Special Events Manager L’Auberge Chez François

Thompson Hospitality Corporation•Great Falls, VA

14d•Onsite

About The Position

The Event Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing private dining events, special occasions, corporate functions, and other events from the initial client inquiry through final billing and post-event follow-up. This position serves as the primary point of contact for clients and works closely with culinary, restaurant operations, service teams, and outside vendors to ensure every event is well organized, financially responsible, and delivered to a high standard of hospitality. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, service-driven, and comfortable managing multiple events and priorities in a fast-paced restaurant and hospitality environment.

Requirements

2–5+ years of experience in event management, private dining, catering, restaurant operations, hospitality, or a related field preferred.
Bachelor's degree in hospitality management, event management, business administration, or a related field preferred. Relevant professional experience may be considered in place of a degree.
Strong understanding of restaurant and hospitality operations preferred.
Demonstrated experience managing multiple events or projects simultaneously.
Experience working directly with clients, vendors, culinary teams, and service staff.
Familiarity with event-management, reservation, CRM, or banquet-event-order systems preferred.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
Strong client-service and relationship-management abilities.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Ability to remain calm and professional in high-pressure situations.
Strong financial awareness, including event pricing, deposits, billing, and expense management.
Ability to work collaboratively across culinary, operations, service, and administrative teams.
Professional appearance and demeanor appropriate for a luxury hospitality environment.
Ability to work a flexible schedule based on event and business needs, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to remain on-site and actively supervise events for extended periods.
Ability to move throughout restaurant and event spaces during setup, service, and breakdown.
Ability to perform reasonable event setup and operational activities associated with the position.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the planning process.
Respond professionally and promptly to event inquiries.
Conduct site visits and consultations with prospective and confirmed clients.
Understand the client's vision, expectations, budget, guest count, and special requirements.
Develop detailed event plans and timelines.
Maintain regular communication with clients leading up to the event.
Confirm final guest counts, menus, timelines, room arrangements, and special requests.
Work closely with chefs and restaurant leadership to coordinate menus and beverage selections.
Communicate dietary restrictions, allergies, and special requests to the appropriate teams.
Coordinate wine, beverage, bar, and other service requirements.
Ensure food and beverage selections are accurately documented and communicated before each event.
Coordinate room layouts, table configurations, guest flow, décor, audiovisual requirements, rentals, and other event-related needs.
Prepare and distribute accurate event information to culinary, service, and management teams.
Coordinate staffing requirements with restaurant management.
Conduct pre-event briefings when appropriate.
Ensure event spaces are properly prepared before guest arrival.
Maintain clear communication between front-of-house, back-of-house, and management teams throughout the event.
Oversee event setup and ensure all details meet established standards.
Welcome clients and serve as the primary contact during events.
Monitor event timing, food and beverage service, staffing, and guest experience.
Anticipate client and guest needs and respond promptly to requests.
Troubleshoot operational challenges calmly and professionally.
Coordinate adjustments when schedules, guest counts, or event requirements change.
Ensure events conclude smoothly and spaces are properly transitioned following service.
Prepare event proposals, estimates, contracts, and related documentation.
Track deposits, payments, event revenue, and other financial requirements.
Review event charges for accuracy before final billing.
Coordinate final invoices and outstanding payment follow-up.
Maintain organized and accurate event records.
Assist with event-related revenue reporting and reconciliation as required.
Monitor event expenses while maintaining service and quality expectations.
Coordinate with approved outside vendors, including entertainment, rental companies, florists, audiovisual providers, and other event partners.
Confirm vendor arrival times, delivery requirements, setup instructions, and event schedules.
Ensure outside vendors comply with property requirements and operational standards.
Follow established health, safety, sanitation, alcohol-service, and occupancy requirements.
Identify potential operational or safety concerns before and during events.
Maintain a safe environment for guests, employees, and vendors.
Review final event charges and documentation.
Follow up with clients regarding their experience when appropriate.
Document significant client feedback and operational observations.
Communicate opportunities for improvement to management and relevant departments.
Help develop repeat business and maintain positive relationships with clients.