Director of Event Planning and Operations

Marriott • Miami Beach, FL

8d • $106,000 - $138,000

About The Position

Manages daily event management functions and staff, including Event Planning, Banquets/Catering, Event Service, and Event Technology (and Destination Management, if applicable). The role is accountable for executing property events with seamless transitions between sales and operations while maintaining a high level of service. It maximizes revenue through up-selling and accurate catering and group-room forecasting, and is responsible for guest and employee satisfaction and departmental financial performance.

The Director leads event planning operations and discipline teams, oversees event readiness and service delivery, consults with customers on event objectives and requirements, and works with high-profile and high-revenue groups. The role also develops vendor relationships and agreements, manages customer budgets, ensures compliance with standards and safety procedures, and partners with Human Resources on legal compliance, communication, and staffing 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 relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of activities supporting the Event Management strategy.
• Review scheduled events and their complexity with direct reports to identify and prevent potential service challenges.
• Ensure the property is informed about groups that may affect its operations.
• Ensure meeting spaces and associated back-of-house areas are clean and maintained.
• Maintain furniture and equipment and keep inventory levels in accordance with corporate guidelines.
• Lead the catering menu development process and work with the culinary team to ensure food-handling and sanitation compliance.
• Oversee turned opportunities’ function space and group room blocks.
• 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 guest hospitality, model excellent customer service, and create a positive atmosphere for guest relations.
• Communicate the Event Management service-delivery vision to ensure service throughout the guest experience, including greetings, food and beverage delivery, special requests, and invitations to return.
• Assign events turned over to the Event Planning team when 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.
• Obtain guest feedback on product quality and service levels, respond to and handle guest problems and complaints, and empower employees to provide excellent customer service.
• Establish guidelines so employees understand expectations and parameters.
• Develop working relationships with outside vendors and establish prices and service agreements to improve event experiences and create additional 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.

What This Job Offers

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