Client Relations Manager - ME

RIDGEWELLS INC•Bethesda, MD

4d•$75,000 - $90,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Ridgewells Catering is seeking an accomplished, highly organized and client-focused Client Relations Manager – Major Events to join our Major Events team. This is a highly visible management position for a hospitality professional who thrives in complex, fast-paced environments and knows how to lead both people and projects with confidence. The Client Relations Manager will oversee a portfolio of premier corporate clients, lead members of the Client Relations team, and play an integral role in the planning and execution of some of Ridgewells' most significant major events. A primary focus of this position is the U.S. Open Golf Championship, where the Client Relations Manager will oversee sophisticated corporate food & beverage programs and help lead Ridgewells' broader on-site operation. The position will also support two to three additional major events throughout the year. This role is based in our Bethesda, Maryland office and requires travel throughout the year, including approximately three consecutive weeks on-site during the U.S. Open.

Requirements

3+ year(s) of progressive experience in client relations, account management, hospitality, event management or project management, ideally including experience leading teams or complex projects.
Demonstrated ability to manage sophisticated corporate clients and multiple priorities simultaneously.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, train and hold teams accountable.
Exceptional organizational, project-management and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with confidence interacting with senior executives and discerning clients.
Strong financial acumen and experience managing event budgets, labor projections, billing and account profitability.
Genuine enthusiasm for food, hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences.
A collaborative, positive and resourceful approach with a willingness to jump in wherever necessary to deliver an exceptional result.
Ability to work extended hours and remain actively engaged on-site in outdoor event environments and varying weather conditions.
Proficient use of MS Office (specifically MS Excel and MS Publisher) and Canva with the ability to learn new computer programs quickly
Ability to lift 20+ lbs.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in business, Hospitality, Event Management, Project Management or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the Client Relations team, establishing priorities, delegating responsibilities, mentoring team members and ensuring consistent excellence for all clients.
Manage a portfolio of high-profile corporate clients, develop trusted relationships and provide guidance throughout the planning and execution process.
Take ownership of the entire client experience, from initial planning to menu development to on-site execution to post-event follow-up.
Anticipate client needs, proactively solve problems and identify opportunities to elevate the food & beverage experience.
Serve as the central liaison between clients and the other Ridgewells’ Major Events departments, including Staffing, Operations and Culinary.
Oversee designated hospitality village at the U.S. Open, maintaining Ridgewells standards while ensuring an exceptional experience for clients and their guests.
Develop polished proposals, presentations, menus and other client-facing materials that reflect the Ridgewells brand and standard of excellence.
Lead the development of individual client service and execution plans, including staffing, equipment, layouts, menus, timelines and operational needs.
Collaborate with the culinary department to research and develop innovative, new menu items that incorporate regional flavors and companies/brands
Lead the planning and execution of yearly off-site U.S. Open client tasting.
Coordinate all internal tastings with various departments.
Collaborate with the operations team to ensure all client needs are accurately planned and delivered on-site, including equipment, beverage and service requirements.
Work with staffing team to develop labor projections and budgets.
Develop training materials and presentations for on-site event staff.
Train, manage and supervise front of house and back of house temporary on-site staff.
Manage client account financials, including client budgets, billing, invoicing and applicable accounts payable responsibilities.
Identify and implement new processes, ideas and operating procedures that improve efficiency, profitability and the overall client experience.
Support additional Ridgewells events and company initiatives as needed.
Comply with all ServSafe, TIPs and HACCP guidelines.