Senior Events Manager

Marriott • Chicago, IL

3d • $84,000 - $108,000

About The Position

Prepares event documentation and coordinates with Sales, property departments, and customers to deliver consistent, high-level service throughout the pre-event, event, and post-event phases. Primarily handles complex events and ensures seamless handoffs from Sales to Service and back to Sales. Identifies opportunities to maximize revenue through upselling and event enhancements. Acts on behalf of the Director of Event Management or Director of Event Planning and Operations when they are absent. Following turnover, serves as the event planner’s primary on-property contact and is responsible for the planner’s experience.

The role manages event operations and customer relationships from file turnover through the post-event phase, including group room blocks, meeting space, customer budgets, event revenue, and billing and payments. It coordinates with property teams and customers to resolve operational challenges, deliver exceptional service, and follow up after events.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and 2 years of experience in event management 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, with no work experience required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare event documentation and coordinate with Sales, property departments, and customers throughout pre-event, event, and post-event phases.
• Manage complex events and ensure seamless turnover between Sales and Service.
• Identify opportunities to maximize revenue through upselling and offering event enhancements.
• Act on behalf of the Director of Event Management or Director of Event Planning and Operations in their absence.
• Serve as the event planner’s primary on-property contact following turnover and take responsibility for the planner’s experience.
• Solve problems and suggest alternatives to event arrangements when necessary.
• Lead pre-event and post-event meetings for assigned groups and review or communicate group needs and feedback.
• Identify operational challenges and work with property staff and customers to resolve them or develop alternative solutions.
• Manage customer budgets to maximize revenue and meet customer needs.
• Oversee customer experiences from file turnover through the post-event phase until handoff back to Sales.
• Manage group room blocks and meeting space for assigned groups.
• Follow applicable standards, policies, and procedures, and recognize team members’ contributions.
• Upsell products and services throughout the event process.
• Participate in customer site inspections and assist with the sales process when necessary.
• Act as liaison between the field sales person and customer throughout the event process.
• Manage event revenue and profitability; forecast group sleeping rooms and catering and audio-visual revenue for assigned groups.
• Review billing and payments with clients.
• Obtain guest feedback on product quality and service levels; handle guest problems and complaints.
• Maintain a visible presence with customers during the event process and follow up after events.
• Greet customers during the event phase and hand off to the Event Operations team for execution of details.
• Work to improve service performance and set a positive example for guest relations.
• Review comment cards and guest satisfaction results with associates.
• Coordinate and communicate event details verbally and in writing with internal and external customers.

Benefits

• Marriott offers a range of benefits intended to support associates and their families, wellbeing, career development, and personal interests; eligibility and options vary by employment status, position, and location.
• JW Marriott describes opportunities for training, development, recognition, and holistic well-being.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: High school or GED