Manager, Special Event Sales at Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) in Los Angeles, CA

Job description

• The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) is an MLS soccer club serving the greater Los Angeles area. LAFC is dedicated to building a world-class soccer club that represents the diversity of Los Angeles and is committed to delivering an unrivaled experience for fans. LAFC’s ownership group is comprised of local leaders and innovators of industry with intellectual capital, financial prowess, operations expertise, and success in the fields of entertainment, sports, technology, and media. LAFC is invested in the world’s game and Los Angeles, constructing, and developing the 22,000 seat BMO Stadium and a top-flight training center on the campus of Cal-State Los Angeles.
• The Manager, Special Event Sales, is responsible for driving awareness, demand, and revenue for BMO Stadium’s private events business. This person will be managing and executing the full sales process from lead generation through contract execution. Thus, this person will be wearing various different hats overseeing strategic marketing, business development, and event sales management to position BMO Stadium as one of Southern California's premier destinations for special events.
• The ideal candidate is an entrepreneurial self-starter who enjoys networking, building relationships, and working collaboratively in a competitive market to create new opportunities while representing BMO Stadium.
• This role is a salary-based position with additional compensation available through competitive commission opportunities.
• This role reports to the EVP, Entertainment and Development.
• LAFC is currently operating on a hybrid work model with a minimum of 2 in-office days per week. Please note that this may vary by role, and your scheduled in-office days are up to the discretion of your supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full sales process from lead generation through contract execution for private events at BMO Stadium.
• Serve as the main point of contact for prospects and clients, responding to and resolving all booking inquiries and concerns in a timely manner.
• Provide expert knowledge and support to clients regarding cost estimates, rental rates, contractual obligations, and other elements associated with booking spaces within the facility.
• Develop and execute marketing campaigns promoting BMO Stadium as a premier destination for private events.
• Identify emerging market opportunities, drive aggressive outreach and develop other strategies to expand BMO Stadium's private events business across various market segments.
• Develop and nourish relationships with key industry personnel throughout Southern California in the meetings and events space.
• Partner and coordinate cross-collaboration across various internal teams to ensure seamless execution of private events.
• Acts as a liaison between BMO Stadium and Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (LATCB).
• Conduct on-site facility tours with prospects and clients.
• Manage the event booking calendar for all sales, marketing, and booking activities.
• Proactively consult with current and prospective clients in order to sell available dates within a competitive booking time frame.
• Prepare and ensure full compliance with rental contracts and all other contractual agreements.
• Prepare bid letters and contracts needed in order to secure sourced prospects.
• Attend marketing and sales industry-related meetings, networking events, seminars and conferences for continuous education and network expansion opportunities
• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor/Management.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from and accredited College/University required, major in sales, marketing, business administration, sports management or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in the hospitality sales or related field required, with a major stadium or venue preferred.
• Proven ability to build, lead, and execute a structured B2B sales process from prospecting to contract execution.
• Must possess a professional demeanor, possess a customer service first mindset, and have the ability to interact with all levels of the organization and outside contacts.
• Strong knowledge of best practices regarding food and beverage preparation, service standards, guest relations, and hospitality etiquette.
• Prior experience crafting and delivering sales pitches and presentations to stakeholders at all levels, including business owners and c-suite executives.
• Strong organizational skills with impeccable attention to detail and the ability to prioritize work activities effectively and use time efficiently.
• Must be flexible with the ability to adapt in a fast-paced work environment with challenging demands and frequent changes.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively – both verbal and written.
• Must have or be able to obtain a valid passport and be able to travel as needed.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• Flexible schedule with the ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as the event calendar requires.

Skills

Required

• Professional demeanor
• Customer service first mindset
• Strong organizational skills
• Attention to detail
• Flexibility
• Adaptability

Benefits

• At LAFC, we carefully consider a wide range of factors to determine a fair and equitable compensation package. The final offer amount will consider a wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to skill sets; relevant experience and training. Pursuant to state and local pay disclosure guidelines, the compensation range for this role is $80,000 - $85,000 per year. This position is an exempt position with additional compensation available through competitive commission opportunities.