Event Manager

Unclassified - Des Moines, IA

Full-time - Mid Level

Des Moines, IA

About the position

The Event Manager at SSH Des Moines LLC is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of banquet functions and events held at the hotel. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of the market position, including banquet and food and beverage revenues, pricing structures, sales strategies, yield management, booking trends, and future hotel planning. The Event Manager will work closely with clients to develop all details of their events, ensuring that every aspect is tailored to meet their needs and expectations. This includes being fully knowledgeable about competitive markets outside the area and understanding the capabilities and limitations of the hotel and its departments that may impact sales strategies. In addition to client interaction, the Event Manager will follow the sales policies and procedures outlined in the annual marketing plan. This includes making personal sales calls, conducting site tours for potential clients, and maintaining professionalism in problem situations. The role also involves maintaining detailed records of discussions with guests, including all meeting setups and food and beverage arrangements. Upselling services to improve revenue generation on property is a key responsibility, as is attending trade shows and local events to create networking opportunities. The Event Manager will develop creative marketing techniques to achieve and exceed individual and team annual goals as established by the marketing plan. They will also be responsible for understanding the role of rooms merchandising in overall revenue and periodically evaluating and revising the parameters of the program. Achieving budgeted revenues and expenses while maximizing profitability related to the sales department is essential. The Event Manager must maintain correct procedures for credit control, financial transactions, and the security of financial assets. Additionally, they will respond to and resolve guest requests, complaints, or questions in a courteous and timely manner, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all aspects of banquet functions and events.
• Work closely with clients to develop all details of their events.
• Maintain knowledge of competitive markets outside the area.
• Understand the capabilities and limitations of the hotel and departments that may impact sales strategies.
• Follow sales policies and procedures as outlined in the annual marketing plan.
• Make personal sales calls and conduct site tours for potential clients.
• Maintain professionalism in problem situations.
• Maintain detailed records of discussions with guests, including meeting setups and food and beverage arrangements.
• Upsell services to improve revenue generation on property.
• Attend trade shows and local events for networking opportunities.
• Develop creative marketing techniques to achieve and exceed annual goals.
• Evaluate and revise the parameters of the rooms merchandising program.
• Achieve budgeted revenues and expenses and maximize profitability for the sales department.
• Maintain correct procedures for credit control and financial transactions.
• Respond to and resolve guest requests, complaints, or questions in a timely manner.

Requirements

• Minimum lifting of 20 pounds.
• Ability to push, bend, stoop, reach upward, and manual dexterity.
• Hearing, writing, and typing skills are required.
• Minimum pulling of 20 pounds.
• Comprehensive knowledge of all hotel departments and functions.
• Knowledge of applicable Federal, state, and local health, safety, and legal regulations.
• Exceptional mathematical and computer skills.
• College education and relevant training and experience required.
• Ability to timely obtain any required licenses or certificates.
• CPR training required; first aid training preferred.
• Additional language ability preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Additional education preferred.
• Occasional travel required.