Conference Services Manager

Conference Services Manager About Four Seasons: Four Seasons is powered by our people. We are a collective of individuals who crave to become better, to push ourselves to new heights and to treat each other as we wish to be treated in return. Our team members around the world create amazing experiences for our guests, residents, and partners through a commitment to luxury with genuine heart. We know that the best way to enable our people to deliver these exceptional guest experiences is through a world-class employee experience and company culture. At Four Seasons, we believe in recognizing a familiar face, welcoming a new one and treating everyone we meet the way we would want to be treated ourselves. Whether you work with us, stay with us, live with us or discover with us, we believe our purpose is to create impressions that will stay with you for a lifetime. It comes from our belief that life is richer when we truly connect to the people and the world around us. About the location: Desert romance meets outdoor adventure. Experience timeless beauty in our adobe casitas with a backyard full of saguaro cacti, dramatic valleys and the iconic Pinnacle Peak. Discover Scottsdale’s vibrant Native American art, history and Old West lore. With the property as your adventure basecamp, explore the nearby area, including two championship golf courses a quick shuttle away. Locally inspired spa treatments, a bi-level pool and authentic Southwest cuisine set the stage for a restorative desert escape. The Opportunity: The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale is seeking a Conference Services Manager to join our dynamic Sales & Catering Team. We are looking for someone with excitement and dedication in serving our guests. The Conference Services Manager coordinates all requirements for various conference groups booked by the Sales Department. They are responsible for enforcing the terms of sales letter of agreement and guiding meeting planners through the planning process. They communicate the needs and expectations of the client with all departments in the hotel. They ensure successful execution of group and client satisfaction. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Negotiate with clients through the use of creative and attractive menu presentations and event proposals, to achieve both maximum revenue/profit potential and fulfillment of contractual responsibilities while satisfying client needs. Liaise closely and directly with clients in the planning stages of conferences, social and corporate events and group accommodations. Work closely with all key hotel operational departments to ensure service execution whilst groups and functions/events are in house and in turn ensuring the clients satisfaction. Foster a strong working relationship with fellow sales and marketing team members to provide smooth and efficient planning in the lead up to conferences/events and group accommodation. Coordinate room block needs/attrition with Group Rooms Coordinator and ensure attrition and commissionable rates are communicated with Finance department for proper payment/payout processing. Coordinate with the Sales Department and Catering to insure proper utilization of function space to yield maximum revenues. Finalize the requirements of confirmed bookings while maximizing revenue potential through up selling and ensuring effective communication both written (Resumes, BEO, Daily Reports) and personal contact with all departments for the success of the event. Maintain an active trace/follow-up system. Ensure accuracy of Banquet Checks and provide bill review on completion of program or event. Supervise the execution of banquet events. Review all function space with banquet manager and when necessary head house attendant. Ensure satisfaction of client at the outset of all events. Plan and/or attend and/or participate in meetings with hotel staff and clients, including but not exclusive to: Morning Operations Briefing, Morning CS Briefing, Resume Meeting, Banquet Event Order Meeting, Sales Meeting Pre-Convention Meetings, Bi-Monthly Board of Operations, Planning Visits, and Menu Tastings. Make timely and impromptu decisions, which balance client’s needs with the financial, safety and staffing goals of the hotel. Find solutions to the inevitable challenges and glitches that arise while groups are on property and keep Director of Conference Services and Planning Committee promptly and fully informed of all problems or unusual matters so prompt corrective action can be taken where appropriate. Maintain knowledge of hotel facilities, capacities and dimensions of meeting space and basic operational needs of all operating departments. Ensure all food & beverage revenues and covers are properly inputted into Golden Sales & Catering and fully inform Director of Catering and Conference Services of major changes to food & beverage revenues and covers due to drop in attendance or canceled meal periods. Input meal functions into Golden Sales & Catering with covers as soon as client provides timeline of events to ensure forecast accuracies before detailing Banquet Event Orders. Detail and distribute Weekly Group Resumes to include all necessary manifest details to Operations team. Maintain proper communication with client on Room Block Changes, Pick Up, Cut-Off Date, Attrition Balances throughout the planning process. NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Assist with all guest inquiries within the sales, marketing and catering department, including assistance with high telephone volume and walk-in site inspections. Assist Conference Services Department as required, particularly during large group movements. Mentor and develop Administrative staff for future career growth. Act as the liaison for all vendor/supplier related clients needs, (i.e. Audio Visual, Florists, Entertainment, Transportation, DMC, Off-site Locations etc). Provide input for the weekly forecast. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Education: Bachelor’s Degree / CMP Certification preferred. Experience: 2 to 3 years experience directly related to hotel conference services. Excellent reading, writing & oral proficiency in the English language. Good organizational skill. Attention to detail. Ability to multitask. High level of creativity. Ability to work long and irregular hours, weekends, and evenings. Able to negotiate, organize, delegate & work under pressure. Basic knowledge of audio-visual equipment and Internet technology – helpful. Some Benefits Four Seasons Employees Enjoy Include: Energizing Employee Culture where you are encouraged to be your true self Comprehensive learning and development programs to help you master your craft. Inclusive and diverse employee engagement events all year-round. Exclusive discount and travel programs with Four Seasons. Competitive wages and benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision and Retirement Plan). And so much more Visa Requirements: US work authorization is required. Four Seasons is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Dedicated to perfecting the travel experience through continual innovation and the highest standards of hospitality, Four Seasons can offer what many hospitality professionals dream of - the opportunity to build a life-long career with global potential and a real sense of pride in work well done. #J-18808-Ljbffr