Event & Operations Manager - TAO Restaurant Chicago
20 days ago
Chicago
Tao Group Hospitality offers competitive benefits for all full-time team members such as: • Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage, • 401(k) Retirement Program with Employer Match, • Life and Disability Insurance Plans, • Ancillary Insurance Plans, • Employee Assistance Program, • Fertility & Family Forming Support and Resources, • Pet Insurance, • Employee Discounts, • TAO Savings Marketplace, • Time off and much more! We are seeking a highly organized, dynamic, and hospitality-driven Event & Operations Manager to lead the seamless planning and execution of high-impact events within our multi-space venue. From full venue buyouts to large-scale special events, this role is critical in ensuring an exceptional client experience from contract to closeout. The ideal candidate will play a key role in all phases of event coordination—including pre-event planning, on-site execution, vendor communication, and post-event follow-up—while also supporting the sales team with both administrative and client-facing responsibilities. In addition to event oversight, this role is responsible for supervising front-of-house operations, managing team performance, and ensuring service excellence in accordance with company standards. You will engage directly with guests, staff, and leadership in a polished, courteous, and professional manner to deliver warm, gracious hospitality at every touchpoint. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: • Oversee setup, organization, and execution of large-scale special events across multiple venue spaces (e.g., nightclub buyouts, restaurant buyouts, full venue activations)., • Serve as the point of contact for internal pre-event logistics: request staffing support (club, restaurant, amenities) from relevant managers., • Participate in all client planning calls post-contract, ensuring details, flow, and expectations are clearly defined and communicated., • Upsell event enhancements (entertainment, décor, branding, etc.) to increase revenue., • Coordinate and confirm vendors: entertainment, décor, photo booths, DJs, etc., • Update Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) with run-of-show details, upsells, and cost breakdowns; create internal SEO documentation as needed., • Lead site visits and walkthroughs for clients and internal teams., • Run day-of or pre-event team handoff meetings to align all departments., • Assist with signage, branded materials, and floor plans for events., • Close out BEOs in Micros and complete post-event summaries for internal teams., • Support off-site events and occasional catering delivery needs when required., • Oversee front-of-house operations with a focus on exceptional guest service., • Support growth and development of FOH team members., • Manage POS overrides, staff performance, and disciplinary actions., • Address and resolve guest and team issues promptly and professionally., • Reconcile end-of-shift financials and handle inventory/orders for supplies., • Demonstrate a deep understanding of food and beverage offerings., • Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations and company policies., • Uphold Department of Health and sanitation standards., • Lead opening and closing procedures, and communicate clearly with BOH during service., • Attend and lead team meetings, training sessions, and pre-shift meetings., • Maintain a positive, professional attitude and lead by example., • Represent TAO Group Hospitality and our partner brands with professionalism and poise., • Sales Support, • Finalize events in TripleSeat, including closing details and financials., • Create and format custom event menus and bookmarks; prepare and print for service teams., • Support sales team with planning and coordination of events post-contract (in close collaboration with operations)., • Assist with lead intake: respond to inquiries, input leads into TripleSeat, assign to sales managers, and log details in internal systems., • Maintain TripleSeat with updated menus, picklists, and event imagery., • Send out finalized BEOs for weekly planning meetings., • Attend tastings, networking events, and client entertainment outings as a representative of the venue., • Assist and/ or complete additional tasks as assigned EDUCATION/WORKING KNOWLEDGE: • Experience in venue-based event production, • Familiarity with Chicago’s hospitality scene or event vendors, • Experience with VIP client relations or luxury event planning, • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, • Proficient in Windows Microsoft Office, POS systems, Oracle knowledge preferred, • 21+ years of age SKILLS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT / SCHEDULE The work environment characteristics and/or physical demands described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions • Must have strong problem-solving skills, • Excellent written and verbal communication skills required, • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, • Must have good positive energy throughout the day, • Must be able to read the computer monitors and print legibly, • Must be able to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time, • Must be able to move quickly through work and set the pace in the office, • Must be able to push and lift up to 25 lbs., • Small to Medium office environment, • Office, Casino, Nightclub, Bar, Lounge, and/or Restaurant working environment, • 5-25% Local Travel (United States), • Work in an environment that is subject to varying levels of noise, crowds, and smoke, the severity of which depends upon the guest volume, • May work extended hours irregular shifts, evening and/or weekend shifts, and holiday work may be required, • Maintain a professional, neat, and well-groomed appearance adhering to Company standards, • Must be effective as part of a team; ability to interact with internal and external customers, managers, and co-workers in a professional, courteous manner, • Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality, • Ability to handle a fast-paced, busy, and somewhat stressful environment