Director of Conference Services

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts•Orlando, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Conference Services plays a critical leadership role in delivering best‑in‑class meeting and event experiences within a luxury resort setting. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort features world‑class accommodations, award‑winning culinary offerings, the Tranquilo Golf Club, full‑service spa, and extensive indoor and outdoor event venues designed to support high‑level corporate, incentive, and social groups. The position of Director of Conference Services oversees all aspects of a profit and service driven Conference Services Department in a luxury resort setting. This role is responsible for the strategic oversight and execution of all conference and group events, ensuring each program reflects Four Seasons’ legendary service philosophy and attention to detail. This role centers on delivering strong operational results that support the resort’s overall Commercial strategy and growth goals. Leading the Conference Services team, the Director partners closely with Sales, Catering, Banquets, Culinary, and Resort Operations to deliver customized, seamless experiences from initial planning through on‑site execution. Serving as a key ambassador of the resort, the Director fosters strong client relationships, drives operational excellence, and upholds the brand’s commitment to personalized luxury within a dynamic, resort‑driven environment.

Requirements

Relevant Bachelor’s Degree / CMP Certification preferred
3 years or more experience in conference services, including large operations, and enjoy working in a fast paced environment as well as managing managers.
Good organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to multitask and high level of creativity.
Ability to work long and irregular hours, weekends, and evenings.
Able to negotiate, organize, delegate & work under pressure.
Basic knowledge of audio-visual equipment and Internet technology.
Problem solving, leadership skills, and ability to handle customer service at a luxury level.
Consistently demonstrates the following leadership behaviors by creating trust and openness, empowering people, and communicating clearly and transparently to create a high performing team that is innovative and adaptive.
A successful candidate will have a flexible schedule, ability to work weekends and holidays.
Must be fluent in English and possess legal work authorization in the United States.

Responsibilities

Responsible for enforcing the terms of sales letter of agreement and guiding meeting planners through the planning process.
Communicates the needs and expectations of the client with all departments in the hotel and ensures successful execution of group and client satisfaction.
Finalize the requirements of confirmed bookings while maximizing revenue potential through upselling and ensuring effective communication both written (Resumes, BEO, Daily Reports) and personal contact with all departments for the success of the event.
Maintain an active trace/follow-up system.
Ensure accuracy of Banquet Checks and provide bill review on completion of program or event.
Knowledge of Golden Sales and Catering (or similar) and Outlook.
Negotiate with clients through the use of creative and attractive menu presentations and event proposals, to achieve both maximum revenue/profit potential and fulfillment of contractual responsibilities while satisfying client needs
Supervise the execution of banquet events.
Review all function space with banquet manager and when necessary head house attendant.
Ensure satisfaction of client at the outset of all events.
Plan and/or attend and/or participate in meetings with hotel staff and clients, including but not exclusive to: Morning Operations Briefing, Morning CS Briefing, Resume Meeting, Banquet Event Order Meeting, Sales Meeting Pre-Convention Meetings, Bi-Monthly Board of Operations, Planning Visits, and Menu Tastings.
Maintain knowledge of hotel facilities, capacities and dimensions of meeting space and basic operational needs of all operating departments
Coordinate groups' room block, check in and check out with Front Office; Coordinate groups' arrival and departure with Guest Services.
Coordinate with the Sales Department and Catering to insure proper utilization of function space to yield maximum revenues.
Make timely and impromptu decisions, which balance client’s needs with the financial, safety and staffing goals of the hotel
Find solutions to the inevitable challenges and glitches that arise while groups are on property and keep Director of Conference Services and Planning Committee promptly and fully informed of all problems or unusual matters so prompt corrective action can be taken where appropriate.
Comply with Four Seasons’ Category One and Category Two Work Rules and Standards of Conduct as set forth in EmPact.
Work harmoniously and professionally with co-workers and supervisors.
Assist with all guest inquires within the sales, Commercial and catering department, including assistance with high telephone volume and walk-in site inspections.
Assist Conference Services Department as required, particularly during large group movements
Mentor and develop staff for future career growth.
Act as the liaison for all vendor/supplier related client’s needs, (i.e. Audio Visual, Florists, Entertainment, Transportation, DMC, Off-site Locations, etc.).
Provide input for the weekly forecast.
Provide support and assist other departments in a crunch or as circumstances arise.
Perform other duties as assigned by direct report.