Associate Director of Meetings and Special Events

About the role

The Associate Director of Meetings and Special Events assists in leading meetings and special events at The Ritz-Carlton Portland. This position involves developing and implementing departmental strategies, ensuring the brand service strategy and initiatives are followed, and managing profitability.

Responsibilities

• Researches and analyzes new products, pricing, and services of competitors.
• Works with direct reports to review scheduled events and troubleshoot potential challenges/conflicts.
• Ensures the property is apprised of all groups that will impact property operations.
• Ensures meeting space and corresponding heart of the house areas are cleaned and maintained.
• Ensures furniture and equipment are maintained and inventory levels are kept in accordance to corporate guidelines.
• Leads the execution of brand service initiatives in event management areas.
• Develops an event management strategy that aligns with the company's business strategy and leads its execution.
• Conducts daily walk-throughs of the banquet floor to ensure client satisfaction and quality standards.
• Holds event management team accountable for desired service behaviors related to product and service delivery.
• Communicates a clear and consistent message regarding departmental goals to produce desired results.
• Aids in the execution of departmental goals in game plans.
• Ensures brand and regional business initiatives are implemented and communicates follow-up actions to team as necessary.
• Encourages calculated risk-taking to generate incremental revenue and deliver excellent guest service.
• Develops working relationships with outside vendors and establishes prices and service agreements to enhance the event experience and increase additional revenue opportunities for the property.
• Aids in creating and achieving the annual banquet budget.
• Focuses on building the property’s top line revenue by supporting the execution of the annual Meetings & Special Events Marketing Plan, and providing leadership to the team on post-contractual upselling efforts.
• Pairs with the sales team to ensure pricing and space allocations are in line with property guidelines for maximizing revenue opportunities.
• Creates an atmosphere in all event management operations areas that meets or exceeds guest expectations.
• Consults with customers to determine objectives and requirements for events such as meetings, conferences, and conventions.
• Reviews customer service data to identify service failures and provides guidance on problem resolution.
• Works with Human Resources to ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal (OSHA, Health Department) regulations.
• Reviews property-specific event operations annually and makes appropriate adjustments.
• Reviews staffing levels to ensure that guest service and operational needs are met.
• Communicates and ensures departmental and property emergency procedures are executed when necessary.
• Ensures regular, ongoing communication is happening in all areas of event operations (e.g., BEO meetings, pre-event briefings, staff meetings, food and beverage team, culinary team).
• Ensures performance feedback is timely through the standard feedback processes.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience:
  • 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.

Skills

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Experience with budgeting and financial analysis.
• Knowledge of hotel operations and event planning.
• Excellent customer service skills.

Benefits

At The Ritz-Carlton, we offer competitive compensation and benefits including:

• Health insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life and disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Generous paid time off

Pay

Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

Full-time position with flexible hours to accommodate event needs.