Director of Conference & Banqueting Operations

Duties and Responsibilities of the Role:

• Operations Management:

  • Oversee the planning, organization, and management of all conference and banqueting activities, from initial client inquiry to post-event follow-up.

  • Ensure all events are executed efficiently and to the highest standards.

  • Manage room setups, audio-visual needs, catering, and service timelines.

  • Ensure compliance with health, safety, and food hygiene regulations.

• Client Relations:

  • Act as the main point of contact for clients throughout the event planning process.

  • Conduct pre-event briefings with clients to ensure their expectations are met and provide professional advice on layouts, themes, and services.

  • Handle client feedback and manage conflict resolution during and after events.

• Team Leadership:

  • Lead and motivate the banqueting team to deliver exceptional service.

  • Recruit, train, and develop staff in conference and banqueting service standards.

  • Develop staff schedules, ensuring adequate staffing levels for all events.

  • Encourage teamwork and maintain strong working relationships with other hotel departments.

• Financial Management:

  • Develop and manage the department’s budget, ensuring profitability and cost control.

  • Monitor revenue and expenditure, adjusting operations to meet financial targets.

  • Maximize revenue opportunities through upselling of additional services (audio-visual, catering, etc.).

  • Maintain accurate billing and reconciliation processes post-event.

• Sales and Marketing Collaboration:

  • Work closely with the sales and marketing teams to promote the hotel’s event facilities.

  • Assist in developing strategies to attract and retain high-end clientele for conferences, weddings, and corporate events.

  • Support the sales team in conducting site inspections and preparing proposals for potential clients.

• Technology and Systems:

  • Utilize event management software and hotel operating systems to ensure seamless coordination.

  • Ensure all conference rooms and banqueting spaces are equipped with modern AV technologies, Wi-Fi, and other essential amenities.

  • Generate post-event reports to assess success and identify areas for improvement.

Skills and Competencies:

• Proven experience in managing conference and banqueting operations, preferably in a luxury hotel setting.

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

• Excellent client relationship management and customer service skills.

• Ability to manage multiple events and prioritize tasks effectively.

• Financial acumen with experience in budget management and cost control.

• Familiarity with event management software and hotel operating systems..

Requirements for the role:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a senior conference and banqueting or events management role, ideally in a 4- or 5-star hotel environment.

• Experience with large-scale event management, including weddings, corporate meetings, and banquets.

• Flexible working hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, as required by event schedules.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.