Associate Director of Meetings and Special Events

Marriott • Philadelphia, PA

7h • Onsite

About The Position

This position assists in leading meetings and special events, including the development and implementation of departmental strategies and ensuring the brand service strategy and initiatives are implemented. The role is responsible for executing all property events, ensuring a seamless turnover from sales to operations and back to sales. It helps ensure the team meets the brand’s target customer needs, achieves employee satisfaction, and focuses on growing event revenues and maximizing the financial performance of the department. At Marriott International, specifically within The Ritz-Carlton, the Associate Director is expected to uphold the 'Gold Standards' which are the foundation of the brand, guiding daily operations to deliver rare and special luxury service. This includes embodying the Employee Promise, Credo, and Service Values, and contributing to a culture where associates are empowered to be creative, thoughtful, and compassionate, ultimately creating exceptional guest experiences.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; 4 years experience in event management, food and beverage, sales and marketing, or related professional area.
• OR 2-year degree from an accredited university in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, or related major; 2 years experience in event management, food and beverage, sales and marketing, or related professional area.

Responsibilities

• Assists in leading meetings and special events.
• Assists in the development and implementation of departmental strategies.
• Ensures implementation of the brand service strategy and brand initiatives.
• Executes all property events with a seamless turnover from sales to operations and back to sales.
• Helps ensure the team meets the brand’s target customer needs and employee satisfaction.
• Focuses on growing event revenues and maximizing the financial performance of the department.
• Researches and analyzes new products, pricing and services of competition.
• Works with direct reports to review scheduled events and troubleshoot potential challenges/conflicts.
• Ensures the property is apprised of all groups that will impact property operations.
• Ensures meeting space and corresponding heart of the house areas are cleaned and maintained.
• Ensures furniture and equipment is maintained and inventory levels are kept in accordance to corporate guidelines.
• Leads the execution of brand service initiatives in event management areas.
• Develops an event management strategy that is aligned with the company’s business strategy and leads its execution.
• Conduct daily walk-through of banquet floor to ensure client satisfaction and quality standards.
• Holds event management team accountable for desired service behaviors related to product and service delivery.
• Communicates a clear and consistent message regarding departmental goals to produce desired results.
• Assists in execution of departmental goals in game plans.
• Ensures brand and regional business initiatives are implemented and communicates follow-up actions to team as necessary.
• Encourages calculated risk-taking to generate incremental revenue and deliver excellent guest service.
• Develops working relationships with outside vendors and establishes prices and service agreements to enhance the event experience and to increase additional revenue opportunities for the property.
• Assists in creating and achieving the annual banquet budget.
• Focuses on building the property’s top line revenue by supporting the execution of the annual Meetings & Special Events Marketing Plan, and providing leadership to the team on post-contractual upselling efforts.
• Partners with sales team to ensure pricing and space allocations are in line with property guidelines for maximizing revenue opportunities.
• Creates an atmosphere in all event management operations areas that meets or exceeds guest expectations.
• Consult with customers in order to determine objectives and requirements for events such as meetings, conferences, and conventions.
• Review customer service data to identify service failures and provide guidance on problem resolution.
• Works with Human Resources to ensure compliance with all local, state and federal (OSHA, Health Department) regulations.
• Reviews property specific event operations annually and makes appropriate adjustments.
• Reviews staffing levels to ensure that guest service and operational needs are met.
• Communicates and ensures departmental and property emergency procedures are executed when necessary.
• Ensures that regular, ongoing communication is happening in all areas of event operations (e.g., BEO meetings, pre-event briefings, staff meetings, food and beverage team, culinary team).
• Ensures performance feedback is timely through the standard feedback processes.
• Ensures that the “Gold Standards” of The Ritz-Carlton are delivered graciously and thoughtfully every day.
• Learn and exemplify the Gold Standards, such as our Employee Promise, Credo and our Service Values.

Benefits

• Dedicated to being an equal opportunity employer, welcoming all and providing access to opportunity.
• Actively foster an environment where the unique backgrounds of our associates are valued and celebrated.
• Commitment to non-discrimination on any protected basis, including disability, veteran status, or other basis protected by applicable law.
• Opportunity to be proud of the work you do and who you work with.
• Chance to be where you can do your best work, begin your purpose, belong to an amazing global team, and become the best version of you.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree