Executive Meeting Manager

HEI Hotels & Resorts•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Executive Meeting Manager uses organizational and detail-oriented skills to ensure profitable execution of assigned groups and meet or exceed contracted revenue expectations. The role contributes to a high-performance Convention Services Department through customer advocacy, sustained revenue achievement, communication, and teamwork. The manager works with clients and hotel departments to plan and execute group events, support repeat business, and maintain meeting planner satisfaction.

Requirements

Prior hospitality experience, including specific catering sales experience.
At least 1 year of experience in the hospitality industry.
Experience at a hotel of similar size and quality.
Computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Delphi.
Knowledge of sales skills, revenue management, and training and motivating peers.
Knowledge of hotel features and benefits and competing hotels in the market.
Ability to execute appropriate action plans.
Knowledge of hotel operations, including marketing plans, security and safety programs, personnel and labor relations, business plans, repairs and maintenance, budget forecasting, quality assurance programs, hospitality law, and long-range planning.
Ability to work effectively under time constraints and deadlines.
Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to adapt communication style to different audiences.

Responsibilities

Understand monthly forecasting and the annual budget process.
Use effective methods to improve meeting planner evaluation scores and exceed satisfaction expectations.
Optimize room rental charges.
Participate in re-booking repeat business and maintain long-term client relationships.
Participate in industry organizations such as NACE and MPI.
Apply sales, closing, and negotiation techniques.
Conduct hotel site inspections and client presentations.
Develop creative event setups and functions, and create innovative menus in coordination with the Chef, including specialty-menu pricing.
Work closely with the banquet department on operations and event execution; evaluate alternatives and determine courses of action.
Provide direction, coordination, and ongoing evaluation of operations, including detailed execution of banquet event orders generated by Convention Services.
Provide Audio/Visual equipment and operate Audio/Visual as a profit center.
Use Delphi, Microsoft Word, and Excel.
Monitor group room blocks and pickup, and prepare detailed resumes for operating departments.
Coordinate with outside vendors to support client satisfaction for events and groups.
Comply with attendance rules and maintain regular availability.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.