Director of Meetings & Special Events

EDITION Hotels combine the visionary genius of boutique hotelier Ian Schrager, the service delivery of a world-class luxury hotel, and the global reach of Marriott International to create an entirely new experience in the world of hospitality. Our hotels are stunning microcosms of the world's top cities, featuring the finest in dining, entertainment, nightlife, and service to create an enchanting experience that makes your spirit soar!

But to create this magical experience, we need you.

EDITION is hiring warm, out-going, authentically amazing people who are looking for a place to work that inspires them, challenges them and makes them proud to come to work. A place where service comes from the heart, not from a handbook. A place that delivers a never-ending theatrical performance that continuously delights and enchants each and every one of our guests.

We invite you to join us today.

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for the management of all aspects of the Meetings & Special Events division, to include Meetings & Special Events, Audio Visual, Destination Services, Banquets, and Florist and Business Center. Leads, implements, and maintains a management philosophy in alignment with company standards. As a member of the Hotel Guidance Team, develops and implements hotel–wide strategies that deliver products and services to meet or exceed the needs and expectations of guests and employees, and provides a return on investment to the owner and company. The position has overall responsibility for achieving profitability, event planner and employee satisfaction and the financial performance of the function.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED; 4 years experience in the event management, food and beverage, sales and marketing, or related professional area.

OR

• 2-year degree from an accredited university in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, or related major; 2 years experience in the event management, food and beverage, sales and marketing, or related professional area.

CORE WORK ACTIVITIES

Managing Meetings and Special Events Operations and Budgets

• Researches and analyzes new products, pricing and services of competition.

• Works with direct reports to review scheduled events and troubleshoot potential challenges/conflicts.

• Ensures the property is apprised of all groups that will impact property operations.

• Ensures meeting space and corresponding heart of the house areas are cleaned and maintained.

• Ensures furniture and equipment is maintained and inventory levels are kept in accordance to corporate guidelines.

• Leads the execution of brand service initiatives in event management areas.

• Develops an event management strategy that is aligned with the company’s business strategy and leads its execution.

• Conduct daily walk-through of banquet floor to ensure client satisfaction and quality standards.

Leading Meetings and Special Events Teams

• Holds event management team accountable for desired service behaviors related to product and service delivery.

• Communicates a clear and consistent message regarding departmental goals to produce desired results.

• Assists in execution of departmental goals in game plans.

• Ensures brand and regional business initiatives are implemented and communicates follow-up actions to team as necessary.

Managing Profitability

• Encourages calculated risk-taking to generate incremental revenue and deliver excellent guest service.

• Develops working relationships with outside vendors and establishes prices and service agreements to enhance the event experience and to increase additional revenue opportunities for the property.

• Creates and achieves the Meetings & Special Events’ annual operating budget.

• Focuses on building the property’s top line revenue by supporting the execution of the annual Meetings & Special Events Marketing Plan, and providing leadership to the team on post-contractual upselling efforts.

• Work with all areas in the Meetings & Special Events division to establish content and pricing.

Ensuring Exceptional Customer Service

• Creates an atmosphere in all event management operations areas that meets or exceeds guest expectations.

• Consult with customers in order to determine objectives and requirements for events such as meetings, conferences, and conventions.

• Review customer feedback data to identify service failures and provide guidance on problem resolution.

Conducting Human Resources Activities

• Works with Human Resources to ensure compliance with all local, state and federal (OSHA, Health Department) regulations.

• Reviews property specific event operations annually and makes appropriate adjustments.

• Reviews staffing levels to ensure that guest service and operational needs are met.

• Communicates and ensures departmental and property emergency procedures are executed when necessary.

• Ensures that regular, ongoing communication is happening in all areas of event operations (e.g., BEO meetings, pre-event briefings, staff meetings, food and beverage team, culinary team).

• Provides performance feedback using company feedback process