Director of Event Planning and Operations

$88,000 - $114,000/Yr

Marriott International - Clearwater, FL

Full-time - Manager

Clearwater, FL

Accommodation

About the position

The Director of Event Planning and Operations at Marriott International is responsible for managing the event management functions and staff on a daily basis. This includes overseeing the departments of Event Planning, Banquets/Catering, Event Service, and Event Technology, ensuring that all property events are executed seamlessly from sales to operations and back to sales. The role demands a high level of service delivery, maximizing revenue opportunities through effective up-selling and accurate forecasting of catering and group rooms for all events. The Director is tasked with achieving both guest and employee satisfaction while managing the financial performance of the department. In this position, the Director leads the execution of activities that support the Event Management strategy, working closely with direct reports to review scheduled events and their complexities to mitigate potential service challenges. The Director ensures that the property is well-informed about all groups that will impact operations and that meeting spaces and corresponding areas are maintained to high standards. This includes overseeing the maintenance of furniture and equipment, ensuring compliance with food handling and sanitation standards, and managing the development of catering menus in collaboration with the culinary team. The Director also plays a crucial role in customer interaction, consulting with clients to determine their objectives and requirements for events such as meetings, conferences, and conventions. This position involves working directly with high-profile and high-revenue groups to ensure an exceptional customer experience. Additionally, the Director is responsible for developing working relationships with outside vendors to enhance the event experience and increase revenue opportunities for the property. The role requires a strong focus on leadership, customer service, and operational excellence, ensuring that all standards, policies, and procedures are championed and upheld throughout the event management process.

Responsibilities

• Manage event management functions and staff on a daily basis.
• Oversee the departments of Event Planning, Banquets/Catering, Event Service, and Event Technology.
• Execute all property events with a seamless turnover from sales to operations and back to sales.
• Maximize revenue opportunities by up-selling and accurately forecasting catering and group rooms for all events.
• Achieve guest and employee satisfaction while managing the financial performance of the department.
• Lead execution of activities to support the Event Management strategy.
• Review scheduled events and event complexity to avoid potential service challenges.
• Ensure meeting space and corresponding areas are cleaned and maintained.
• Maintain furniture and equipment in accordance with corporate guidelines.
• Lead the catering menu development process in collaboration with the culinary team.
• Communicate and execute departmental and property emergency procedures and ensure staff are trained in safety procedures.
• Consult with customers to determine objectives and requirements for events.
• Interact with guests to obtain feedback on product quality and service levels.
• Develop working relationships with outside vendors to enhance the event experience.

Requirements

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

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in luxury hotel environments.
• Knowledge of local event venues and vendors.
• Strong negotiation skills.

Benefits

• Commuter assistance
• Paid parental leave
• Health savings account
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Adoption assistance
• Parental leave
• Employee discount
• Life insurance