Director Event Planning

Marriott•Lahaina, HI

2d•$117,000 - $153,000

About The Position

The Director Event Planning manages event planning functions and staff on a daily basis. The role leads the event planning team, including Senior Event Managers, Event Managers, Associate Event Managers, and Administrative Assistants. It oversees administrative processes for pre-event and post-event phases and the transitions between event phases, ensuring a seamless handoff from sales to operations and back to sales while delivering a high level of service. The Director helps maximize revenue through upselling and accurate forecasting of catering and group rooms, and is responsible for guest and employee satisfaction and the department’s financial performance. The position manages event planning operations, assigns events to the planning team, oversees function space and group room blocks, and coordinates with property teams on events that affect operations. It leads the event planning team, customer service efforts, and sales and marketing activities related to events. The role also establishes customer service guidelines, supports ongoing employee training, observes service behaviors, and reviews staffing levels.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and 4 years of experience in event management, food and beverage, sales and marketing, or a related professional area; or a 2-year degree from an accredited university in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, or a related major and 2 years of experience in event management, food and beverage, sales and marketing, or a related professional area.

Responsibilities

Assign all events turned over to the Event Planning team.
Oversee function space and group room blocks for turned-over opportunities.
Communicate and execute departmental and property emergency procedures and ensure staff are trained in safety procedures.
Lead execution of activities that support the Event Management strategy.
Review scheduled events with direct reports and troubleshoot potential challenges or conflicts.
Lead discussions about event complexity and proactively address potential service challenges and failures.
Ensure the property is informed of groups that will affect property operations.
Manage customer budgets to maximize revenue and meet customer needs.
Maintain inventories to maximize customer satisfaction and revenue opportunities.
Work with highly complex or high-profile groups when the financial impact will be significant.
Lead the catering menu development process.
Champion standards, policies, and procedures for the Event Planning team.
Lead Event Management meetings.
Review comment cards, guest satisfaction results, and other data to identify areas for improvement.
Share plans with property leadership and ensure corrective action is taken to improve guest satisfaction.
Model guest hospitality and excellent customer service and create a positive atmosphere for guest relations.
Interact with guests to obtain feedback on product quality and service levels.
Respond to and handle guest problems and complaints.
Work to improve service performance and empower employees to provide excellent customer service.
Develop working relationships with outside vendors and establish prices and service agreements that enhance events and increase revenue opportunities.
Consult with customers to determine objectives and requirements for meetings, conferences, conventions, and other events.
Establish customer service guidelines so employees understand expectations and parameters.
Ensure employees receive ongoing training to understand guest expectations.
Observe employee service behaviors and provide feedback to individuals or managers.
Review staffing levels to ensure guest service and planning needs are met.