Conference Services Manager

Athens, GA, USA|

Job Overview

Compensation

Salary

Range $46,100.00 - $64,800.00

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

401(k) Plan

Employee Discounts

Life insurance

Job Description

Chateau Elan Winery & Resort is an iconic luxury resort located in the picturesque north Georgia foothills, originally established in 1981 with the planting of its renowned vineyards. Spanning over 3,500 acres, the resort has grown into a premier destination offering an exceptional blend of conference and leisure experiences. Chateau Elan is committed to delivering the highest levels of guest service and product quality, a commitment that has been vital to its sustained growth and success. The company prides itself on a work culture that values personality, energy, enthusiasm, and dedication from its associates, who are continually nurtured and trained to exceed guest expectations.

The resort offers numerous perks for its employees, including discounts on hotel stays, spa services, golf, food and beverage, retail, and access to the YouDecide® discount program, which features negotiated pricing on various consumer goods and services. Chateau Elan values diversity and promotes an inclusive workplace, encouraging candidates from various backgrounds, including military veterans, to apply. While this position is not eligible for tips or service charges, it comes with the opportunity to earn discretionary performance bonuses.

The current opening focuses on conference services, requiring an individual who can effectively create tailored conference experiences to meet client needs through active communication, strategic planning, and team leadership. This role demands a deep understanding of budgeting and forecasting processes, a strong track record of client relationship management, and a thorough knowledge of sales techniques, including negotiation and closing strategies. Individuals will engage in hotel site inspections, develop innovative event setups and menus in collaboration with culinary teams, and oversee the detailed execution of banquet event orders. Additionally, experience in managing Audio/Visual equipment as a profit center and proficiency with computer applications like Delphi, Word, and Excel are essential.

The position also involves participating in industry-related organizations such as NACE and MPI to stay abreast of market trends and maintain professional networking, optimizing room rental charges, and monitoring group room blocks and pickups. Coordination with banquet operations and outside vendors ensures events meet and exceed client expectations. Attendance and availability to work regularly are mandatory, securing seamless event execution and client satisfaction. This role also offers a unique chance to influence guest satisfaction significantly and contribute to Chateau Elan Winery & Resort's prominence as a sought-after meeting and leisure destination in the hospitality industry.

Job Requirements

Minimum one year of experience in the hospitality industry
Prior catering sales experience
Experience in comparable size and quality hotel
Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Delphi
Strong knowledge of sales techniques
Understanding of hotel operations and market competition
Ability to manage budgets and forecasts
Skilled in client relationship management
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
Willingness to work flexible hours according to event schedules
Ability to collaborate with multiple departments and vendors
Commitment to attendance and punctuality
Capability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Willingness to participate in industry-related organizations

Job Qualifications

Prior experience in hospitality with specific catering sales experience
Minimum one year in the hospitality industry
Experience in a similar size and quality hotel
Computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Delphi
Knowledge of sales skills, revenue management, and peer motivation
Understanding of hotel features, benefits, and competition in the market
Ability to execute action plans
Knowledge of hotel operations, marketing, security, labor relations, business plans, maintenance, budget forecasting, quality assurance, hospitality law, and long-range planning
Ability to work under time constraints and meet deadlines
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Ability to adapt communication styles to different audiences

Job Duties

Understand monthly forecasting and the annual budget process
Raise meeting planner evaluation scores and implement methods to exceed satisfaction
Optimize room rental charges
Participate in re-booking repeat business and maintain long-term client relationships
Actively participate in industry organizations like NACE, MPI
possess strong sales techniques including closing and negotiating skills
Conduct hotel site inspections and client presentations
Develop innovative event setups and specialty menus with the culinary team
Collaborate with banquet department on event operations and execution
Ensure accurate and detailed execution of banquet event orders
Manage Audio/Visual equipment and operate it as a profit center
Use computer applications such as Delphi, Word, Excel proficiently
Monitor group room blocks and pickups and provide detailed reports
Work with outside vendors to ensure client satisfaction
Comply with attendance rules and maintain consistent availability
Perform any other job-related duties as assigned