Business Development Associate at Vine Hospitality

Reports to: Private Event Sales Director
Location: Remote-Bay Area (San Ramon, Tiburon, and Larkspur)

We are seeking a Business Development Specialist with a passion for events and a drive to build a sales pipeline.

The Business Development Specialist responsible for driving revenue by actively selling the restaurant’s services, including private events and catering.  This role requires a strategic thinker with strong interpersonal and negotiation skills to build client relationships, increase visibility, and convert leads into loyal customers. The manager works closely with sales director, marketing, operations, and culinary teams to ensure seamless event execution and a high-quality guest experience.

• Manage events and inquiries for 3 restaurants while pro-actively doing outreach and networking to increase sales
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities including networking, outreach, market research, corporate clients, event planners, local businesses, etc
• Develop and maintain relationships with potential and existing clients to foster long-term partnerships.
• Collaborate with the marketing and sales teams to align strategies and optimize outreach efforts.
• Respond to inbound inquiries and convert leads into sales.
• Maintain an up-to-date CRM and sales pipeline.
• Achieve and exceed monthly and annual sales targets.

• Coordinate with clients to understand event requirements, budgets, and expectations.
• Liaise with restaurant staff, chefs, and vendors to ensure smooth execution of events.
• Create proposals, contracts, and event summaries.
• Attend events (as needed) to ensure client satisfaction.

• Collaborate with the marketing team to develop promotions, seasonal offers, and campaigns.
• Represent the restaurant at local networking events, tradeshows, and community functions.
• Utilize social media and digital platforms to attract leads and drive engagement.

• Track sales metrics, lead conversions, and revenue performance.
• Analyze market trends and competitor activity.
• Prepare regular reports for senior management.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Hospitality, Marketing, or related field (preferred).
• 2–5 years of sales, events, hospitality or restaurant experience
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets.

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Proficiency with CRM software, Microsoft Office, and event management tools.
• Knowledge of food & beverage operations is a plus.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends (as needed for events).
• Familiarity with sales pipeline management and lead generation tools

• Hybrid-with some on-site restaurant visits (Visit restaurants 2-3x/ week in Larkspur, Tiburon & Bishop Ranch-  HQ visits 1x a week on Santana Row) 

• $70k annual salary + commission/bonuses based on performance.
• Benefits include health insurance, 401k, PTO,  and dining discounts.