Event and Conference Services Manager - Hotel

Description

• Lead the day-to-day Event & Conference Services function and provide direction, coaching and support to a team of three event professionals.

• Oversee the planning, coordination and servicing of conferences, meetings, corporate events, social functions and high-profile group bookings.

• Develop a highly engaged, guest-focused Events team through training, coaching, clear expectations and ongoing development.

• Partner closely with Sales & Marketing, Culinary, Food & Beverage and hotel operations to ensure exceptional communication and flawless event delivery.

• Review confirmed group and event business and allocate files across the Events team based on scope, complexity and workload.

• Manage key accounts and significant events personally from handover through execution.

• Ensure event details, timelines, requirements and changes are communicated accurately and efficiently across the hotel.

• Continuously strengthen service standards, selling techniques and product knowledge to elevate the client experience.

• Identify opportunities to enhance event packages, services and experiences for meeting planners, corporate groups and social clients.

• Drive incremental revenue through thoughtful upselling of food and beverage, meeting services and ancillary offerings.

• Develop and maintain banquet forecasts, budgets, activity reports and other departmental performance reporting.

• Support function-space yield management, balancing guest requirements with occupancy and revenue optimization.

• Maintain accurate event information within the hotel’s property and event management systems.

• Coordinate external suppliers including audiovisual partners, rental companies, décor providers and other event vendors.

• Ensure deposits, prepayments, credit procedures and event-related accounting processes are completed accurately.

• Lead and participate in pre-convention meetings, revenue meetings, Food & Beverage meetings and other operational discussions.

• Contribute to strategic planning by bringing forward market trends, guest feedback and ideas that strengthen the hotel’s events business.

• Maintain strong, collaborative relationships across the property and contribute positively to the broader leadership team.

Requirements

• 3–5+ years of progressive hotel event, conference or catering management experience.

• Previous experience leading, coaching and developing a team.

• Strong understanding of the complete event lifecycle, from planning and contracting through execution and post-event follow-up.

• Commercial mindset with an understanding of catering revenue management, upselling and function-space optimization.

• Strong client relationship skills and confidence managing complex or high-profile events.

• Exceptional organization, planning and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple events and priorities simultaneously.

• Calm, polished and solutions-oriented approach in a fast-moving hospitality environment.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple departments.

• Comfortable working with budgets, forecasts and operational reporting.

• Experience with hotel property management or event management systems. OPERA experience is strongly preferred.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.

• Experience with event diagramming or planning platforms such as Social Tables is an asset.

• Hospitality Management, Business or related post-secondary education is an asset.

• Certified Meeting Professional designation or related professional certification is an asset.

• Flexibility to work outside regular business hours when events or business requirements demand it.

Corporate Culture

• $70,000–$75,000 base salary plus incentives

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.

• Employer-supported retirement savings program.

• Complimentary meals while working.

• Hotel and restaurant discounts.

• Friends and family accommodation privileges.

• Opportunities for professional development, cross-training and career advancement.

• Employee recognition and referral programs.

• Industry discounts and hotel-related perks.

• A collaborative, people-focused workplace culture.

• The opportunity to work in one of Victoria’s most desirable hospitality markets, within a beautiful waterfront environment and an established hotel team.