Private Events & Floor Manager
Scratchboard Kitchen – Arlington Heights, IL
Salary + Commission
Nights & Weekends Required

Role Summary
Scratchboard Kitchen is hiring a Private Events & Floor Manager to lead the growth and execution of our private dining and catering program while maintaining a strong leadership presence on the restaurant floor. This role is responsible for generating private event revenue, converting inquiries into booked business, planning event details, and overseeing on-site execution while also supporting service leadership during regular restaurant operations. The position combines event sales ownership, event leadership, and floor management, guiding events from inquiry through execution while working closely with the kitchen and service teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

Most events are intimate private dining experiences, celebrations, and corporate gatherings hosted within the restaurant. Scratchboard Kitchen is a chef-driven, high-standard restaurant environment where attention to detail, hospitality professionalism, and confident floor leadership are expected. This role is ideal for a strong hospitality professional who enjoys building guest relationships, driving private event sales, and leading service with professionalism and presence.

Responsibilities

Private Event Sales & Booking
Respond to private event and catering inquiries
Prepare proposals, pricing, contracts, and invoices
Maintain follow-up with prospective clients until bookings are confirmed or declined
Secure deposits and enforce payment policies
Maintain an organized sales pipeline and track inquiry conversion to booked events

Event Planning & Coordination
Create detailed BEOs including menus, timelines, and staffing needs
Coordinate event details with kitchen and FOH management teams
Maintain the private events calendar and event preparation schedules
Ensure all event details are clearly communicated to staff

Event Execution & Floor Leadership
Serve as Event Captain for booked events
Lead event flow, timing, and guest communication during service
Confidently host private dining guests and ensure a polished guest experience
Support and lead the service team during both events and regular service
Maintain strong visibility on the floor and uphold Scratchboard Kitchen service standards
Resolve service issues in real time while maintaining professionalism and hospitality

Internal Events
Assist in developing and executing in-house ticketed events that drive guest engagement and revenue
Collaborate with the kitchen team on event concepts and menus

Marketing Support
Assist with promotion of private events and ticketed events through website updates, social media, and marketing materials when needed

Schedule & Expectations
This role includes a combination of on-site service shifts and administrative time dedicated to event sales and planning.

Four regularly scheduled on-site shifts are expected each week, including Friday and Saturday nights.

One day of administrative time is dedicated to responding to event inquiries, client follow-up, proposal preparation, event planning, and sales activity.

The Private Events & Floor Manager is expected to be present for the events they book whenever possible to ensure proper execution and guest experience.

Event inquiries should be monitored daily, with responses sent the same business day whenever possible.

Evening, weekend, and holiday availability is required based on the event calendar.

Compensation
Base Salary: $45,000 - $55,000 annually
Commission: 4% of contracted private event and catering revenue personally booked
Commission is calculated on contracted event revenue and requires adherence to approved pricing and operational guidelines.

This is a non-tipped management position. Servers retain 100% of gratuities and the Events Manager does not participate in tip pools.

Requirements
2+ years experience selling and executing restaurant private events or catering
Experience leading service or managing the restaurant floor in a high-standard hospitality environment
Strong organizational and communication skills
Strong presence on the floor and confidence leading guest-facing events
Ability to manage multiple event timelines and client communications
Professional, organized, and guest-focused
Available nights and weekends

ABOUT SCRATCHBOARD KITCHEN

Who We Are
We are an upscale casual restaurant in downtown Arlington Heights serving scratch-made breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with fresh coffee, juice, and a curated bar program.

Our Vibe
We are warm, welcoming, and community-focused. Our space is cozy and stylish, perfect for friends and family to enjoy great food together.

Our Mission
We want every guest to feel at home here. From the warm welcome to the last bite, we aim to go above and beyond to create a memorable dining experience.