Director of Event Planning

Marriott•Los Angeles, CA

3d•$94,000 - $123,000

About The Position

Manages event planning functions and staff on a daily basis, including Senior Event Managers, Event Managers, Associate Event Managers, and Administrative Assistants. Oversees administrative processes and transitions during the pre-event and post-event phases, ensuring seamless handoffs between sales and operations and consistently high service. The role maximizes revenue through upselling and accurate forecasting of catering and group rooms, achieves guest and employee satisfaction, and manages the department’s financial performance. The Director leads event planning operations and the planning team, supports event management strategy, and works with customers, property leadership, employees, and outside vendors. The role also handles complex or high-profile groups with significant financial impact, develops customer service standards and training, and works to improve guest satisfaction and service performance.

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

Assigns events turned over to the Event Planning team.
Oversees function space and group room blocks for turned-over opportunities.
Communicates and executes departmental and property emergency procedures and ensures staff are trained in safety procedures.
Leads execution of activities that support the Event Management strategy.
Works with direct reports to review scheduled events and troubleshoot potential challenges or conflicts.
Leads discussions about event complexity to proactively avoid service challenges and failures.
Ensures the property is informed about groups that will impact property operations.
Manages customer budgets to maximize revenue and meet customer needs.
Maintains inventories to maximize customer satisfaction and revenue opportunities.
Works with highly complex or high-profile groups when financial impact will be significant.
Leads the catering menu development process.
Champions 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 for improvement.
Shares improvement plans with property leadership and ensures corrective action is taken to improve guest satisfaction.
Demonstrates leadership in guest hospitality, excellent customer service, and positive guest relations.
Interacts with guests to obtain feedback on product quality and service levels.
Responds to and handles guest problems and complaints.
Works to improve service performance and empowers employees to provide excellent customer service.
Develops working relationships with outside vendors and establishes prices and service agreements to enhance events and increase revenue opportunities.
Consults with customers to determine objectives and requirements for meetings, conferences, conventions, and other events.
Establishes customer service guidelines so employees understand expectations and parameters.
Ensures employees receive ongoing training to understand guest expectations.
Observes employee service behaviors and provides feedback to individuals and/or managers.
Reviews staffing levels to ensure guest service and planning needs are met.