Area Events Service Manager

Sonesta Hotels • Chicago, IL

122d • $28 - $36

About The Position

Reporting to the Area Director of Catering & Conference Services, the Area Catering Events Manager is responsible to service all assigned catering / social events at all three Royal Sonesta hotels in Chicago. Maintaining existing relationships and executing tactical plans to maximize the profitability of the three hotels. Liaises between the client and hotel operations team to coordinate successful events. Oversees functions while on property. Assists sales managers in obtaining repeat business through excellent execution of each event. Sonesta leaders are charged with providing strategic vision, ensuring tactical execution, and actively managing their department to achieve the company's revenue and profitability goals and objectives. The ideal candidate has a passion for building and motivating teams that achieve results.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree from a four-year college or university.
• Minimum of three years of catering and/or convention services leadership experience.
• Ability to analyze reports and develop and implement strategies to improve outcomes.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions and percentages.
• Ability to speak effectively to groups including customers and employees.
• Proficient in Delphi FDC (preferred), including system setup, menu and items, BEOS and Banquet Checks.
• Must speak fluent English.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• May be required to work nights, weekends, and/or holidays.

Responsibilities

• Transitions booking from Sales Manager seamlessly; including one on one meeting with Manager to familiarize with the program and client.
• Participates in site inspections to assist in selling the Sonesta solution when necessary.
• Ensures Delphi inventory is updated and accurate at time of file turnover based on contract.
• Confirms important details with client upon receipt of signed contract, reconfirming cutoff date, room block, deposits, and other miscellaneous details; sets traces in Delphi accordingly.
• Reviews all clauses in contracts, addressing any potential inventory, payment, etc. issues at time of recognition.
• Monitors Room Blocks; provides pick-up updates on a regular basis.
• Designs and maintains event diagrams tailored to the unique requirements of each event.
• Upsells program including amenities, suites, special requests, F&B, etc.
• Prepares and distributes group resumes.
• Attends all resume meetings to review all group details to hotel departments.
• Prepares all BEOs and Banquet Checks; receiving client sign off and distribute at least 10 days prior to event.
• Responsible for timely receipt and processing of all rooming lists prior to cut off date.
• Oversees all pre-arrival information, check in arrangements, billing procedures, changes and any discrepancies directly with client and departments.
• Maintains clear communication with Culinary and Banquet Department on program/setup/dietary requirements.
• Processes all necessary paperwork to ensure any revenue losses (attrition/cancellations) are documented and confirmed with client and accounting.
• Expected to be on-site for all client functions.
• Acts as key contact and maintains ownership of all program details from time of arrival to departure.
• Provides general oversight of event to ensure company standards are met.
• Works with Sales Manager to be present at meetings and upon arrival.
• Pre-blocks guest rooms when necessary to meet client requests when available.
• Ensures that all banquet checks are accurate post event.
• Prepares final billing and payment with accounting.
• Conducts final follow-up/thank you with client.
• Assists in the physical movement of hotel or customer equipment or furnishings as necessary to complete a tight turn-around of public function space.
• Conducts regularly scheduled update meetings with the Area Director of Catering and Conference Services.
• Updates turnover worksheet with actual room pickup, food & beverage revenue and room rental fees to review with Director of Catering & Conference Services and the Area Director of Sales & Marketing for forecasting.
• Oversees special projects that contribute to the success of meeting planning.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account with Company Match
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid Vacation and Sick Days
• Sonesta Hotel Discounts
• Educational Assistance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Company Paid Short Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Various Employee Perks and Discounts
• Hospital Indemnity
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Accident Insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Accommodation
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree