Farmington Polo Club is entering an exciting new chapter. As one of Connecticut's most iconic outdoor venues, the property is being reimagined as a premier destination for weddings, corporate events, social celebrations, and signature club experiences.
We are seeking a Director of Sales to lead the venue's commercial growth and play a pivotal role in its relaunch. This is a unique opportunity for a proven sales professional to build a sales operation from the ground up, establish market presence, and drive revenue at a property known for its history, natural beauty, and distinctive character.
The ideal candidate brings a strong background in high-volume banquet, catering, or event sales and has a track record of developing business, protecting rate integrity, and consistently exceeding revenue goals.
Responsibilities
- Key Responsibilities
- Lead the full sales cycle for weddings, corporate events, and social functions, including inquiries, site tours, proposals, contracts, and deposits.
- Develop and execute the property's sales strategy, including pricing, packages, revenue targets, and seasonal booking initiatives.
- Build and maintain a healthy sales pipeline while ensuring CRM accuracy, response-time standards, and reporting discipline.
- Establish relationships with wedding planners, corporate clients, destination management companies (DMCs), and local business organizations to generate referral and repeat business.
- Represent Farmington Polo Club at bridal shows, networking events, industry conferences, and community functions.
- Collaborate closely with operations, culinary, and event teams to ensure seamless execution and exceptional client experiences.
- Manage event inventory and maximize revenue opportunities across available dates and spaces.
- Prepare and present weekly and monthly sales reports, forecasts, pace reports, and revenue analyses.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 years of banquet, catering, or event sales experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership or director-level role.
- Experience in hotels, country clubs, resorts, or large-scale event venues strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated success meeting or exceeding revenue goals and sales targets.
- Strong understanding of event contracts, banquet event orders (BEOs), deposits, and event profitability.
- Experience using sales and catering platforms such as Tripleseat, Delphi, Caterease, or similar systems.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
- Professional presence and ability to work effectively with clients ranging from engaged couples to senior corporate executives.
Preferred Qualifications
- Established relationships within the Connecticut and New England wedding, hospitality, or corporate event markets.
- Experience opening, relaunching, or repositioning an event venue or hospitality property.
- Familiarity with outdoor, tented, and seasonal event operations.
Compensation
- Base salary of $70,000–$80,000 plus commission, commensurate with experience.
- Uncapped commission structure tied to booked revenue.
- Opportunity to lead the sales strategy for the relaunch of a landmark Connecticut venue.
- Direct access to ownership and meaningful influence over business decisions.
- Career growth potential within a dynamic and expanding organization.
Physical abilities: Ability to stand, walk and sit throughout your day; Walking on a variety of flooring such as carpet, concrete, tile etc.
Strong communication Skills: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with peers and leaders daily
Organizational Skills: Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines; project management
Working in a team-based environment: Working independently and as a team player to ensure our customers are receiving the highest quality service
Quality: Maintain integrity and high standards from all perspectives
Safety Culture: Maintain a high level of safety standards and promote a positive safety culture.
Farmington Polo Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.
Pay: $70,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
