Executive Meeting Manager

HEI Hotels and Resorts•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Executive Meeting Manager is responsible for the profitable execution of assigned groups, ensuring each meets or exceeds revenue expectations established by contract. The role contributes to a high-performance Convention Services Department through customer advocacy, sustained revenue achievement, communication, and teamwork. It combines client and event management with revenue forecasting, budgeting, operational coordination, and repeat-business development. The manager works with meeting planners, hotel operating departments, the Chef, and outside vendors to plan and execute events. Responsibilities include preparing banquet event orders and operational resumes, monitoring room blocks and pickup, developing creative event setups and menus, coordinating audiovisual services, and supporting client satisfaction. The role requires hospitality and catering-sales experience, strong sales and negotiation abilities, knowledge of hotel operations, and effective communication under deadlines.

Requirements

At least 1 year of experience in the hospitality industry.
Prior hospitality experience, specifically in catering sales.
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.
Ability to adapt communication style to different audiences.
Strong sales, closing, and negotiating skills.
Excellent creative skills for event setups, menus, and group functions.

Responsibilities

Understand monthly forecasting and the annual budget process.
Use effective methods to improve meeting planner evaluation scores and satisfaction.
Optimize room rental charges.
Participate in re-booking repeat business and maintain long-term client relationships.
Participate in industry-related organizations such as NACE and MPI.
Conduct hotel site inspections and client presentations.
Develop creative event setups, menus, and functions; work with the Chef on specialty-menu pricing.
Coordinate with the banquet department on operations and event execution.
Evaluate alternatives quickly and determine a plan of action.
Provide direction, coordination, and ongoing evaluation of operations.
Execute banquet event orders generated by the Convention Services Department in detail.
Provide audiovisual equipment and operate audiovisual services as a profit center.
Monitor group room blocks and pickup, and generate detailed resumes for operating departments.
Work with outside vendors to support client satisfaction for events and groups.
Comply with attendance rules and be available to work regularly.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.