Director of Meetings & Events

Loews Hotels • Rosemont, IL

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

Situated between the energy of Downtown Chicago and the convenience of the nation’s busiest airport, Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel is truly the best of both worlds. Complete with rotating art gallery showcases by local artists, lux amenities and upscale accommodations - our property is truly an O’Hare Oasis. Who We Are: Founded in 1960, Loews Hotels & Co-operates iconic hotels and resorts across the U.S. Together, our diverse and welcoming teams craft exceptional experiences in iconic destinations. Growth and belonging start here; you’ll be valued for who you are and the goals you have. Whether your next career chapter involves making memories for guests or supporting our properties in our Corporate Office, every role—from Guest Services to Finance, Culinary to IT—offers opportunities to grow and make a meaningful impact. Creating a Team Member experience where you belong no matter what race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status that makes you, you is a daily focus for us. What We Offer: Competitive health & wellness benefits, 401(k) & company match Paid Sick Days, Vacation, and Holidays, Paid Bereavement Pet Insurance and Paid Pet Bereavement Training & Development opportunities, career growth Tuition Reimbursement Team Member Hotel Rates, other discounts, perks and more What We’re Looking For: Loews Hotels & Co seeks an experienced and dynamic Director of Meetings & Events. This role will be responsible for the leadership and development of a diverse and talented Meetings & Events team, providing guidance in an engaging and inclusive work environment. The Director of Meetings & Events will lead the charge on creating exceptional experiences for both clients and team members alike. This position is a member of the property executive committee and contributes to the strategy for and achievement of overall hotel goals. Who You Are: · An established leader, a culture champion, an advisor and an advocate · Effective communicator, leading with professionalism and empathy · Creative solution seeker that exercises flexibility to determine best outcomes · Relationship builder with a dynamic approach to developing connections · Forward thinker with an analytical approach to drive positive progress · Collaborator who excels in an exciting, ever-evolving environment

Requirements

• Minimum eight years of experience in a leadership role within meetings, events, and catering sales, in a full-service hotel environment
• Extensive Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Hotel Operational Systems and Software (ie – Delphi, Cvent, Social Tables, Opera, etc)

Nice To Haves

• Prior large-volume, upper upscale hotel experience preferred
• Certified Meeting Planner Designation Preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead Meetings & Events Department and uphold a standard of excellence in service, communication, and event execution
• Support Catering Sales team in developing annual catering sales strategy plan; review and analyze catering results
• Coordinate and execute portfolio of high-touch, VIP, and complex meetings and events, providing onsite presence and support as needed, including availability on weekends and holidays as business levels demand
• Partner with Operational Counterparts to ensure success to include Group Reservations, Group Billing, Revenue Management, Sales & Marketing, and Corporate Meetings & Events Team
• Participation in building and presenting hotel budget plans, including department operating budget
• Drive Forecasting process for all departmental revenue streams including banquet food and beverage, room rental, and audio-visual revenue
• Implement Loews Hotels Meetings & Events Standards and Best Practices
• Develop property specific processes and implement Loews brand standards, and facilitate trainings for meetings & events team
• Establish team goals, track performance, conduct one on one meetings, and complete performance reviews
• Review group turnovers and assign all group business to maintain balanced workload distribution
• Manage banquet menu updates, revisions, and pricing strategy, including completing comp set analysis
• Maintain data accuracy within Delphi.FDC event management platform
• Lead or attend all pertinent meetings to include resume review, BEO Meeting, staff meeting, pre-/post- convention meetings, and site visits
• Prepare weekly schedules, complete payroll for hourly employees
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Competitive health & wellness benefits, 401(k) & company match
• Paid Sick Days, Vacation, and Holidays, Paid Bereavement Pet Insurance and Paid Pet Bereavement
• Training & Development opportunities, career growth
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Team Member Hotel Rates, other discounts, perks and more
• This is a bonus eligible position
• Hybrid remote-eligible work policy

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees