Event Manager

Stepstone Hospitality - Des Moines, IA

Full-time

Des Moines, IA

Construction of Buildings

About the position

The Event Manager is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all aspects of banquet functions within the hotel. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of market positioning, 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 meets the client's expectations and the hotel's standards. In addition to client interaction, the Event Manager must maintain a thorough knowledge of competitive markets outside the area and understand the capabilities and limitations of the hotel and its departments that may impact sales strategies. Following the sales policies and procedures outlined in the annual marketing plan is essential, as is making personal sales calls and conducting site tours for potential clients. The role also involves maintaining professionalism in problem situations, keeping detailed records of discussions with guests, and upselling services to improve revenue generation. The Event Manager will attend trade shows and local events to create networking opportunities and develop creative marketing techniques. Achieving and exceeding individual and team annual goals as established by the marketing plan is a key performance indicator for this position. Furthermore, the Event Manager will be responsible for evaluating and revising the parameters of the rooms merchandising program, achieving budgeted revenues and expenses, and maximizing profitability related to the sales department. Proper procedures for credit control, financial transactions, and the security of financial assets must be maintained. The Event Manager will also respond to and resolve guest requests, complaints, or questions in a courteous and timely manner, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Develop all details of banquet functions in collaboration with clients.
• Maintain knowledge of competitive markets outside the area.
• Understand the capabilities and limitations of the hotel and departments that impact sales strategies.
• Follow sales policies and procedures as outlined in the annual marketing plan.
• Make personal sales calls to potential clients.
• Conduct site tours for prospective clients.
• Maintain professionalism in problem situations.
• Keep detailed records of discussions with guests, including meeting setups and food and beverage details.
• Upsell services to improve revenue generation on property.
• Attend trade shows and local events for networking opportunities.
• Develop creative marketing techniques to attract clients.
• Achieve and exceed individual and team annual goals as established by the marketing plan.
• Evaluate and revise the parameters of the rooms merchandising program periodically.
• 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.
• Ability to hear, write, and type effectively.
• Minimum pulling of 20 pounds required.
• 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 are required.
• College education and relevant training and experience are required; additional education is preferred.
• Ability to timely obtain any required licenses or certificates.
• CPR training is required; first aid training is preferred.
• Additional language ability is preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in event planning or management in a hotel setting.
• Familiarity with various office and sales software.
• Previous experience in customer service or hospitality.