Convention Services Manager

Arlington, VA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Work Schedule

Rotating Shifts

Benefits

401(k)

Disability insurance

Employee assistance program

Health Insurance

Life insurance

Paid Time Off

room discounts

Employee Food and Beverage Discounts

Job Description

Driftwood Hospitality Management is a leading hospitality management company renowned for its fully integrated approach to hotel services and outstanding client service. Known for empowering associates to take initiative and contribute proactively to the success of their properties, Driftwood focuses on creating a positive organizational culture backed by well-defined strategies and objectives. They operate across numerous properties with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and equitable employment practices. This particular opportunity is within one of their hotel properties, emphasizing a high standard of quality and client satisfaction in the hospitality industry. The hotel operates 24/7, reflecting the dynamic nature of the hospitality environment, where operational flexibility is vital to meet business demands. The role offered is a pivotal position in convention services where the candidate will be responsible for planning, organizing, and managing all details related to group and convention bookings, including guest rooms, menus, event set-up, and more. This role serves as the critical link between group sales, catering sales, various hotel departments, and clients, ensuring seamless transitions from sales to service and back to sales post-events. The primary mission is to maximize revenue through upselling and enhancement of services while maintaining high standards of customer satisfaction and quality of product delivery. Strong leadership and coordination skills are essential, as this role also involves negotiation, budget control, proactive problem-solving, and thorough communication with all stakeholders. The role requires managing event details from pre-event coordination through post-event follow-up, leading meetings for assigned groups, and actively engaging with guests and team members to reinforce brand standards and operational excellence. Additionally, the candidate will participate in corporate initiatives and contribute to continuous improvement by developing new sales tools, analyzing competitor offerings, and incorporating industry trends. The position demands exceptional organizational, communication, and decision-making abilities, as well as proficiency in managing hospitality software systems like Delphi or similar platforms. Driftwood Hospitality Management offers a supportive work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth and provides competitive benefits including health insurance, life and disability insurance, a 401(k) plan, paid time off, and employee discounts. This is a full-time role ideal for candidates with prior hospitality experience and a passion for delivering superior event management services that build lasting client relationships and drive business growth.

Job Requirements

Minimum two years of experience in hotel catering and rooms
Proven consistent ability to provide quality service
Strong verbal and written communication skills in English
Knowledge of hotel and brand policies
Understanding of banquet and food and beverage services
Ability to manage people and the variables involved in events
Computer literacy in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Proficiency in Delphi or other hotel systems preferred
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
Effective customer relations
Strong organizational and presentation skills
Ability to influence and persuade
Willingness to work varying shifts and hours
Physical ability to perform duties including walking, standing, sitting, lifting up to 10 pounds

Job Qualifications

Minimum two years of hotel catering and rooms experience in the hospitality industry
Proven track record of providing quality service
Previous leadership experience preferred
Strong verbal and written English communication skills
Knowledge of hotel, Westmont and brand policies and procedures
Knowledge of catering, food and beverage, and banquet operations
Strong skills in managing people and event variables
Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Experience with Delphi or other hotel management systems preferred
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
Effective customer and associate relations abilities
Presentation and platform skills
Strong organizational and closing skills
Ability to use standard software applications and hotel systems
Effective influence and persuasion skills

Job Duties

Prepare event documentation and coordinate with group sales, catering sales, and hotel departments
Ensure consistent, high-level service during pre-event, event, and post-event phases
Manage function details including guest rooms, menus, set-up, and related activities
Monitor and control event budgets to maximize revenue and minimize expenses
Act as liaison between hotel and customer throughout event process, solving problems and suggesting alternatives
Lead pre-event and post-event meetings and facilitate necessary meetings such as Banquet Event Order meetings
Oversee customer experience from file turnover to post-event and ensure smooth turnover back to sales