Director of Event Planning and Operations

Marriott • Linthicum, MD

8h • $101,000 - $131,000

About The Position

Manages event management functions and staff on a daily basis, including Event Planning, Banquets/Catering, Event Service, and Event Technology (and Destination Management, if applicable). Has overall responsibility for executing property events with a seamless turnover from sales to operations and back to sales while consistently delivering a high level of service. Ensures the team maximizes revenue through up-selling and accurate forecasting of catering and group rooms. Responsible for guest and employee satisfaction and the department’s financial performance.

Leads event planning operations, reviews scheduled events and their complexity with direct reports, keeps the property informed of groups affecting operations, and ensures meeting spaces and back-of-house areas are clean and maintained. Oversees furniture and equipment maintenance and inventory, catering menu development, food-handling and sanitation compliance, function space and group room blocks, customer and revenue-focused inventories, emergency procedures and staff safety training, and annual reviews of event operations. Consults with customers on event objectives and requirements and works directly with high-profile and high-revenue groups.

Leads event teams and promotes guest hospitality, excellent service, and a positive atmosphere. Communicates the service vision throughout the guest experience, assigns events to the Event Planning team when applicable, manages customer budgets, and champions applicable standards and procedures. Gathers guest feedback, handles complaints, empowers employees to provide excellent service, and sets clear employee expectations. Develops relationships and service agreements with outside vendors to enhance events and generate revenue. Partners with Human Resources on legal and regulatory compliance, maintains ongoing operational communication, and reviews staffing levels to meet guest-service and operational needs.

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

• Lead execution of activities supporting the Event Management strategy.
• Review scheduled events and event complexity with direct reports to prevent service challenges and failures.
• Keep the property apprised of groups that will affect property operations.
• Ensure meeting spaces and corresponding back-of-house areas are clean and maintained.
• Ensure furniture and equipment are maintained and inventory levels comply with corporate guidelines.
• Lead the catering menu development process.
• Work with the culinary team to ensure food-handling and sanitation standards are followed.
• Oversee function space and group room blocks for turned opportunities.
• Maintain inventories to maximize customer satisfaction and revenue opportunities.
• Communicate and execute departmental and property emergency procedures and ensure staff are trained in safety procedures.
• Review property-specific event operations annually and make appropriate adjustments.
• Consult with customers to determine objectives and requirements for meetings, conferences, conventions, and other events.
• Work directly with high-profile and high-revenue groups to ensure an excellent customer experience.
• Lead by example in guest hospitality, customer service, and guest relations.
• Communicate the Event Management service-delivery vision across the guest experience, including greetings, food and beverage delivery, special requests, and invitations to return.
• Assign events turned over to the Event Planning team, if there is no DEP.
• Manage customer budgets to maximize revenue and meet customer needs.
• Champion applicable standards, policies, and procedures, including PPM, Core Deliverables, SOPs, and LSOPs.
• Interact with guests to obtain feedback on product quality and service levels.
• Respond to and handle guest problems and complaints.
• Empower employees to provide excellent customer service and establish guidelines for employee expectations and parameters.
• Develop working relationships with outside vendors and establish prices and service agreements to enhance the event experience and increase revenue opportunities.
• Work with Human Resources to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Ensure regular, ongoing communication across event operations, including Banquet Event Order meetings, pre-event briefings, and staff meetings.
• Review staffing levels to ensure guest-service and operational needs are met.
• Maximize revenue through up-selling and accurate forecasting of catering and group rooms.
• Manage the department’s financial performance and work toward guest and employee satisfaction.

Benefits

• Marriott describes a wide range of benefits designed to support employees and their families, wellbeing, careers, and personal interests; eligibility and options may vary by employment status, position, and location. Specific benefits are not listed in the posting.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: High school or GED