Director, Event Planning

Marriott International•Cleveland, OH

60d

About The Position

The Director of Event Planning manages event planning functions and staff on a daily basis. Core area of responsibility is the event planning team, including management and direct supervision of event staff. Position oversees the administrative processes associated with the pre-event and post-event phases of an event and the associated transitions between all event phases. Ensures a seamless turnover from sales to operations and back to sales while consistently delivering a high level of service. Ensures the team maximizes revenue opportunities by up selling and accurately forecasting (catering and group rooms) all events. The position is responsible for achieving guest and employee satisfaction and for managing the financial performance of the department.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 4 years of related experience required.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
High level of customer service.
Ability to focus on details and resolve numerical problems.
Ability to work independently (and in a team).
Able to work independently or as a team member and support managers with special projects.
Strong collaboration skills - works well across functional areas-excellent relationship-building skills; able to collaborate with various levels of the organization.
Must be able to work various shifts when needed to cover during regular business hours, including weekends and evenings.

Nice To Haves

Degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management, Hospitality, Business, or a related field preferred.
Knowledge of accounting systems preferred.

Responsibilities

Assigns all events turned over to Event Planning team.
Oversees for turned opportunities' function space and group room blocks.
Communicates and executes departmental and property emergency procedures and ensures staff are trained in safety procedures.
Leads execution of activities to support the Event Management strategy.
Works with direct reports to review scheduled events and troubleshoot potential challenges/conflicts.
Leads discussions to review event complexity and proactively avoid service challenges and failures.
Works with highly complex or high-profile groups when financial impact will be significant.
Leads the catering menu development process.
Champions all standards, policies, and procedures for the Event Planning team.
Leads Event Management meetings.
Reviews comment cards, guest satisfaction results and other data to identify areas of improvement.
Shares plans with property leadership and ensures corrective action is taken to continuously improve guest satisfaction.
Displays leadership in guest hospitality, exemplifies excellent customer service and creates a positive atmosphere for guest relations.
Interacts with guests to obtain feedback on product quality and service levels.
Responds to and handles guest problems and complaints.
Strives to improve service performance.
Empowers employees to provide excellent customer service.
Develops working relationships with outside vendors and establishes prices and service agreements to enhance the event experience and to increase additional revenue opportunities for the property.
Consult with customers to determine objectives and requirements for events such as meetings, conferences, and conventions.
Establishes customer service guidelines so employees understand expectations and parameters.
Ensures employees receive on-going training to understand guest expectations.
Observes service behaviors of employees and provides feedback to individuals and or managers.
Reviews staffing levels to ensure that guest service and planning needs are met.
Perform other duties as assigned.