SALES MANAGER
The Inside Sales Manager is responsible for managing all banquet and catering inquiries and converting qualified leads into booked business. This role focuses on responding quickly to web and phone leads, qualifying events, preparing proposals, securing deposits/contracts, and providing a clean handoff to the Event Manager to ensure flawless execution.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, responsive, detail-oriented, and driven by closing business and delivering exceptional guest service.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Manage all banquet and catering leads generated via web, phone, third-party platforms, and walk-ins
- Respond to new inquiries within established response-time standards
- Qualify events based on size, date, budget, menu, and operational feasibility
- Build customized proposals and event packages based on guest needs
- Present menu options, pricing, room availability, and event details clearly and confidently
- Secure deposits and signed contracts to confirm events
- Enter, track, and update all opportunities and client communication in the CRM
- Maintain accurate pipeline data and follow-up tasks within the CRM
- Convert leads into confirmed events and meet monthly/quarterly sales and conversion goals
- Coordinate a professional handoff to the Event Manager once the event is booked
- Ensure all events are documented clearly for operations teams
- Work collaboratively with banquet, culinary, and management teams to ensure alignment
- Provide excellent phone and email etiquette and timely communication with all guests
- Assist guests with basic event questions such as A/V, linens, room layout, timing, etc.
- Maintain organized electronic files, proposals, contracts, and event notes
- Handle adjustment requests, changes, or additions prior to handoff as appropriate
- Participate in weekly event/banquet meetings as needed to review upcoming business
- Support outbound sales efforts as needed during peak seasons
QUALIFICATION STANDARDS:
- Prior banquet, catering, hotel, or restaurant sales experience preferred
- Experience working with a CRM or sales pipeline system
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Highly organized and detail-oriented
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with multiple open leads at once
- Demonstrated ability to close business and ask for the sale
- Proficient with Microsoft Office and basic computer systems
- Ability to work occasional evenings/weekends based on business demand
- This is a hybrid role with a blend of on-site restaurant presence and remote work based on business needs.
Skills Required
- Experience working with a CRM or sales pipeline system
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Highly organized and detail-oriented
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple open leads
- Demonstrated ability to close business and ask for the sale
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic computer systems
- Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends based on business demand
- Prior banquet, catering, hotel, or restaurant sales experience
What We Do
Chili’s is an American casual-dining restaurant chain founded in Texas in 1975. Its business centers on bringing friends and families together over food and drinks in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The brand operates in the restaurant and bar segment, providing full-service hospitality and social dining experiences rather than technology, retail, or packaged-food products, serving guests for everyday meals and casual occasions.
