Convention Services Manager

The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel- Chicago, IL•Berwyn, IL

2d•$29 - $36•Onsite

About The Position

Manage and coordinate all conferences, meetings, group functions and group activities booked through the sales department. Sonesta managers are charged with providing strategic vision, ensuring tactical execution, and actively managing their department to achieve the company’s revenue and profitability goals and objectives.

Requirements

Some College plus 1-2 years sales or marketing related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of hotel sales and/or catering preferred.
Must speak fluent English.
Track record of delivering exceptional guest and client experience.
Frequently standing up or moving within and outside of the facility.
Carrying or lifting items weighing up to 25 pounds.
Handling objects.
Bending, stooping, kneeling.
Communication skills are utilized a significant amount of time when interacting with others; demonstrated ability to interact with guests, employees and third parties that reflects highly on the hotel, the brand and the Company.
Reading and writing abilities are utilized often when completing paperwork and management reports, interpreting results, and giving and receiving instructions.
Mathematical skills, including basic math, budgeting, profit/loss concepts, percentages, and variances are utilized frequently.
Problem solving, reasoning, motivating, organizational and training abilities are used often.
May be required to work nights, weekends, and/or holidays.
Appropriate professional appearance and demeanor.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of hotel sales and/or catering preferred.

Responsibilities

Negotiate food and beverage prices, function space, and hotel services within approved departmental booking guidelines.
Confirm in writing to the client and all affected hotel departments all group requirements via sales contract terms, addendums, confirmation of pricing, group resumes, and/or banquet event order.
Assist the client in menu planning, food and beverage coordination, table arrangements, decorations, traffic flow, room set-up, group room blocks and VIP services, etc.
Work with sales staff to service and solicit new business. Up-sell client events and manage function space and room block inventory as assigned.
Work closely with other hotel departments to facilitate services agreed upon by the sales office and prospective clients.
Report and communicate Meeting event needs between the client and hotel.
Prepare and distribute amenity request forms for specified clients. Obtain designated approvals and follow-up on delivery.
Check function room set ups prior to guest arrival, ensuring all details are in agreement with client’s requirements and hotel standards. Ensure deficiencies are corrected by appropriate personnel.
Welcome group contact upon arrival at function and ensure guest satisfaction.
Monitor and ensure all functions are set up, refreshed, and broken down in compliance with scheduled times and departmental procedures.
Work in a timely manner to executive and distribute all Banquet Event Orders (BEO) and contracts as designated by sales.
Conduct hotel and banquet facility tours and entertain qualified clients in accordance with company and property policies.
Follow up with clients regularly during and after departure to ensure satisfaction and secure future bookings.
Promote teamwork and quality service through daily communication and coordination with other departments. Key departmental contacts include all hotel departments.
Interact with outside contacts: Guests – to ensure their total satisfaction; Airlines, wholesalers, corporate accounts, travel agencies, ad agencies, etc. – to ensure repeat business, follow up on events, and generate new business; Other contacts as needed (Professional organizations, community groups).
May perform other duties as assigned.
May assist in developing and implement sales actions plan as assigned.
Maintain client files and update information daily in accordance with established departmental policies and procedures.
Review daily postings of charges to master accounts of clients and resolve any discrepancies, or process necessary adjustments.
Review final bill prior to presenting to client.
Complete post-conference reports of events for senior management and complete other reports as needed or requested.
Assist in the preparation of the departmental budget and implementation of the hotel’s catering and conference strategy.
Responsible for ensuring success through the eyes of employees, guests, and owners.
Utilize and collaborate with resources across different departments and corporate office.
Capable of influencing employees to perform to their highest standard and establishing a trusting environment to enrich the culture.
Focus on the mission and well-being of the department, hotel, and company as a whole.
Lead by example and operate with integrity and respect.
Inspire your team to embrace and demonstrate our values and GUEST People Standards.