SALES & EVENTS MANAGER - EDINBURGH

Reports to: Head of Sales

Has a line into: GM, Marketing & Operations

Responsible for: Event Co-Ordinators

Welcome to Pilgrims, where pizza isn’t just food – it’s happiness. We create hospitality memories, moments of happiness between friends, family, and sometimes even strangers. We believe in delivering not only the best and traditional Neapolitan pizza but also unforgettable experiences. And that’s where you come in. As Sales & Events Manager, you’re not just growing our business in Edinburgh—you’re part of our mission to make people happier, one pizza at a time.

ABOUT US

In 2012, founders Thom & James decided to quit their jobs and fly to Naples, pick up a three-wheel Piaggio Ape van and drive the 4,500km back to London, learning all they could about the true art of pizza making.

In 2023, they built an even more ridiculous pizza wagon – THE PIZZA VESPA - and took part in a 10-day trip, visiting the icons of the Napoli pizza scene, as well as suppliers and friends they have made since the original pilgrimage.

We’ve now got pizzerias in England, Wales, and (very soon!) Scotland. our very own pizza academy, and we’ve won a whole load of awards along the way too. As a BCORP we believe in doing the right things for the right reasons, and we’ve ambitious to better ourselves every day – for our team, our guests and the planet.

Caught your eye? Then read on...

We’re looking for a sales driven legend in Edinburgh who’ll love spreading the joy of pizza across the city. You’ll have at least 3 years sales experience with a natural flair for creating new business, a solid hospitality background, and a strong network in the city. This is no easy task, which is why we’re looking for somebody at the very top of their game to join us.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supporting the performance Pizza Pilgrims Edinburgh by generating sales from proactive reach out and marketing initiatives and managing conversations for all private hire and large bookings as well as ticketed events.

Managing all key event client corporate relationships and communications, conducting mobile event space promotional pushes using commercial mailing lists and driving new business solicitation through research, meetings, pitches and distribution of collateral, as well as helping to create bespoke offers, events and initiatives to increase event-based revenue. The role will be based in site but with offsite duties (networking, outreach etc) and the ability to work remotely on occasion.

I know I’m doing a good job when:

• Sales are maximized in the pizzeria due to Reasons to Visit (Masterclass events, group dining, private hire & ticketed sales)

• New business is proactively brought in and won

• Repeat clients booking

New business, proactive outreach & account management

• Demonstrate a strategic and creative mind with strong leadership qualities. Confidently attend networking opportunities and events, gaining new business and maintaining relationships

• Hold a strong understanding of the company’s products and industry competition.

• Use excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to flourish in a competitive industry.

• Follow up on inbound leads, outreach for new business, building client relationships, negotiating, and closing sales

• Work closely with the Head of Sales & Events and General Manager to identify gaps in the business that need promotional support to generate additional sales

• Organise direct face to face meetings and show-arounds with contacts and clients to generate business. Half of these meetings should be with new client leads

• Promote sales into the pizzeria, account management & managing databases to ensure repeat custom from your contacts - PAs, EAs, OMs etc.

• Compile a weekly report for the Head of Sales and Events on the progress of each week’s sales leads, meeting outcomes and action points, as well as a tally of current and anticipated (pipeline) event sales volume.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, 3rd parties, corporate partners, and key stakeholders to enhance business opportunities and customer satisfaction promoting private hire & groups

• Manage a P&L as well as 3rd party relationships with partners for Marketing activations & ticketed events

• Make a point of knowing all major local and surrounding area events - award shows, cultural events etc and forge relationships with organisers to secure business and enter Pizza Pilgrims for certain categories

• Head up four ‘showcase’ events per year – corporate or student.

Event Management 

• Responsible for booking management using the system Design my Night with conversion & response time measures

• Demonstrate excellent communication – ensuring the team on duty are handed over event & client specifics by holding weekly meetings with the team and working closely with GM, supervisors & event coordintors

• Pizzeria Knowledge – Convert bookings by having the knowledge of the pizzeria to know what might suit the customers needs by working closely with the pizzeria team.

• Communicating with customer regarding any event specifics. Ensure that a function sheet is created and amended to reflect the needs and always communicating this to the Pizzeria Management team to ensure a great event every time

• Reporting - inputting actual event sales post event to report weekly sales figures which are collated and sent out to Operations team every Monday

• Greeting & Follow up – Meeting & greeting the client at the beginning of some events and always following up post event to ensure expectations were exceeded, leading you to be able to account manage from there

• Special Events - working on special Mobile events as they present themselves

VALUES

We’re proud of the culture we’ve built. Whilst skills are important, living by our values are just as important too;

• Be Yourself – Be yourself and let your passion for sales show! Have a flair for connecting with people 😊

• Push Yourself - have a ‘go get it’ character for bringing in new business by networking and attending events across the country as well as trade / industry shows where relevant – building a business plan to propose why these would benefit the business.

• Enjoy Yourself – build your network and work with a great team!

• Respect Others - As well as strategic planning, being able to work in an agile way depending on the demands of the business

SUCCESS MEASURES

Your targets will be reviewed and agreed during regular huddles with our Head of Sales & Events. They will be split into the following areas

• New Business Conversions

• £ sales targets per site – Masterclass + Group Dining Menu covers + Private hire + Ticketed events

• Quality / Review scores

• Weekly outreach reports shared

• Weekly Sales reports shared

OUR FAVOURITE PERKS

- Free pizza every working day

- An extra day of holiday for every year you work at Pilgrims, up to 5 years.

- A one-month paid sabbatical after 5 years.

- Bring three friends to any Pilgrims each month – the pizza is on the house.

- Healthcare access with Bupa.

- Two company parties every year.

- Trips to Naples and supplier trips for our managers.

Ready to make people happier one pizza at a time? Let’s dough it!

Salary is base + uncapped Commission.