Conference Services Manager - InterContinental Houston

JOB OVERVIEW:

Manage and coordinate all conferences, meetings, group functions and group activities booked through the sales department.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Negotiate food and beverage prices, function space, and hotel services within approved departmental booking guidelines.  Confirm in writing to the client and all affected hotel departments all group requirements via sales contract terms, addendums, confirmation of pricing, group resumes, and/or banquet event order. 
• As needed, assist the client in menu planning, food and beverage coordination, table arrangements, decorations, traffic flow, room set-up, group room blocks and VIP services, etc. 
• Work with sales staff to service and solicit new business.  Up-sell client events and manage function space and room block inventory as assigned.
• Monitor and handle inquiry calls and provide client proposals in accordance with established departmental policies and procedures. 
• Work closely with other hotel departments to facilitate services agreed upon by the sales office and prospective clients. 
• Report and communicate Meeting event needs between the client and hotel.
• Prepare and distribute amenity request forms for specified clients.  Obtain designated approvals and follow-up on delivery.
• Check function room set ups prior to guest arrival, ensuring all details are in agreement with client’s requirements and hotel standards.  Ensure deficiencies are corrected by appropriate personnel.
• Welcome group contact upon arrival at function and ensure guest satisfaction.
• Monitor and ensure all functions are set up, refreshed, and broken down in compliance with scheduled times and departmental procedures.
• Work in a timely manner to executive and distribute all Banquet Event Orders (BEO) and contracts as designated by sales.
• Conduct hotel and banquet facility tours and entertain qualified clients in accordance with company and property policies.
• Assist in the preparation of the departmental budget and implementation of the hotel’s catering and conference strategy.
• Maintain client files and update information daily in accordance with established departmental policies and procedures.  Review daily postings of charges to master accounts of clients and resolve any discrepancies, or process necessary adjustments.  Review final bill prior to presenting to client.  Complete post-conference reports of events for senior management, and complete other reports as needed or requested.
• Follow up with clients regularly during and after departure to ensure satisfaction and secure future bookings.
• Promote teamwork and quality service through daily communication and coordination with other departments.  Key departmental contacts include all hotel departments. 
• Interact with outside contacts:
  • Guests – to ensure their total satisfaction
  • Airlines, wholesalers, corporate accounts, travel agencies, ad agencies, etc. – to ensure repeat business, follow up on events, and generate new business 
  • Other contacts as needed (Professional organizations, community groups).
• May assist in developing and implement sales actions plan as assigned.  May also participate in the annual budgeting and planning process.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Typically has accountability for coordinating assigned conferences, group bookings or special events in full service, luxury, or resort hotel with catering and or resort hotel with catering and/or convention facilities.

QUALIFICATION AND REQUIREMENTS

Some College plus 1-2 years sales or marketing related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Knowledge of hotel sales and/or catering preferred.   Must speak fluent English.

This job requires ability to perform the following:

• Frequently standing up or moving within and outside of the facility
• Carrying or lifting items weighing up to 25 pounds
• Handling objects
• Bending, stooping, kneeling

Other:

• Communication skills are utilized a significant amount of time when interacting with others; demonstrated ability to interact with guests, employees and third parties that reflects highly on the hotel, the brand and the Company.
• Reading and writing abilities are utilized often when completing paperwork and management reports, interpreting results, and giving and receiving instructions.
• Mathematical skills, including basic math, budgeting, profit/loss concepts, percentages, and variances are utilized frequently.
• Problem solving, reasoning, motivating, organizational and training abilities are used often. 
• Ability to travel to attend workshops, tradeshows, conventions, etc.
• May require a valid Driver’s License.
• May be required to work nights, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Alcohol awareness certification and/or food service permit or valid health/food handler card as required by local or state government agency.

WHAT WE OFFER:

We give our people everything they need to succeed. From a competitive salary that rewards all your hard work to a wide range of benefits designed to help you live your best work life – including an impressive room discount and some of the best training in the business.

The annual pay rate for this Exempt role is $60,000. This rate is only applicable for jobs to be performed in Houston, Texas.

This is the starting rate we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may pay more or less than the posted rate, and the rate may be modified in the future. An employee’s pay position within the pay range will be based on several factors including, but limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, shift, travel requirements, sales or revenue-based metrics, and business or organizational needs.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, 401k, and many other benefits to eligible full-time employees.

You can apply for this role through the link below (or through the internal career site if you are a current employee).

Remarks: No amount of pay is considered wages or compensation until earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, or any other form of compensation that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

Our mission is to welcome everyone and create inclusive teams where we celebrate difference and encourage colleagues to bring their whole selves to work. IHG Hotels & Resorts provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. We promote a culture of trust, support, and acceptance by always welcoming different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

IHG Hotels & Resorts gives every member of the team the room they need to belong, grow and make a difference in a collaborative environment. We know that to work well, we need to feel well – both inside and outside of work – and through our myWellbeing framework, we are committed to supporting wellbeing in your health, lifestyle, and workplace.  So, join us and you’ll become part of our ever-growing global family.

At IHG Hotels & Resorts, we’ve made a promise. As one of the world’s leading hotel groups, we’re here to deliver True Hospitality for Good. Making our guests and colleagues feel welcome, cared for, recognized and respected – wherever they are in the world. Want to be part of the journey?