Manager of Special Events and Experiences

About the role 

The Manager of Special Events and Experiences develops and executes various internal special events and programming and secures external special private dining and catering events from the Social and Corporate Market, through active and effective promotion, solicitation, and prospecting new business. 

 We are looking for someone with superior communication skills, one who is able to vary their style to suit a wide internal audience whilst maintaining and strengthening relationships with key corporate clients, partners and the local community. To thrive in this role, the ideal candidate will have a hunger for results, a thirst for providing a memorable guest experience, be a savvy negotiator and influencer, a swift decision maker and will enjoy the challenge of multi-tasking whilst promoting Hotel as a downtown destination. 

What you will do 

• Create innovative publicity programs that will increase awareness and positive perception of the hotel, its downtown destination, spa, culinary programs, services, and personnel.  

• Actively solicit new business and respond to inquiries with the intention of confirming profitable catering and events business and achieving Quarterly Sales Goals. Maintain an active trace/follow-up system on all inquiries and personal sales calls.  

• Plan and/or attend and/or participate in meetings with hotel staff and clients, including but not exclusive to: Morning Operations Briefing, Morning CS Briefing, Resume Meeting, Banquet Event Order Meeting, Sales Meeting, Pre-Convention Meetings, Bi-Monthly Board of Operations, Menu Tastings, and Planning Visits.  

• Negotiate with clients with creative and attractive menu presentations and event proposals, to achieve both maximum revenue/profit potential and fulfillment of contractual responsibilities while satisfying client needs.  

• Coordinate with the Sales and Catering and Food and Beverage Departments to ensure proper utilization of function space to yield maximum revenues.   

• Finalize the requirements of confirmed bookings while maximizing revenue potential through up selling and ensuring effective communication both written (Resumes, BEO, Daily Reports) and personal contact with all departments for the success of the event. Maintain an active trace/follow-up system. Ensure accuracy of Banquet Checks and provide bill review on completion of program or event.   

• Supervise the execution of banquet and restaurant events. Review all function space with banquet manager/F&B Manager. Ensure satisfaction of client at the outset of all events.   

• Conduct property tours and entertain planners of meetings, community influencers, social events, and weddings.  

• Ensure accuracy of Banquet Checks and provide bill review on completion of program or event, both internal and external events.  

• Conduct Menu Tastings for VIP High Level Profile Groups, based upon request from client. 

• Assist in the development and execution of an annual PR plan as an integral part of hotel marketing plan, based on guidelines given in the annual plan instructions, including a PR roadmap, segment strategies, and key PR initiatives. 

• Create curated programming with direction from the Director of Public Relations to ensure it amplifies key messages and tells a story consistent with our hotel and Four Seasons brand identity in conjunction with input and support from the Commercial Director.  

• Responsible for guest and community engagement for internal events, local events and programming 

• With direction from Director of Public Relations, utilize available programs to integrate proper User Generated Content from internal and external client events. 

• Perform other tasks or projects as assigned by the Director of Catering and Conference Services, Commercial Director and Director of Public Relations. 

What you bring 

• Excellent reading, writing and oral proficiency in the English language. 

• Strong selling and interpersonal skills. 

• Strong problem-solving skills, ability to handle difficult situations and guests. 

• High level of creativity and attention to detail. 

• Ability to handle multiple tasks and make decisions in a fast-paced client driven environment. 

What we offer:  

• Competitive Salary, wages, and a comprehensive benefits package 

• Excellent Training and Development opportunities 

• Complimentary Accommodation at other Four Seasons Hotels and Resort  

• Complimentary Dry Cleaning for Employee Uniforms  

• Complimentary Employee Meals 

Schedule & Hours: 

• This is a full-time position 

• Open availability expected, with scheduled shifts including late nights, holidays and weekends