Conference Services Manager

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts • St. Louis, MO

2d

About The Position

About Four Seasons: Four Seasons is powered by our people. We are a collective of individuals who crave to become better, to push ourselves to new heights and to treat each other as we wish to be treated in return. Our team members around the world create amazing experiences for our guests, residents, and partners through a commitment to luxury with genuine heart. We know that the best way to enable our people to deliver these exceptional guest experiences is through a world-class employee experience and company culture. At Four Seasons, we believe in recognizing a familiar face, welcoming a new one and treating everyone we meet the way we would want to be treated ourselves. Whether you work with us, stay with us, live with us or discover with us, we believe our purpose is to create impressions that will stay with you for a lifetime. It comes from our belief that life is richer when we truly connect to the people and the world around us. About the location: An urban oasis along the Mississippi. Embrace the pioneering spirit of St. Louis and come explore with us. Our resort-style hotel is set along the banks of the fabled Mississippi River in the heart of downtown’s entertainment district, just steps away from our most recognizable landmark: the shimmering Gateway Arch. Take in the epic views from a private poolside cabana on our Sky Terrace, from a table filled with sharable plates at Cinder House, or from the floor-to-ceiling windows in the comfort of your very own room. About Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts: At Four Seasons, we believe in recognizing a familiar face, welcoming a new one and treating everyone we meet the way we would want to be treated ourselves. Whether you work with us, stay with us, live with us or discover with us, we believe our purpose is to create impressions that will stay with you for a lifetime. It comes from our belief that life is richer when we truly connect to the people and the world around us. At Four Seasons, our company values are much more than a program or a policy; they define who we are and inform the decisions we make. The company's guiding principle is the Golden Rule, and as such Four Seasons strives to have a long-lasting, positive influence on the communities where we operate and on the people we employ and serve around the world. Sited near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, historic St. Louis continues to invite exploration. Find the luxurious Hotel, a haven of tranquility with epic views of the Gateway Arch, in the heart of downtown's entertainment district, just steps away from Lumiere Place Casino, the pulse of St. Louis. About the Role: Negotiate with clients through the use of creative and attractive menu presentations and event proposals, to achieve both maximum revenue/profit potential and fulfilment and contractual responsibilities while satisfying client needs. Coordinate with the Sales Managers to ensure proper utilization of function space to yield maximum revenues. Finalize the requirements of confirmed bookings while maximizing revenue potential through up selling and ensuring effective communication both written (Resumes, BEO, Daily Reports) and personal contact with all departments for the success of the event. Maintain an active trace/follow-up system. Ensure accuracy of Banquet Checks and provide bill review on completion of program or event. Supervise the execution of banquet events in conjunction with Banquet Team. Review all function space with banquet manager. Ensure satisfaction of client at the outset of all events. Serve as a primary point of contact for corporate conferences, meetings, professional teams & entertainment once contracted through post-event follow-up Plan and/or attend and/or participate in meetings with hotel staff and clients, including but not exclusive to: Morning Operations Meeting, Resume Meeting, Banquet Event Order Meeting, Pre-Convention Meetings, Planning Visits, and Menu Tastings. Comply with Four Seasons standards for conference services, while working harmoniously and professionally with co-workers and Planning Committee. Make timely and impromptu decisions which balance client's needs with the financial, safety, and staffing goals of the hotel. Find solutions to the inevitable challenges and glitches that arise while groups are on property and keep Director of Banquets and Group Sales as well as Planning Committee promptly and fully informed of all problems or unusual matters so prompt corrective action can be taken where appropriate. Maintain knowledge of hotel facilities, capabilities, and dimensions of meeting space and basic operational needs of all operating departments. A few more details: Assist with all guest inquires within the sales, marketing and catering department, including assistance with high telephone volume and walk-in site inspections. Assist Conference Services Department as required, particularly during large group movements Mentor and develop Administrative staff for future career growth. Act as the liaison for all vendor/supplier related clients needs, (i.e. Audio Visual, Florists, Entertainment, Transportation, DMC, Off-site Locations etc) Provide input for the weekly forecast. What we are looking for: We are looking for individuals who have strong organizational, attention to detail and interpersonal skills, are able to prioritize and adapt to the changing needs of the operation, and can evidence having a solid work ethic, good business acumen and a passion for service. Ability to multitask with a high level of creativity is a must!

Requirements

• We are looking for individuals who have strong organizational, attention to detail and interpersonal skills, are able to prioritize and adapt to the changing needs of the operation, and can evidence having a solid work ethic, good business acumen and a passion for service.
• Ability to multitask with a high level of creativity is a must!
• Applicants are required to have two to three years experience directly related to hotel conference services.
• Some travel is required for training, conferences and special events.
• Irregular hours to include weekends and evenings should be expected.

Nice To Haves

• A college degree/CMP Certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate with clients through the use of creative and attractive menu presentations and event proposals, to achieve both maximum revenue/profit potential and fulfilment and contractual responsibilities while satisfying client needs.
• Coordinate with the Sales Managers to ensure proper utilization of function space to yield maximum revenues.
• Finalize the requirements of confirmed bookings while maximizing revenue potential through up selling and ensuring effective communication both written (Resumes, BEO, Daily Reports) and personal contact with all departments for the success of the event.
• Maintain an active trace/follow-up system.
• Ensure accuracy of Banquet Checks and provide bill review on completion of program or event.
• Supervise the execution of banquet events in conjunction with Banquet Team.
• Review all function space with banquet manager.
• Ensure satisfaction of client at the outset of all events.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for corporate conferences, meetings, professional teams & entertainment once contracted through post-event follow-up
• Plan and/or attend and/or participate in meetings with hotel staff and clients, including but not exclusive to: Morning Operations Meeting, Resume Meeting, Banquet Event Order Meeting, Pre-Convention Meetings, Planning Visits, and Menu Tastings.
• Comply with Four Seasons standards for conference services, while working harmoniously and professionally with co-workers and Planning Committee.
• Make timely and impromptu decisions which balance client's needs with the financial, safety, and staffing goals of the hotel.
• Find solutions to the inevitable challenges and glitches that arise while groups are on property and keep Director of Banquets and Group Sales as well as Planning Committee promptly and fully informed of all problems or unusual matters so prompt corrective action can be taken where appropriate.
• Maintain knowledge of hotel facilities, capabilities, and dimensions of meeting space and basic operational needs of all operating departments.
• Assist with all guest inquires within the sales, marketing and catering department, including assistance with high telephone volume and walk-in site inspections.
• Assist Conference Services Department as required, particularly during large group movements
• Mentor and develop Administrative staff for future career growth.
• Act as the liaison for all vendor/supplier related clients needs, (i.e. Audio Visual, Florists, Entertainment, Transportation, DMC, Off-site Locations etc)
• Provide input for the weekly forecast.

Benefits

• Lucrative salary!
• Excellent benefits package that includes: Medical, Dental, Vision and 401K with employer matching all starting at 30 days!
• Time off plans starting at day of hire!
• An opportunity to be a part of a cohesive team in an inclusive work environment!
• Complimentary and discounted hotel stays around the world!
• Wellbeing and mental health initiatives and focused company!
• Embracement and promotion of diversity in our workplace!
• Complimentary employee meals and beverages!
• Tuition reimbursement!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees