Senior Events Manager

Nashville, TN, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $84,000.00 - $109,000.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Employee Discounts

Career development programs

bonus eligibility

Job Description

Gaylord Hotels, a distinctive brand within Marriott International, is renowned for creating extraordinary meeting, convention, and lodging experiences. With a dedication to exceptional customer service and innovative event management, Gaylord Hotels provide a comprehensive range of services designed to bring people together in unique and memorable ways. The brand's portfolio includes premier properties that serve as dynamic venues for conventions, conferences, and events, located in key cities across the United States. The company prides itself on nurturing a diverse and inclusive employee culture where associates, known as STARs, are empowered to deliver creative and entrepreneurial service in a supportive environment. As part of the Marriott International family, Gaylord Hotels offer associates extensive career opportunities, competitive compensation, and a full suite of benefits aimed at fostering professional growth and personal well-being. This particular opportunity is located at the beautiful Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee, a vibrant venue known for its exceptional event spaces and hospitality.

The position available is a full-time Management role within the Convention Services department. Reporting directly to the Assistant Director of Convention Services, the selected candidate will play a critical role in supporting and coordinating the operations of this busy department. The role involves managing and overseeing a variety of convention services activities to ensure the flawless execution of conventions, functions, and events requiring meeting services. This means not only planning and supervising high-touch convention groups with complex requirements but also collaborating closely with sales, catering, and other operational teams to guarantee client satisfaction and operational excellence.

Key responsibilities include managing convention services activities such as event planning, client negotiation, conflict resolution, and the development of programs and agendas tailored to client needs. The role requires comprehensive communication across various operational departments to ensure all group specifications are adhered to closely. Additionally, the position involves forecasting revenues, maximizing group revenue through referrals, overseeing contracted room blocks, and participating in training initiatives to keep the department aligned with industry trends. Hosting planning meetings, site inspections, and pre-convention meetings forms an important part of the job to maintain clear communication and successful event outcomes.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma or GED with at least six years of relevant experience in event management, food and beverage, sales, marketing, or a related area. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, or a related field with three years of experience is acceptable. Candidates should demonstrate strong leadership capabilities, excellent communication skills, and a deep understanding of the conventions and meetings industry. This role offers a salary range of $84,000 to $109,000 annually and is eligible for bonuses. It represents an excellent opportunity to join a leading hospitality brand committed to career growth, diversity, and exceptional service delivery.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or GED
6 years experience in event management, food and beverage, sales and marketing, or related professional area
OR bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, or related major
3 years experience in event management or related professional area
Strong leadership skills
Excellent communication skills
Proven ability to manage complex events
Ability to work collaboratively with multiple departments
Knowledge of industry standards and trends
Ability to manage and develop staff
Commitment to EEO and AA policies

Job Qualifications

High school diploma or GED with 6 years experience in event management, food and beverage, sales and marketing, or related professional area
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, or related major with 3 years experience in event management or related professional area
Strong leadership and communication skills
Knowledge of the conventions and meeting industry and familiarity with current trends
Experience in sales, negotiations and conflict resolution
Ability to forecast revenues and maximize offerings
Proficiency in planning and developing convention programs
Skilled in training, coaching and developing staff
Understanding of EEO and AA policies
Ability to handle conflict situations effectively

Job Duties

Manage and coordinate Convention Services activities associated with planning, supervising and executing events for more complex and high touch convention and event groups to include sales, negotiations and conflict resolution
Plan and develop programs, agendas, and services according to client requirements
Communicate all group specifications and history to the appropriate operational departments
Ensure that all specifications are implemented and executed to established guidelines
Partner with senior department leadership to implement process improvements designed to increase client satisfaction and operational efficiencies
Accurately forecast group revenues according to established guidelines
Promote the proper use of function space, exhibit hall and overall event space
Maximize group revenue by referring available goods, services, attractions, and sub-contractors to convention groups
Assist with the training and development initiatives for the Convention Services staff
Verify that advanced knowledge of conventions and meeting industry and familiarity with current trends are maintained throughout the department
Oversee contracted group room blocks to include cutoffs, attrition, etc.
Plan and develop convention programs, resumes, agendas, and services utilizing the Sales and Catering system according to client requirements and established guidelines
Create external communications to include contract addendums, introductory letters, appropriate property information, and tentative schedule of events for assigned convention groups
Host Planning Meetings, Site Inspections, Pre-Convention Meetings as outlined in convention services departmental guidelines
Promote client satisfaction through the smooth execution of all assigned conventions as measured by pre and post event survey data
Communicate all details of catering events to operating departments and customers
Manage the quality process in areas of customer service and employee satisfaction
Provide constructive coaching and counseling to employees
Direct the development, training, and mentoring of employees
Demonstrate knowledge of how and when to impose deadlines and delegate tasks
Motivate and provide a work environment in which employees are productive
Listen and respond to employee's needs
Manage group or interpersonal conflict situations effectively
Develop and manage hourly employees
Adhere to EEO and AA policies