Conference Services Manager

: City, State: New Orleans, Louisiana The purpose of a Conference Services Manager is to plan, manage and organize the in-house details for large group and convention bookings (i.e. guest rooms, menus, themes, set-up, etc.). ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in negotiating meetings/functions, rooms, rates and all related requirements. Ensure maximization of room and meeting space, revenues and profits, while delivering a quality guest experience.
• Create and communicate event resumes. Recommend and implement procedural changes and performs as team leader for all hotel department staff participating in the event delivery process.
• Plan, upsell and detail the program with the client including: verification and modification of space requirements, times, equipment, menus, decor.
• Evaluate guest needs and industry competitive set to implement product, service and operational changes necessary to ensure guest satisfaction and market dominance.
• Monitor client satisfaction scores in staff helpfulness, food quality and overall event while leading by influence to exceed brand benchmarks.
• Maintain a flexible schedule to accommodate client's needs before and after events.
• Attends operational and client meetings to communicate event details including: BEO's, pre-con's, etc.
• Maintains regular attendance, is consistently on time, and observes prescribed work, break and meal periods in compliance with standards.
• Maintains high standards of personal appearance and grooming, which include compliance with the dress code.
• Performs any other duties as requested by supervisor.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties. DESIRED COMPETENCIES, WORK SKILLS, AND KNOWLEDGE To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies. Other competencies not listed may be required for specific positions. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Associate demonstrates ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT

• Associate follows corporate and hotel brand standards.
• Willing to take an unpopular stand if necessary when complying with policies.
• Observes and adheres to safety and security procedures, promoting a safe work environment.

Associate demonstrates INITIATIVE

• Seeks out new assignments and assumes additional duties when necessary.

• Identifies areas that would improve the operation and generates suggestions.
• Able to reach effective solutions, poses good questions, consults helpful resources, and does not stop at the first answer he/she comes across.

Associate demonstrates exemplary DEPENDABILITY / RELIABILITY

• Can be relied upon regarding task completion and follow up.
• Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent.

Associate demonstrates ACCOUNTABILITY for their job performance

• Takes ownership of all work performed and communicated.

• Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Performs work with little or no supervision; works independently.

Associate demonstrates acceptable PRODUCTIVITY standards

• Organizes resources, performs tasks, and coordinates with other functions to most effectively and efficiently perform work responsibilities and accomplish objectives on a timely basis.
• Manages assignments and responsibilities without becoming overwhelmed.
• Strives to increase productivity.

Associate demonstrates effective PROBLEM SOLVING

• Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner, using intuition and experience to complement data.
• Develops alternative solutions.
• Works well in group problem solving situations.
• Gathers and analyzes information skillfully.

Associate demonstrates WORKPLACE RESPECT to all associates

• Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy and promotes a harassment-free environment.
• Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences.

Associate demonstrates effective ORAL /WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

• Practices attentive and active listening with all employees.
• Actively participates in meetings, contributing ideas to improve the company.

Associate demonstrates excellent CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS

• Solicits customer feedback to improve service.

• Personally demonstrates a commitment to customer service by anticipating and responding promptly to guest needs.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. QUALIFICATIONS Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write advanced correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization. Ability to interpret and perform basic computer and POS system functions. Experience with MS Word required, Sales Pro experience is highly desirable. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Moderate noise that is typical of an office environment. Our company does not discriminate against its associates or applicants because of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, physical or mental disability or medical condition. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to all persons in all aspects of the employer-associate relationships, including recruitment, hiring, advancement, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, layoff, recall and termination. Every reasonable accommodation will be made for disabled associates. Resumes and applications for employment will be evaluated on the basis of qualifications to meet the requirements of the position and ability to perform the requirements of the position.