Events Sales Manager

JOB SUMMARY

The Event Manager at an Autograph Collection property curates and delivers distinctive story-driven events that reflect the unique character of the hotel while upholding Marriott International service standards. This role is responsible for the end-to-end planning and execution of meetings conferences weddings and social events ensuring each experience is personalized seamless and memorable.
Responsible for preparing all event documentation and coordinates with Sales property departments and customer to ensure consistent high level service throughout pre-event event and post-event phases of property events. This position primarily handles events of average complexity. Ensures their property events have a seamless turnover from sales to service back to sales. Recognizes opportunities to maximize revenue opportunities by up-selling and offering enhancements to create outstanding events.

As a key brand ambassador the Event Manager collaborates closely with clients and internal teams to translate a vision into an authentic and elevated event experience.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Education and Experience

• Bachelors degree in Hospitality Management Business or related field preferred.
• Minimum 47 years of experience in hotel event management catering or conference services preferably within luxury or lifestyle brands.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Exceptional communication presentation and relationship-building abilities.
• Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced high-expectation environment.
• Proficiency in Marriott systems (Delphi Opera CI/TY preferred).
• Flexible schedule including evenings weekends and holidays.

CORE WORK ACTIVITIES

Managing Event Logistics and Operations

• Ensures that events progress seamlessly by following established procedures collaborating with other employees and ensuring accuracy.
• Greets customer during the event phase and hands-off to the Event Operations team for the execution of details.
• Adheres to all standards policies and procedures.
• Ensures billing accuracy and conducts bill reviews with the clients prior to processing the final bill.
• Manages group room blocks and meeting space for average to large-sized assigned groups.
• Identifies operational challenges associated with his/her group and determines how to best work with the property staff and customer to solve these challenges and/or develop alternative solutions.
• Uses his/her judgment to integrate current trends in event management and event design.
• Acts as liaison between field salesperson and customer throughout the event process (pre-event event post-event).
• Participates in customer site inspections and assists with the sales process as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned to meet business needs.
• Solicits feedback from the property departments to identify areas for improvement to enhance the Event Planners experience.

Ensuring and Providing Exceptional Customer Service

• Delivers excellent customer service throughout the customer experience and encourages the same from other employees.
• Empowers employees to provide excellent customer service.
• Sets a positive example for guest relations.
• Coordinates and communicates event details both verbally and in writing to the customer and property operations.
• Makes presence known to customer at all times during this process.
• Oversees his/her customer experiences from file turnover through the post event phase until turnover back to sales.
• Follows up with customer post-event.
• Responds to and handles guest problems and complaints.
• Uses personal judgment and expertise to enhance the customer experience.
• Stays available to solve problems and/or suggest alternatives to previous arrangements.
• Works to continually improve customer service by integrating obtained feedback and personal judgment into action plans.
• Emphasizes guest satisfaction during all departmental meetings and focuses on continuous improvement.
• Interacts with guests to obtain feedback on product quality and service levels.
• Ensures hourly employees understand expectations and parameters for event activities.
• Deliver highly personalized service aligned with Autograph Collections philosophy of Exactly Like Nothing Else.
• Anticipate client needs and manage changes with creativity efficiency and professionalism.
• Be present on-site during events to oversee execution and resolve issues discreetly and promptly.
• Foster long-term relationships to drive repeat business and positive brand advocacy.

Leading Event Management Teams

• Conducts formal pre- and post-event meetings as required to review/communicate group needs and feedback.
• Leads formal pre-event and post-event meetings for average to large-sized assigned groups.
• Facilitates various meetings as he/she perceives necessary (Banquet Event Order meeting block review etc).

Bespoke Event Planning & Delivery

• Manage group and social events from contract handover through event completion.
• Serve as the primary contact for clients understanding their objectives and tailoring events to reflect the propertys unique identity.
• Create detailed and accurate Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) that clearly communicate all event requirements.
• Coordinate with Culinary Banquets Front Office Housekeeping Engineering and Security teams to ensure flawless execution.
• Lead pre-event briefings and post-event evaluations to continuously enhance service quality.

Supporting and Coordinating with the Sales and Marketing Function

• Assists in the sales process and revenue forecasting for customer groups.
• Up-sells products and services throughout the event process.
• Forecasts group sleeping rooms and event revenue (catering and audio visual) for his/her groups.

Conducting Human Resources Activities

• Reviews comment cards and guest satisfaction results with employees.
• Observes service behaviors of employees and provides feedback to individuals and/or managers.
• Assists in the development and implementation of corrective action plans.
• Take initiative to use his/her experience to improve service performance according to his/her evaluation of the issue and resolution.
• Works with the property staff and customers to address operational challenges associated with his/her group.
• Performs other duties as assigned to meet business needs.