Private Events & Floor Manager
Private Events & Floor Manager Scratchboard Kitchen – Arlington Heights, ILSalary + CommissionNights & 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 inquiriesPrepare proposals, pricing, contracts, and invoicesMaintain follow-up with prospective clients until bookings are confirmed or declinedSecure deposits and enforce payment policiesMaintain an organized sales pipeline and track inquiry conversion to booked events Event Planning & Coordination Create detailed BEOs including menus, timelines, and staffing needsCoordinate event details with kitchen and FOH management teamsMaintain the private events calendar and event preparation schedulesEnsure all event details are clearly communicated to staff Event Execution & Floor Leadership Serve as Event Captain for booked eventsLead event flow, timing, and guest communication during serviceConfidently host private dining guests and ensure a polished guest experienceSupport and lead the service team during both events and regular serviceMaintain strong visibility on the floor and uphold Scratchboard Kitchen service standardsResolve 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 revenueCollaborate 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. CompensationBase Salary: $45,000 - $55,000 annuallyCommission: 4% of contracted private event and catering revenue personally bookedCommission 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. Requirements2+ years experience selling and executing restaurant private events or cateringExperience leading service or managing the restaurant floor in a high-standard hospitality environmentStrong organizational and communication skillsStrong presence on the floor and confidence leading guest-facing eventsAbility to manage multiple event timelines and client communicationsProfessional, organized, and guest-focusedAvailable nights and weekendsABOUT 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. More detail about Scratchboard Kitchen, please visit