The Ritz Carlton- Associate Director of Meetings & Events

Associate Director of Meetings & Events (Cayman Islands, Full Time)

Job Description

Job Purpose
The Associate Director of Meetings and Special Events is responsible for the operational management of the Meetings & Special Events department. Leads, implements and maintains a management philosophy in alignment with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company standards. Participates in developing and implementation of department strategies that deliver products and services to meet and exceed the needs of The Ritz-Carlton guests and employees. The position assists the Director of Meetings and Special Events in achieving the financial performance of the MSE department, profitability, and event planner and employee satisfaction. The ADMSE will plan, manage, and execute large, complex group programs and handle key accounts for the Hotel Company, including managing the hotels yearly Cayman Cookout event.

Job Dimensions

Assisting in Managing Meetings and Special Events Operations and Budgets

• Researches and analyzes new products, pricing and services of competition.

• 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 is 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 is aligned with the company’s business strategy and leads its execution.

• Conduct daily walk-through of banquet floor to ensure client satisfaction and quality standards.

Assisting in Leading Meetings and Special Events Teams

• 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.

• Assists in execution of departmental goals in game plans.

• Ensures brand and regional business initiatives are implemented and communicates follow-up actions to team as necessary.

Managing Profitability

• 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 to increase additional revenue opportunities for the property.

• Assists 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.

• Partners with sales team to ensure pricing and space allocations are in line with property guidelines for maximizing revenue opportunities.

Ensuring Exceptional Customer Service

• Creates an atmosphere in all event management operations areas that meets or exceeds guest expectations.
• Consult with customers in order to determine objectives and requirements for events such as meetings, conferences, and conventions.
• Review customer service data to identify service failures and provide guidance on problem resolution.

 Conducting Human Resources Activities

• Works with Human Resources to ensure compliance with all local 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 that 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 and Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Hotel and Event Management, Hospitality, Food Management, Business Administration, or related major
• CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) and/or CSEP (Certified Special Event Professional) Certification preferred
• 3-4 years of luxury hospitality experience in a Forbes 5-star hotel/resort, along with a minimum of 3 years in a leadership capacity in Meetings and special events, Destination Services or related MSE function required
• Experience in events or catering in a Five-Star/Five-Diamond hotel or resort and knowledge of Five- Star / Five-Diamond Standards
• Strong analytical skills to develop and review reports (including Revenue Management) and determine other opportunities and ways to increase business levels.
• Strong knowledge of food and beverage operations
• Advanced knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, cost controls, and profit and loss statements.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to train and motivate individuals, creating and maintaining a cohesive team.
• Must be able to manage a multi-generational and diverse team to instill inclusion and teamwork
• Actively pursues learning and self-development to enhance personal, professional and business growth; shares learning; demonstrates depth of knowledge in technical or specialized area.
• Proactively identifies and develops talent within the organization.
• Proactively ensures that others have the accountability, authority and resources necessary to both manage work execution and drive for results.
• Strong relationship and communication skills with the owner, guests, management and employees
• Excellent reading, written and verbal communication skills in English.

Interested candidates should apply on Marriot Careers.