Conference Services Manager

Full-Time

Choice Hotels International, Inc (NYSE: CHH) is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. A challenger in the upscale segment and a leader in midscale and extended stay, Choice® has more than 7,400 hotels, representing over 625,000 rooms, in 45 countries and territories. A diverse portfolio of 22 brands that run the gamut from full-service upper upscale properties to midscale, extended stay and economy enables Choice® to meet travelers' needs in more places and for more occasions while driving more value for franchise owners and shareholders. The award-winning Choice Privileges® loyalty program and co-brand credit card options provide members with a fast and easy way to earn reward nights and personalized perks. For more information, visit www.choicehotels.com. 

The ability to model Choice’s Cultural Values: Welcome and Respect Everyone, Be Bold, Be Quick, Listen, Be Curious and Show Integrity are key to our success in inspiring Loyalty, Growth, and the Hospitality Spirit.

Our managed hotels portfolio includes Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson Red, Park Plaza, and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson.

Prepares all event documentation and coordinates with group sales and/or catering sales, hotel departments, and customer to ensure consistent, high-level service throughout pre-event, event, and post event phases of hotel events. Ensures all hotel events have a seamless turnover from sales to service back to sales. Establishes opportunities to maximize revenue opportunities by upselling and offering enhancements to create outstanding events. Plan, organize, and manage the in-house details for all group and convention bookings (i.e., guest rooms, menus, set-up, etc.) 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 product. Report and critique all activities to the Director of Catering & Convention Services or Director of Sales. Enliven the Brand Standards within the Department and the hotel. Support all Corporate and hotel initiatives as needed.This description is a summary of primary responsibilities and qualifications. The job description is not intended to include all duties or qualifications that may be required now or in the future. The Hotel operates 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, so operational demands require variations in shift days, starting times, and hours worked in a week.

BUSINESS RESULTS

• Plan, upsell and detail the program with the client including verification and modification of space requirements, times, equipment, menus, themes/decorations, etc. Prepare the appropriate resumes and paperwork to ensure quality service.
• Manage function details and related activities to ensure that program requirements are satisfied. Anticipate and handle customer complaints and/or problems to ensure quality product delivery, customer satisfaction and repeat business.
• Improve hotel convention services' products through; (a) the development of new sales tools, menus, themes, and decorations, (b) the analysis of the strengths and weakness of our competitions product, and (c) analysis, understanding, and satisfaction of our customers’ needs.
• Monitor and control individual event budgets and details to maximize revenues and minimize expenses while ensuring delivery of a quality product.
• Coordinates and communicates verbally and in writing with customer (internal and external) regarding event details. Follows up with customer post-event.
• Acts as liaison between hotel and customer throughout the event process (pre-event, event, post-event). Makes presence always known to customer during this process. Is available to solve problems and/or suggest alternatives to previous arrangements.
• Oversees his/her customer experiences from file turnover through the post event phase until turnover back to sales.
• Proactively identifies operational challenges associated with his/her group and works with the hotel staff and customer to solve these challenges and/or develop alternative solutions.
• Leads pre-event and post-event meetings for assigned groups.
• Facilitates various meetings as necessary (Banquet Event Order meeting, block review, etc.).
• Manages group room blocks and meeting space for assigned groups.
• Greets customer during the event phase and hands-off to the operations team for the execution of details.
• Adheres to all standards, policies, and procedures.
• Integrates current trends in the meetings & special events industry.
• Performs other duties as assigned to meet business needs.
• Perform special projects and other responsibilities as assigned.
• Communicate function requirements to appropriate areas in the hotel, resolve issues or problems to ensure quality product delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Due to the nature of the business the individual may be required to do other duties and special projects as assigned by the supervisor.

GUEST SATISFACTION

• Ensures a high level of customer satisfaction and builds long terms mutually beneficial customer relationships to support future revenue growth.
• Coordinates and communicates verbally and in writing with customer (internal and external) regarding event details. Follows up with customer post-event.
• Makes presence always known to customer during this process, regardless of which hotel they sit at. Greets customer during the event phase and hands-off to the Convention Services department for the execution of details. Is available to solve problems and/or suggest alternatives to previous arrangements.
• Displays leadership in guest hospitality and ensures consistent, high-level service throughout all phases of hotel events. Ensures products and services sold to the Event Planners meet or exceed their expectations, create loyalty, and leads to increased market share.
• Sets a positive example for guest relations.
• Interacts with guests to obtain feedback on product quality and service levels. Effectively responds to and handles guest problems and complaints.
• Reviews Guest Service Results with leaders. Participates in the development and implementation of corrective action plans.
• Emphasizes guest satisfaction during all departmental meetings and focuses on continuous improvement.
• Utilizes Delphi or other hotel system to capture and manage customer information daily.

LEADERSHIP

Applies broad business knowledge and balances both a short- and long-term perspective to generate strategies while leading the organization to achieve them.

• Demonstrates commitment to the brand’s operating principles and philosophies.
• Holds self and others accountable for achieving results.
• Addresses conflict in a timely manner.
• Contributes to team results.
• Deals with change effectively.
• Makes decisions, including employees/team and commits to a course of action with available information.

MANAGING WORK EXECUTION

Proactively ensures that others have the accountability, authority, and resources necessary to both manage work execution and drive for results.

• Approaches work with a sense of urgency and purpose.
• Allocates time and resources effectively when faced with competing demands.
• Overcomes obstacles to accomplish challenging objectives.
• Follows through on inquiries, requests, and complaints.

Ability to model Choice’s Cultural Values: Welcome and Respect Everyone, Be Bold, Be Quick, Listen, Be Curious and Show Integrity are key to our success in inspiring Loyalty, Growth, and the Hospitality Spirit.

Choice Hotels International is an equal opportunity employer and affirmative action employer. Employment practices and decisions are not influenced by an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or express, disability veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, this offer of employment is conditional upon your presenting documents verifying your identity and legal authorization to work in the United States.  All offers of employment are conditional upon the satisfactory completion of a background check and E-Verify.