F&B Sales and Operations Manager

At Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando, our team members get to make a difference and have fun every day. Our world-class team brings to life the incredible, award-winning hotels located at Universal Orlando Resort.Named one of Central Florida’s Top Workplaces and one of America’s Best-in-State Employers by Forbes, we are committed to our “power of we” culture.Are you looking for a place where you can bring your authentic self to work every day and be able to connect, engage and delight?We offer excellent benefits and perks including one free meal per shift and free theme park access.We have a dynamic culture that makes every day interesting, challenging, fulfilling and fun.We embrace diversity at our core and offer the opportunity for all team members to reach their potential.We invest in training and development opportunities for all team members.We promote social responsibility by being a good neighbor in the community.We care for you, just as we care for others.Who We Are: Founded in 1960, Loews Hotels & Co operates iconic hotels and resorts across the U.S. Together, our diverse and welcoming teams craft exceptional experiences in iconic destinations.Growth and belonging start here; you’ll be valued for who you are and the goals you have. Whether your next career chapter involves making memories for guests or supporting our properties in our Corporate Office, every role—from Guest Services to Finance, Culinary to IT—offers opportunities to grow and make a meaningful impact.Creating a Team Member experience where you belong no matter what race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status that makes you, you is a daily focus for us.About Universal Aventura HotelJoin the team at this modern and stylish hotel, with cool tech features and a design that is free flowing and calming.What We’re Looking For:An innovative and results-driven F&B Sales and Operations Manager to lead our event sales efforts. The ideal candidate combines a passion for exceptional guest experiences with a strategic approach to building and maintaining client relationships. If you are a dynamic, detail-oriented professional with a knack for event planning and a drive to exceed expectations, we encourage you to join our team.Who You Are:A relationship builder with strong interpersonal skills, connecting effectively with diverse clients and stakeholders.A proactive planner with exceptional organizational and time management abilities, capable of multitasking in a fast-paced environment.A confident decision-maker who thrives in autonomy and takes responsibility for achieving results.An excellent communicator with strong verbal and written skills, including client presentations.Skilled in negotiation and contract management, ensuring successful outcomes for all parties.Veterans and military spouses encouraged to apply.What You’ll Do:Actively prospect and solicit new business for our event services, targeting group clients and corporate accounts.Respond to event inquiries and conduct site visits to showcase our venue as a premier event destination.Maintain relationships with Universal Orlando Sales/Marketing teams to attract VIPs, media, and promotional opportunities.Negotiate event contracts, including Food & Beverage minimums and customized client requests.Serve as the primary point of contact for all event clients, from inquiry through execution.Develop and distribute Group Resumes to all departments, ensuring seamless coordination across teams.Collaborate with the Culinary and Beverage teams to create and optimize catering menus that align with client preferences and financial goals.Manage requests for adding or reducing rooms in contracted blocks, coordinating with UO Revenue Management and Group Reservations as needed.Strategically analyze client needs and market trends to identify and develop tailored event space solutions, including specialized areas like registration desks for sports and youth groups, thereby enhancing client satisfaction and optimizing revenue streams.Oversee all pre-event logistics, including room assignments, weather contingencies, and setup arrangements.Act as the on-site lead during events, resolving issues and ensuring smooth operations.Manage VIP reservations, ensuring personalized service and attention to detail.Maintain accurate records of all client communications and event details in the CRM system.Attend departmental meetings, including Resume Review and BEO meetings, to ensure alignment across teams.Your Experience Includes:Minimum of 1 year in sales, event execution, or a related role, preferably within the hospitality industry preferred.Solid understanding of hotel operations and event planning processes is required.Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) is required.Experience with Delphi or similar event management software is preferred.Previous success in managing events for high-profile or corporate clients is preferred.Familiarity with CRM platforms for managing client relationships and data analytics for tracking sales performance is preferred.SummaryLocation: FL - Orlando - Universal Aventura HotelType: Full time