Executive Meeting Manager

Millennium Hotel and Resorts•Chicago, IL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Executive Meeting Manager is responsible for the proactive sales, booking, and servicing of small executive‑level group business for The Knickerbocker Hotel. This role manages groups with 20 rooms on peak or fewer, nationwide, for rooms‑only and rooms with meeting space. Acting as a true one‑stop shop, the Executive Meeting Manager responds to all assigned leads, negotiates and contracts business, and fully services each group from booking through departure. This is a book‑and‑cook position requiring strong sales acumen, exceptional organization, and hands-on service execution. The Executive Meeting Manager will also support the Catering/Conference Services team with detailing as business levels require and must be present on‑site to service their groups.

Requirements

Minimum of 2–4 years of hotel group sales, meetings, or catering experience, preferably in an upscale or luxury hotel environment.
Prior experience in a book‑and‑cook or combined sales and service role strongly preferred.
Familiarity with small executive meetings and corporate group business.
Strong sales negotiation and closing skills.
Excellent organizational and time‑management abilities with keen attention to detail.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple groups simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment.
Strong customer‑service mindset with a hands-on, solutions‑oriented approach.
Proficiency in hotel sales and catering systems (e.g., Delphi, Opera, or similar platforms preferred).
Must be flexible to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business levels require.
Requires regular on‑site presence to service groups and support operations.
Professional appearance and demeanor consistent with a luxury hotel environment.

Responsibilities

Respond to all assigned group leads in a timely, professional, and consistent manner in accordance with brand and property standards.
Qualify, negotiate, and contract executive group business of 20 rooms on peak and under.
Handle nationwide group inquiries, with vertical market exceptions managed by other designated Sales Managers.
Manage both rooms‑only and rooms with meeting space opportunities.
Maximize revenue through strategic pricing, upselling, and yield management while maintaining rate integrity.
Serve as the primary point of contact for all groups booked, from initial contract through on‑site execution and post‑event follow‑up.
Coordinate all group details including room blocks, meeting space, basic catering needs, billing instructions, and special requests.
Ensure seamless communication between Sales, Catering/Conference Services, Front Office, Housekeeping, and other operational departments.
Be physically present on‑property to service assigned groups and ensure a high-touch guest experience.
Assist the Catering/Conference Services Manager with group detailing when business levels dictate.
Participate in pre‑con meetings, resume reviews, and internal planning meetings as needed.
Ensure accuracy of all group documentation including contracts, resumes, and event orders.
Build strong relationships with clients, meeting planners, and internal stakeholders.
Proactively manage repeat business and foster long‑term client loyalty.
Conduct post‑event follow‑ups to ensure satisfaction and identify future opportunities.