Director of Meetings and Special Event Planning

Marriott • Philadelphia, PA

10d • Onsite

About The Position

Leads the Meetings & Special Events division, assisting in the development and implementation of departmental strategies. This role ensures the execution of all property events with a seamless transition from sales to operations and back to sales. The position is responsible for ensuring the team meets the brand’s target customer needs, drives employee satisfaction, and focuses on growing event revenues and maximizing the financial performance of the department. The Ritz-Carlton is dedicated to being an equal opportunity employer, fostering an environment where unique backgrounds are valued and celebrated. The company prides itself on delivering excellence in guest care and comfort, setting the standard for luxury service worldwide. Associates are empowered to be creative, thoughtful, and compassionate, embodying the "Gold Standards" of The Ritz-Carlton.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; 4 years experience in event management, food and beverage, sales and marketing, or related professional area.
• OR 2-year degree from an accredited university in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, or related major; 2 years experience in event management, food and beverage, sales and marketing, or related professional area.
• Ensures the team meets the brand’s target customer needs.
• Ensures employee satisfaction.
• Focuses on growing event revenues.
• Maximizes the financial performance of the department.
• Ensures implementation of the brand service strategy and brand initiatives.
• Responsible for executing all property events with a seamless turnover from sales to operations and back to sales.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in the event management, food and beverage, sales and marketing, or related professional area.

Responsibilities

• Researches and analyzes new products, pricing, and services of competitors.
• Works with direct reports to review scheduled events and troubleshoot potential challenges/conflicts.
• Ensures the property is apprised of all groups that will impact property operations.
• Ensures meeting space and corresponding heart of the house areas are cleaned and maintained.
• Ensures furniture and equipment are maintained and inventory levels are kept in accordance with corporate guidelines.
• Leads the execution of brand service initiatives in event management areas.
• Develops an event management strategy aligned with the company’s business strategy and leads its execution.
• Conducts daily walk-throughs of the banquet floor to ensure client satisfaction and quality standards.
• Holds event management team accountable for desired service behaviors related to product and service delivery.
• Communicates a clear and consistent message regarding departmental goals to produce desired results.
• Executes departmental goals in game plans.
• Ensures brand and regional business initiatives are implemented and communicates follow-up actions to team as necessary.
• Encourages calculated risk-taking to generate incremental revenue and deliver excellent guest service.
• Develops working relationships with outside vendors and establishes prices and service agreements to enhance the event experience and to increase additional revenue opportunities for the property.
• Creates and achieves the annual banquet budget.
• Focuses on building the property’s top line revenue by supporting the execution of the annual Meetings & Special Events Marketing Plan, and providing leadership to the team on post-contractual upselling efforts.
• Creates an atmosphere in all event management operations areas that meets or exceeds guest expectations.
• Consults with customers to determine objectives and requirements for events such as meetings, conferences, and conventions.
• Works with Human Resources to ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal (OSHA, Health Department) regulations.
• Reviews property-specific event operations annually and makes appropriate adjustments.
• Reviews staffing levels to ensure that guest service and operational needs are met.
• Communicates and ensures departmental and property emergency procedures are executed when necessary.
• Ensures that regular, ongoing communication is happening in all areas of event operations.

Benefits

• Access to opportunity
• Chance to be proud of the work you do and who you work with

What This Job Offers

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