Event Manager

Private Events & Catering Manager Scratchboard Kitchen – Arlington Heights, IL Salary + Commission Nights & Weekends Required Role Summary Scratchboard Kitchen is hiring a Private Events & Catering Manager to lead the growth and execution of our private dining and catering program. This role is responsible for generating private event revenue, converting inquiries into booked business, planning event details, and overseeing on-site execution while maintaining organized systems that support the continued growth of the restaurant’s private events program. The position combines sales ownership, event leadership, and floor presence, guiding events from inquiry through execution while working closely with the kitchen and service teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences. Most events are intimate private dining experiences, celebrations, and corporate gatherings hosted within the restaurant. Scratchboard Kitchen is a chef-driven, high-standard restaurant environment where attention to detail, hospitality professionalism, and strong service leadership are expected. This role is ideal for a confident hospitality professional who enjoys building guest relationships, taking ownership of events, and leading a room with professionalism and presence. Responsibilities Private Event Sales & Booking Respond to private event and catering inquiries Prepare proposals, pricing, contracts, and invoices Maintain follow-up with prospective clients until bookings are confirmed or declined Secure deposits and enforce payment policies Maintain an organized sales pipeline and track inquiry conversion to booked events Event Planning & Coordination Create detailed BEOs including menus, timelines, and staffing needs Coordinate event details with kitchen and FOH management teams Maintain the private events calendar and event preparation schedules Ensure all event details are clearly communicated to staff Event Execution Serve as Event Captain for booked events Lead event flow, timing, and guest communication during service Confidently lead events and act as the primary host for private dining guests Work alongside the service team to ensure smooth execution Resolve issues in real time and maintain Scratchboard Kitchen hospitality standards Internal Events Assist in developing and executing in-house ticketed events that drive guest engagement and revenue Collaborate with the kitchen team on event concepts and menus Marketing Support Assist with promotion of private events and ticketed events through website updates, social media, and marketing materials when needed Schedule & Expectations This role includes a combination of on-site service shifts and administrative time dedicated to event sales and planning. Three regularly scheduled on-site shifts are expected each week, including Friday and Saturday nights. In weeks when additional private events occur outside the standard weekend schedule, the Events Manager may work up to four on-site shifts to support event execution. Administrative time is dedicated to responding to event inquiries, client follow-up, proposal preparation, event planning, and sales activity. The Private Events & Catering Manager is expected to be present for the events they book whenever possible to ensure proper execution and guest experience. Event inquiries should be monitored daily, with responses sent the same business day whenever possible. Evening, weekend, and holiday availability is required based on the event calendar. Compensation Base Salary: $45,000 annually Commission: 4% of contracted private event and catering revenue personally booked Commission is calculated on contracted event revenue and requires adherence to approved pricing and operational guidelines. This is a non-tipped management position. Servers retain 100% of gratuities and the Events Manager does not participate in tip pools. Requirements 2+ years experience selling and executing restaurant private events or catering Strong organizational and communication skills Strong presence on the floor and confidence leading guest-facing events Ability to manage multiple event timelines and client communications Professional, organized, and guest-focused Available nights and weekends ABOUT SCRATCHBOARD KITCHEN Who We Are We are an upscale casual restaurant in downtown Arlington Heights serving scratch-made breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with fresh coffee, juice, and a curated bar program. Our Vibe We are warm, welcoming, and community-focused. Our space is cozy and stylish, perfect for friends and family to enjoy great food together. Our Mission We want every guest to feel at home here. From the warm welcome to the last bite, we aim to go above and beyond to create a memorable dining experience. More detail about Scratchboard Kitchen, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/282718-scratchboard-kitchen