Senior Events Manager

Marriott • Chicago, IL

20d • $91,350 - $120,000

About The Position

The Senior Events Manager prepares event documentation and coordinates with Sales, property departments, and customers to provide consistent, high-level service before, during, and after property events. The position primarily handles complex events and ensures a seamless transition from Sales to Event Services and back to Sales. It identifies opportunities to increase revenue through upselling and enhancements, and acts on behalf of the Director of Event Management or Director of Event Planning and Operations when that leader is absent. Following the sales-to-service turnover, the Senior Events Manager serves as the event planner’s primary on-property contact and is responsible for the event planner’s experience.

The role manages event operations, customer budgets, room blocks, meeting space, event revenue and profitability, and client billing and payments. It coordinates with customers and property teams to address operational challenges, deliver exceptional service, and follow through after events. The position also supports sales and marketing efforts through upselling, site inspections, and acting as a liaison between field sales and customers.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and 2 years of experience in event management or a related professional area; or 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 from Sales to service and back to Sales.
• 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 support the event planner’s experience.
• Solve event-related problems and suggest alternatives to prior arrangements when necessary.
• Lead pre-event and post-event meetings for assigned groups and communicate group needs and feedback.
• Identify operational challenges and work with property staff and customers on solutions or alternatives.
• Manage customer budgets to maximize revenue and meet customer needs.
• Oversee customer experiences from file turnover through the post-event phase until turnover back to Sales.
• Manage group room blocks and meeting space for assigned groups.
• Follow applicable standards, policies, and procedures.
• Recognize team members’ contributions and celebrate successes publicly.
• 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 event revenue, including catering and audio-visual revenue.
• Review billing and payments with clients.
• Interact with guests to obtain feedback on product quality and service levels.
• Handle guest problems and complaints and remain present and available to the customer throughout the event process.
• Follow up with customers after events and strive to improve service performance.
• Greet customers during the event phase and hand off execution details to the Event Operations team.
• Set a positive example for guest relations and review comment cards and guest satisfaction results with associates.
• Coordinate and communicate event details verbally and in writing with internal and external customers.

Benefits

• The company offers a range of benefits intended to support employees and their families, wellbeing, career development, and personal interests; eligibility and options vary by employment status, position, and location.

What This Job Offers

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