Event Manager

The Cambria Hotel in Detroit is expanding and looking for a dynamic and energetic Event Sales Manager to join our Sales and Marketing team! The Cambria Detroit is a mix of history and Brilliant modern design! This Albert Kahn structure, once home to the famed WWJ 950 AM radio, has been transformed into an upscale hotel. Keeping true to its root’s the Cambria Detroit features elements of the original 1930’s Art-deco architecture, while bringing in local artwork, mouth-watering menus that capture the local flavor, and Detroit craft brews and cocktails made with the spirit of Detroit! Job Summary: The Event Manager will prepare all event documentation and coordinates with Sales, property departments and customer to ensure consistent, high-level service throughout the pre-event, event, and post-event phases of property events. This position primarily handles complex events. Ensures a seamless turnover from sales to service back to sales. Recognizes opportunities to maximize revenue by up-selling and offering enhancements to create outstanding events. Supports and acts on behalf of the Sales Team. Serves as the event planner’s primary contact (following turnover) on property and is responsible for his/her experience. Duties/Responsibilities: Executing Event Operations Solve problems and/or suggest alternatives to previous arrangements if necessary. Leads pre-event and post-event meetings for assigned groups. Identifies operational challenges associated with his/her group and works with the property staff and customer to solve these challenges and/or develop alternative solutions. Manages customer budgets to maximize revenue and meet customer needs. Oversees his/her customer experiences from file turnover through the post event phase until turnover back to sales. Conducts pre- and post-event meetings as required to review/communicate group needs and feedback. Manages group room blocks and meeting space for assigned groups. Excellent product knowledge of hotel facilities, capacities, and room dimensions as well as to have same knowledge of competitive hotels. Continuously educate Event Planners on hotel procedures, such as: meal guarantees, set-up styles, payment terms, available hotel services, etc. Coordinate all details to appear on each "Banquet Event Order." Details to coordinate may include meeting room set-up specifications, banquet food & beverage items, audio/visual equipment & billing details. Adheres to all standards, policies, and procedures. Performs other related duties as assigned. Executing the Sales and Marketing Strategy Up-sells products and services throughout the event process. Participates in customer site inspections and assists with the sales process when necessary. Acts as liaison between salesperson and customer throughout the event process (pre-event, event, post-event). Additional Duties as assigned. Managing Profitability Manages revenue and profitability associated with events. Forecasts group rooms and event revenue (catering and audio-visual) for his/her groups to accounting for billing. Additional Duties as assigned. Providing Exceptional Customer Service Interacts with guests to obtain feedback on product quality and service levels. Handles guest problems and complaints. Makes presence always known to customer during entire event process. Flexible in being present during events that occur in the evening or during weekends. Follows up with customer post-event. Greets customer during the event phase and hands-off to the Event Operations team for the execution of details. Strives to improve service performance. Sets a positive example for guest relations. Reviews comment cards and guest satisfaction results with associates. Coordinates and communicates verbally and in writing with customer (internal and external) regarding event details. Perform other services and duties as requested by the Director of Sales. May be called on to host functions and participate in, or conduct sales blitzes, travel, and work extended hours to achieve departmental goals. Additional tasks and responsibilities as requested by the Director of Sales and/or hotel General Manager in support of a successful operation. Required Skills/Abilities: The ideal candidate for this position must be extremely friendly, outgoing, and organized. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills with a focus on customer service. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software. Ability to work onsite. This role is not eligible for work from home. Must be able to work late nights and unpredictable hours, including days, weekends, nights, and holidays. Education and Experience: High school diploma or GED; 3 years’ experience in the event management or related professional area. Prefer a 4-year degree from an accredited university in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, or related major. Physical Requirements: Must be able to walk/stand for long periods of time. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds at times. Cambria Detroit provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. #J-18808-Ljbffr Cambria