
- Work with Culinary & Finance on menu pricing
- Responsible for new hire training, when needed
- Responsible for the lead on all Marketing meetings, collateral development
- Attend networking events ~ eg, Charlottesville Chamber, CCWEP
- Quarterly Sales Review, including trends & action plan
Client Communications and Sales Responsibilities:
- Own the entire sales process from management of lead initiation, through timely responsive communications, identification of client decision factors, following closing steps, and overcoming objections.
- Management of the contract and event pre-planning timeline, forms, and payments.
- Build client relationships and oversee client communications activities and event operations details.
- Work with the in-house operational team to manage and communicate client expectations, while understanding our operational processes and service delivery.
- Meet or exceed the defined booking goals and seasonal strategies to deliver event revenue objectives.
- Identify and respond with the operational team to client feedback or concerns.
- Report on revenue goals and year-over-year pacing.
Admin Responsibilities:
• Conduct sales calls, tours, issue client estimates, and manage invoicing details.
• Work with clients in Wedding Tastings to determine final menu and wine selections.
• Develop Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) – internal communications of the event details, timeline, catering specifics, and tracking of changes.
• Weekly BEO Meetings – communications with the team for upcoming event details.
• Share in the oversight of the event-day coordination with the operations team.
• Final accounting of the clients’ bills – verification of numbers and any line item additions.
Job Specifications:
• Minimum 5 years of successful sales experience specifically in wedding and/or hospitality sales.
• Strong passion for the hospitality industry with superlative customer service.
• Strong leadership and communication skills; able to foster a team-oriented environment grounded in mutual respect.
• Must be quantitatively-minded, self-motivated, and demonstrate a willingness to learn.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time, 8 to 12 hours.
• Be able to lift 40 pounds.
• Be able to count and handle currency accurately.
• Successfully carry a tray of food and/or beverages.
Technology and Equipment:
• TripleSeat
• Microsoft Office, especially Microsoft Excel
• Google Suite
Culture:
At Easton Porter Group, we have a progressive and inclusive culture with both our team members and our guests. We welcome all diverse groups to all of our properties. Finally, a distinctive element of the Easton Porter Group approach to career development is our “Team Philosophy,” which encourages each associate to develop the skills necessary to offer sincere and competent customer service outside the realm of their primary job responsibilities. Your enthusiasm and commitment to excellence will be key in supporting these philosophies.
No Job Description for a position can include all duties, which may be requested by guests or required by the property. The objective of all positions is to provide the services personally effectively or to refer requests to the appropriate department manager immediately. The items listed above are a summary of the major responsibilities of the position that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The company reserves the right to change the job duties at any time.
