Event Director - Management

Job Type:  Food & Beverage, Banqueting Manager, Conference Manager, Sales & Marketing, Sales Director, Sales & Marketing Director

Sector:  Hotel

Job Level: Management

Job Description:

Sophisticated, refined and inviting, Le Méridien Dubai, is a hidden haven that enjoys an idyllic verdant setting in a city location offering an exceptional 5 star hotel accommodation option providing the ultimate in contemporary comfort whilst offering the benefits of the Starwood Preferred Guest® program.

With 18 authentic restaurants and bars, Le Méridien Dubai offers a wide range of culinary options that has something for everyone. And with 5 outdoor temperature controlled swimming pools, a world class health club, floodlit tennis courts, a luxurious spa and a conference centre comprising of 22 meeting venues we believe our guests will not need to venture far. For more information, please visit www.lemeridien-dubai.com

We are currently looking for a Director of Events to join our team.

The Director of Events will be responsible to sell 25 banqueting venues including one of the biggest ballrooms in Dubai.  They should be able to build effective strategies,  record progress, make suggestions, create special promotions and present to the Director of Sales.

Needless to say, this role will represent and promote the quality image of the company at every opportunity.

This position is considered to be very senior within the Sales structure, and therefore requires a high degree of self motivation and the ability to work unsupervised using own initiative.

The responsibilities will also include:

·         Train, supervise and work with all catering and convention services staff, in order to solicit and book banquet and catering functions that ensure customer satisfaction and maximize hotel revenue and profitability.

·         Able to lead a team and incorporate training programs to develop talent.  Motivating and a positive attitude, possess good communication skills and passionate about the role.

·         Manages the catering sales efforts for the hotel including local and international group convention business.

·         Be responsible for reaching the budgeted revenue targets annually and monthly. A pro-active approach in managing existing accounts as well as driving new business.

·         Ability to handle multiple customer and operational demands with a high degree of professionalism, operating often with time sensitive deadlines.

·         Executes and supports the operational aspects of business booked (e.g. generating proposal, writing contract, customer correspondence).

·         Work in collaboration with the MICE team to assist convert and action all group leads.

·         Understand and be in a position to action any group and events enquiries and ensure accurate hand over and follow up to Operational departments.

·         Take personal responsibility to ensure that Standards are maintained and that the booking system is utilized to its full capacity.

·         Implements the brand's service strategy and applicable brand initiatives in all aspects of the sales process.

·         To take personal responsibility for understanding the Marketing plan and the required budgetary guidelines of the Hotel, to enable empowered decisions in all rate negotiations.

·         To actively participate in the annual Budgeting process as a support for the Director of Sales and to take responsibility for the compilation of annual catering budget, competitor rate and product information.

·         Maintains successful performance by increasing revenues, controlling expenses and providing a return on investment for the owner and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc

·         Communicating client requirements in a timely and accurate manner to all internal departments as required, ensuring delivery of superior guest service.

·         Ensuring accurate follow up and communication both internally to all required departments and confirmation to client.

·         Interacts effectively and build strong relationships with guests/clients, sales and kitchen, vendors, competitors, local community, catering associations and other hotel departments.

·         Requires good communication skills, both verbal and written.

·         Most tasks are performed in a team environment with the employee acting as a team leader. There is minimal direct supervision

·         Extensive knowledge of food and beverage products, proper preparation and presentation of food and beverage items.

·         Develop Menus that drive sales.

·         Ability to assess/evaluate employees performance fairly.

·         Ability to recruit, supervise, train and motivate multiple levels of managers.

Requirements

·         Must possess computer skills, including, but not limited to, use of Microsoft Word, Excel and Opera Sales and Catering.

·         Candidates must demonstrate experience in a similar role in a large scale hotel operation

·         Knowledge of computer accounting programs, math skills as well as budgetary analysis capabilities required.

Apply Here