Director, Event Sales & Services

AccorHotel • Sonoma, CA

19d • $120,000 - $130,000

About The Position

Director, Event Sales & Services - Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa (Hotel)
Are you a dynamic, service‑driven leader with a passion for orchestrating unforgettable events and elevating guest experiences through flawless execution? Join the team at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa as Director, Event Sales & Services, where Sonoma’s rich heritage, warm hospitality, and elevated luxury set the stage for remarkable gatherings. In this pivotal role, you’ll guide our talented Event Services team shaping every detail of our conferences and events to ensure they exceed expectations and reflect the essence of wine country’s most iconic destination.
What you will be doing: Reporting to the Director, Sales & Marketing, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following:
Lead, mentor, and manage the Event Sales and Services teams, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and professional development
Build a motivated, cohesive, and service‑focused team through coaching and ongoing training
Develop and implement strategies to achieve or exceed catering revenue goals through effective forecasting, budgeting, and yield management
Maximize profitability through strategic evaluation of business opportunities, optimal function space utilization, and careful management of catering mix and room rental revenue.
Collaborate with the Director of Sales & Marketing on annual business planning, budgeting, performance metrics, and targeted marketing initiatives
Identify market trends, competitive insights, and client feedback to adjust sales approaches and maintain a strong competitive position
Build and maintain strong client relationships from inquiry through post‑event follow‑up, ensuring personalized luxury service and encouraging repeat and referral business
Conduct site inspections, client meetings, and sales presentations as needed
Ensure the timely creation and accurate distribution of event orders, conference agendas, contracts, and detailed event resumes
Ensure function rooms and event spaces are maintained to luxury standards and prepared for all meetings and events
Partner closely with Culinary and Operations to design customized menus and elevated event solutions
Develop, implement, and uphold departmental SOPs, ensuring seamless communication between sales and operations teams
Participate in key hotel meetings and represent the Events & Catering department within the hotel and local community
Collaborate with Marketing on targeted promotions, campaigns, and brand‑building initiatives for catering and group business
Prepare and manage departmental budgets, forecasts, and reporting
Support broader hotel initiatives and assist in overall management responsibilities
Ensure compliance with hotel standards, policies, and procedures
Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Previous experience in a senior event services leadership role in a luxury hotel required
• Demonstrated track record of successfully planning and executing events with meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize guest needs, maintaining composure and professionalism in all interactions, while ensuring exceptional service delivery
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to liaise with clients, vendors, sponsors, and internal stakeholders
• Proficiency in Sales & Catering software, Property Manager Systems (preferably Opera Cloud), and Windows-based applications
• Extensive experience in Food & Beverage operations, with a broad understanding of culinary and service aspects

Nice To Haves

• A degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management or a related discipline is considered an asset

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage the Event Sales and Services teams, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and professional development
• Build a motivated, cohesive, and service‑focused team through coaching and ongoing training
• Develop and implement strategies to achieve or exceed catering revenue goals through effective forecasting, budgeting, and yield management
• Maximize profitability through strategic evaluation of business opportunities, optimal function space utilization, and careful management of catering mix and room rental revenue.
• Collaborate with the Director of Sales & Marketing on annual business planning, budgeting, performance metrics, and targeted marketing initiatives
• Identify market trends, competitive insights, and client feedback to adjust sales approaches and maintain a strong competitive position
• Build and maintain strong client relationships from inquiry through post‑event follow‑up, ensuring personalized luxury service and encouraging repeat and referral business
• Conduct site inspections, client meetings, and sales presentations as needed
• Ensure the timely creation and accurate distribution of event orders, conference agendas, contracts, and detailed event resumes
• Ensure function rooms and event spaces are maintained to luxury standards and prepared for all meetings and events
• Partner closely with Culinary and Operations to design customized menus and elevated event solutions
• Develop, implement, and uphold departmental SOPs, ensuring seamless communication between sales and operations teams
• Participate in key hotel meetings and represent the Events & Catering department within the hotel and local community
• Collaborate with Marketing on targeted promotions, campaigns, and brand‑building initiatives for catering and group business
• Prepare and manage departmental budgets, forecasts, and reporting
• Support broader hotel initiatives and assist in overall management responsibilities
• Ensure compliance with hotel standards, policies, and procedures
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Employee discounts on hotel rooms, dining, and spa experiences at Accor and Fairmont properties worldwide
• Flexible and competitive healthcare benefit plans designed to meet the unique needs of you and your family, starting the first of the month following 30 days of employment
• 401(k) plan with a 100% match on the first 4% of employee contributions
• Learning programs to promote growth and development unlocking your full potential
• Opportunity to develop your talent and grow within your property and across the world
• Ability to make a difference through our Corporate Social Responsibility activities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed