Director of Meetings and Special Event Planning

Marriott•Fort Lauderdale, FL

9d•$96,000 - $126,000

About The Position

Leads the Meetings & Special Events division and assists in developing and implementing departmental strategies. Ensures the brand service strategy and initiatives are implemented, and oversees property events from the handoff between sales and operations through the return to sales. The role is responsible for meeting target customer needs, supporting employee satisfaction, growing event revenues, and maximizing departmental financial performance. The Director manages event operations, budgets, team performance, profitability, customer service, and human resources activities. The role works with customers, direct reports, vendors, Human Resources, and property teams to deliver events that meet guest expectations and The Ritz-Carlton’s brand standards.

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; alternatively, 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 one of those areas.

Responsibilities

Research and analyze competitors’ products, pricing, and services.
Review scheduled events with direct reports and troubleshoot potential challenges or conflicts.
Keep the property informed about groups that will affect property operations.
Ensure meeting spaces and related back-of-house areas are clean and maintained.
Maintain furniture and equipment and keep inventory levels in accordance with corporate guidelines.
Lead execution of brand service initiatives in event management areas.
Develop and execute an event management strategy aligned with the company’s business strategy.
Conduct daily walk-throughs of the banquet floor to check client satisfaction and quality standards.
Hold the event management team accountable for desired service behaviors related to product and service delivery.
Communicate departmental goals clearly and consistently, and execute those goals through game plans.
Implement brand and regional business initiatives and communicate follow-up actions to the team.
Encourage calculated risk-taking to generate incremental revenue and deliver excellent guest service.
Build relationships with outside vendors and establish prices and service agreements to improve the event experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
Create and achieve the annual banquet budget.
Support execution of the annual Meetings & Special Events Marketing Plan and lead post-contractual upselling efforts to build property revenue.
Create an atmosphere in event management operations that meets or exceeds guest expectations.
Consult with customers to determine objectives and requirements for meetings, conferences, conventions, and other events.
Work with Human Resources to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA and Health Department requirements.
Review property-specific event operations annually and make appropriate adjustments.
Review staffing levels to meet guest service and operational needs.
Communicate and ensure execution of departmental and property emergency procedures when necessary.
Ensure regular, ongoing communication across event operations.