Event Planning Manager

Chattanooga, TN, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $55,000.00 - $85,000.00

Work Schedule

Flexible

Weekend Shifts

Night Shifts

Benefits

Paid Time Off

Paid holidays

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life insurance

short-term disability insurance

long-term disability insurance

accident insurance

critical illness insurance

Employee assistance program

Tuition assistance program

401(k) with employer match

Referral Bonus Program

Earned wage access

hotel discounts

Restaurant Discounts

Employee meal option

Starbucks discount

Garage parking discount

Job Description

The Read House Hotel, located in the heart of Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a distinguished historic hotel known for its timeless elegance and rich heritage dating back to 1872. Renowned for blending classic grandeur with contemporary luxury, The Read House Hotel is a premier destination for travelers seeking an exceptional experience that combines comfort, style, and impeccable service. The hotel features architecturally stunning spaces, modern amenities, and a staff dedicated to delivering memorable hospitality that reflects the vibrant culture and charm of Chattanooga. As an award-winning establishment, The Read House prides itself on fostering a workplace culture that values passion, individuality, and fun, providing employees with robust opportunities for growth, development, and career advancement within the hospitality industry.

We are seeking an experienced Event Planning Manager to join our esteemed Sales and Catering Department. In this pivotal role, you will take charge of coordinating and managing a diverse portfolio of events ranging from corporate meetings and conferences to social gatherings and special occasions. Reporting to senior management, the Event Planning Manager will serve as the primary liaison between guests, internal departments, and external vendors to ensure flawless execution from initial planning through event completion. This role demands a professional, proactive, and detail-oriented approach to event coordination, emphasizing client satisfaction and operational excellence. You will be responsible for creating detailed Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), managing room blocks, menu collaboration, invoicing, and handling any contractual arrangements concerning meeting spaces and event services. The role also includes facilitating site visits, coordinating pre- and post-event meetings, and overseeing onsite event management to promptly address client needs and resolve challenges. Candidates should be prepared to work a flexible schedule, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays, to accommodate the dynamic event calendar at the hotel.

As the Event Planning Manager of The Read House Hotel, you will benefit from a competitive salary commensurate with experience, an excellent suite of benefits designed to promote holistic well-being, and a vibrant work environment steeped in historic charm and contemporary hospitality innovation. Our benefits package includes paid time off, paid holidays, affordable medical/dental/vision insurance plans, life insurance options, disability insurance, accident and critical illness coverage, and retirement savings plans with employer matching. Additionally, employees enjoy perks such as tuition assistance, an employee referral program, earned wage access via PayActiv, hospitality discounts, meal options, and garage parking discounts. Joining our team means becoming part of a passionate community dedicated to upholding The Read House’s legacy of grace, exceptional guest service, and operational mastery in the hospitality sector.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required
two to four years of related banquet, catering, event planning experience preferred
ability to prioritize and remain highly organized
excellent computer skills
strong verbal communication abilities
ability to access and accurately input information into Property Management System (PMS)
capability to multitask and work effectively in fast-paced environments
ability to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays
physical ability to lift up to 20 pounds frequently and up to 30 pounds occasionally
excellent problem-solving skills
ability to work independently and as part of a team
knowledge of staffing guidelines for function spaces setup, turnover, and breakdown

Job Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent
two to four years of related banquet, catering, event planning experience preferred
post graduate or degree in relevant field preferred
experience within luxury, lifestyle or independent hotels preferred
excellent computer skills
excellent communication skills with guests, team members, and management
proficiency in restaurant POS, reservation, and/or inventory applications
knowledge of Delphi software
excellent organization, prioritization, and time management skills
ability to work well in high-pressure situations
knowledge of legal and contractual agreements
understanding of basic hotel procedures including accounting, reservations, front office and food and beverage functions

Job Duties

Create detailed Banquet Event Orders to meet the specifications of the client
manage room blocks, food and beverage requirements, meeting room setups, billing, and other additional needs of the client
communicate and enforce contractual agreements to the client pertaining to meeting space, food and beverage, special concessions and collection of attrition charges owed
ensure all guest checks, payments, master folios, and advanced deposits are paid timely and submitted to accounting
provide accurate and concise information to all departments including facilitation in BEO and group resume meetings and relaying any changes to applicable departments with urgency and in a timely manner to facilitate a successful catering or group function
collaborate with culinary operations to assist in development, design, and customization and implementation of event menus
maintain proper documentation of events, changes, and/or special requests with updated banquet event orders, group resumes, and rooming lists including accurate and up-to-date information in the Delphi system
organize and conduct site visits, pre-planning visits, pre and post-convention meetings
greet all clients upon arrival and function as the on-site contact to client and address challenges or concerns immediately
maximize revenue by selling all facets of the hotel to include food and beverage outlets for upselling
work in coordination with outside vendors as needed to ensure client satisfaction
maintain regular and punctual on-site attendance with the ability to work a flexible schedule which may include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays when business requires