CONFERENCE CENTER LEAD

Compass Group•New York, NY

2d•$100,000 - $120,000

About The Position

The Conference Center Lead supervises a team of Conference Coordinators, supports the Director of Conference Services with day-to-day operations, and works closely with onsite vendor partner teams. The role plans, coordinates, and executes meetings, conferences, and special events at locations in 200 West/30 Hudson. The Lead promotes consistently high-quality service through effective use of facilities and services, sets service standards by example, and fosters a positive, inclusive work environment. The position requires experience in high-level event planning, client service, and executive engagement; a CMP credential or MPI affiliation is a plus. The Lead manages conference center operations and space bookings, forecasts room occupancy and utilization, coordinates event requirements across clients and internal teams, and serves as an initial escalation point for complex client issues and service disruptions. The role also oversees event documentation and preparation, supports conference coordination coverage when needed, facilitates planning and post-event meetings, inspects facilities, monitors event and catering charges, and reports operational statistics. Rapport describes this as a career-oriented role and states that it does not engage in temporary contracts.

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience in high-level event planning, client service, and executive engagement.
Two to three years of conference planning experience in a conference center or corporate environment.
Two years of supervisory experience.
At least two years of experience managing or being responsible for aspects of catering execution and quality standards.
Excellent organizational and administrative skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
Ability to carry out responsibilities with little supervision and manage many tasks simultaneously.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work with different personality types and adapt to last-minute changes.
Ability to maintain a positive outlook and motivate a team.
Ability to lead, coach, and develop a diverse workforce through ongoing training, mentoring, and career development.
Expert knowledge of EMS or a similar conference-room reservation and space-management system.
Strong computer skills and knowledge of office technology and equipment.
Punctual, dependable, and dedicated to operational excellence and attention to detail.
Discreet, ethical, and committed to maintaining confidentiality.
Basic knowledge of Human Resources principles.
Knowledge of supporting departments, including catering, AV, and Facilities Management.
Professional approach, integrity, respect for others, and a team mindset.
Ability to take ownership and responsibility within and outside the role, learn, and adapt to and coordinate change.
Self-confidence and willingness to learn.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

CMP degree or MPI affiliation is a plus.
Certified meeting planner or similar trade certification in event or conference management.
Passion for delivering the Platinum Service® Standard in hospitality.

Responsibilities

Manage daily activities of the conference center.
Oversee strategic space booking in the EMS Reservation System.
Develop and continually update forecasts of meeting-room occupancy and utilization.
Maintain communication among Conference Coordinators, GSA’s, clients, vendor partners, and team members.
Plan and communicate client requirements—including room setup, audiovisual, and catering needs—to relevant internal departments and vendors.
Serve as the team’s initial escalation point for complex client issues and service disruptions, including those affecting high-visibility events, and work with the Director of Conference Services to resolve them promptly.
Assist the Director of Conference Services with compiling and assigning high-profile events to conference teams weekly and quarterly; monitor event activity and adjust assignments as needed.
Review daily BEOs and event protocols with clients and AV, catering, and setup teams, and oversee event resumes and BEOs for large-scale or complex events.
Provide hands-on Coordinator coverage during staffing shortages, PTO, or leaves, including reception-desk coverage, meet-and-greet scheduling, and event planning and execution.
Ensure timely preparation of complete documentation for large or complex functions and produced events.
Conduct daily and weekly planning meetings to review upcoming event details, confirm staff understanding of client requirements, and anticipate operational challenges.
Conduct pre-conference meetings with clients, coordinators, and operations staff for critical or large-scale events.
Conduct post-conference debriefs with clients and relevant operations staff for critical or large-scale events.
Conduct weekly facility inspections to check property condition and maintenance.
Check conference rooms before meetings to ensure catering, multimedia, and room setup requirements are met.
Prepare weekly reports on high-profile events and share important details with vendor partners at weekly operations meetings.
Review the daily Important Business report to confirm conference-hosted events and details are accurate.
Participate in monthly e-chats and provide development opportunities for coordinators.
Provide the Director of Conference Services/Assistant General Manager with monthly, quarterly, and annual occupancy and utilization statistics, along with other requested statistics such as AV activity, food and beverage covers, and cancellation rates.
Monitor the accuracy of catering and other charges, including cancellation charges, entered into the Reservation System.
Lead, coach, and develop coordinators through training, mentoring, and career development opportunities.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance and AD
Disability insurance
Retirement plan
Paid time off
Holiday time off, varying by site and state
Associate Shopping Program
Health and Wellness Programs
Discount Marketplace
Identity Theft Protection
Pet insurance
Commuter benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Paid parental leave
Personal leave
Potential paid and/or unpaid time off in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws