Event & Operations Manager - TAO Restaurant Chicago

Event & Operations Manager

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:

• 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