Event & Operations Manager - TAO Restaurant 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 VI