Conference Services Manager - Spartanburg Marriott

Mainsail Lodging & Development•Spartanburg, SC

12d•Onsite

About The Position

We’re looking for enthusiastic, fun, and energetic people who take the work seriously, but not themselves. Let’s see if we’re a fit. We hope so. The Conference Services Manager is responsible for coordinating and supervising assigned group business after it is booked by the sales and catering department, and through completion of the event or function, while maintaining profitable operations and high quality products and service levels. The Event Manager is also responsible for acting as a liaison between client and operating departments to ensure a successful meeting and to generate repeat business. Manage sales and catering accounts to achieve maximum guest satisfaction. Report to Director of Sales and Marketing.

Requirements

Knowledge of various food service styles (i.e., ethnic weddings, and butler style service).
Knowledge of menu development / familiarity with food and beverage cost control.
Two or four year degree from a college or university or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong computer skills including excellent knowledge of Word and Excel software programs.
Proficiency in one or more of the following systems: Marriott CI/TY.
Perform job functions with attention to detail, accuracy and speed to meet deadlines.
Multi-task prioritizes, organize, delegate work and follow through.
Analyze and resolve problems.
Ability to plan and develop procedures on all sales programs.
Must be able to work extended hours including weekends and holidays.
Keep current in event management trends.
Attend community events and industry meetings.
Knowledge of market trends, competition and key customers of the hotel.
Proficiency in the English language both written and verbal.

Responsibilities

Provide overall direction, coordination, and ongoing evaluation of operations of group, catering, or in-house events.
Ensure that events progress seamlessly by following established procedures and by collaborating with other employees/departments to ensure accuracy and smooth turnover from sales to service back to sales.
Serves as liaison between the sales manager and client throughout the event process.
Ensure each function set-up meets with client expectations through effective follow-up meetings and communications with appropriate staff members.
Conduct on-site inspections.
Responsible for preparing all event documentation and coordinates with Sales, property departments and clients to ensure consistent, high level service throughout pre-event, event and post-event phases of property events.
Generate resumes, addendums, menus, Event Orders (EOs), sleeping room blocks as necessary.
Create, review and revise rooming lists, VIP lists and Marriott Rewarding Events Program.
Follow-up on turnover within 24 hours via telephone and within 3 days with written correspondence.
Keep a pulse on attendee pick up, manage group room blocks where applicable and keep clients apprised of potential attrition and accurately maintain meeting space inventories.
Understanding of group and catering forecasting, hotel revenue strategy, meeting room set-up types and capabilities, and sleeping room configurations and types.
Knowledge in event technology (A/V) products, sales and services as well as F&B to assist client with menu planning and room set-up while working within the client budget.
Ensure method of payment, credit card and or billing policies and procedures are upheld.
Work with outside vendors to ensure client satisfaction for all events/groups.
Leads pre- and post-con meetings to review/communicate group needs and feedback.
Facilitates various meetings (Banquet Event Order meeting, block review, etc).
Recognize opportunities to maximize revenue by up-selling and offering enhancements to create outstanding events.
Knowledge of sales techniques in order to propose up-sell ideas to clients.
Solicit new and existing accounts to meet and exceed revenue goals through telephone prospecting, outside sales calls, site inspections and written communication.
Respond to customer trends, needs, issues, comments and problems to ensure a quality experience and enhance future sales prospects.
Respond to guest complaints in a timely manner.
Make personal contact with guests and assist them with any requests.
Be visible on the floor and assist staff as needed.
Review menu/service with catering managers and executive or sous chef.
Maintain up to date details on events and communicate to staff.
Delivers excellent customer service throughout the customer experience and encourages the same from other employees.
Reviews comment cards and guest satisfaction results with employees.
Observes service behaviors of employees and provides feedback to individuals and/or managers.
Take initiative to use his/her experience to improve service performance according to his/her evaluation of the issue and resolution.
Works with the property staff and customers to address operational challenges associated with his/her group.
Attain post-event feedback from client, report back to sales and catering.
Respond to client complaints and requests in a timely manner and report back to sales and catering.
Handle account details so that all pertinent aspects of solicitation and closing are complete and documented.
Coordinate various departments’ participation in servicing accounts.
Prepare information for, meet with and entertain clients as deemed appropriate by potential business from that account.
Invite clients to the hotel for entertainment, lunches, tours and site inspections.
Assist in implementing special promotions relating to direct sales segments, i.e. parties, sales blitzes, etc.
Assist in the preparation of required reports in a timely manner.
Conduct a professional, thorough site inspection of the hotel with clients, exhibiting key features and benefits of the property.
Use property’s computerized sales management system to manage the hotel’s business, including (but not limited to) generating reports, entering business, blocking space and building accounts.
Meet and greet onsite contacts.
Develop networking opportunities through active participation in community and professional associations, activities and events.
Review meeting planner evaluations with the Director of Sales to ensure that issues receive follow-up.
Be knowledgeable about and follow the company's mission statement and values.
Understand who our guests are and how we service our guests, demonstrate professionalism, take ownership and ensure guest satisfaction.
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