Conference Coordinator - Higher Ed. jobs in Pensacola, FL

Join our prestigious team at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort as a Catering & Conference Services Manager and be at the forefront of orchestrating unforgettable events in a picturesque beachfront setting. Embrace the opportunity to manage and execute exceptional gatherings while surrounded by world-class amenities and stunning scenery. Elevate your career in hospitality by joining us in delivering unparalleled service and creating lasting memories for our guests.

Position Summary: The Catering and Conference Manager at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort is responsible for overseeing all aspects of catering and conference services within the resort. This role requires strong leadership skills, exceptional organizational abilities, and a keen attention to detail. The Catering and Conference Manager ensures the successful execution of events and functions while maintaining the highest standards of customer service.

Key Responsibilities:

• Event Planning and Coordination:
  • Collaborate with clients to understand their event requirements and provide expert guidance throughout the planning process.
  • Develop detailed event proposals, including budgets, timelines, and menus.
  • Coordinate with various resort departments to ensure all event logistics, including setup, audiovisual needs, and room configurations, are properly arranged.
  • Maintain constant communication with clients to address any changes or requests leading up to and during the event.
• Sales and Client Relationship Management:
  • Actively promote resort facilities and services to prospective clients and generate new catering and conference business.
  • Conduct site visits with potential clients, showcasing event spaces and amenities.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with existing clients to encourage repeat business and referrals.
  • Collaborate with the sales team to develop marketing strategies and packages to attract corporate and social events.
• Team Management and Leadership:
  • Recruit, train, and supervise a team of catering and conference staff, ensuring they provide exceptional service at all times.
  • Assign and delegate tasks to team members, establishing clear expectations and deadlines.
  • Conduct regular performance evaluations, provide feedback, and implement training and development programs to enhance team members' skills.
• Financial Management:
  • Develop and manage catering and conference budgets, ensuring profitability and cost control.
  • Negotiate contracts with vendors and suppliers to obtain competitive pricing and favorable terms.
  • Monitor event expenses and revenue, preparing financial reports and forecasts as required.
  • Implement effective pricing strategies to maximize revenue while remaining competitive in the market.
• Quality Assurance and Guest Satisfaction:
  • Maintain a high level of service excellence by ensuring all events meet or exceed guest expectations.
  • Conduct post-event evaluations with clients to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement.
  • Address any guest concerns or complaints promptly and take appropriate corrective measures.
  • Continuously seek opportunities to enhance the guest experience and improve service delivery.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Event Planning, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Proven experience in catering and conference management, preferably within a resort or luxury hotel setting.
• Strong knowledge of event planning and execution, including food and beverage operations.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple events simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficient in computer software programs, including event management software, Microsoft Office, and POS systems.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to accommodate events and client needs.

Basic Required Skills:

• Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace.
• Utilizes an “open door” policy, and reviews employee satisfaction results to identify and address employee problems or concerns.
• Requires good communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Must have knowledge of Microsoft software such as Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• May be required: to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form; to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Physical Demands:

• Work tasks are performed indoors and outdoors. Temperature is moderate and controlled by the environmental systems while inside and controlled by nature outside.
• Must be able to stand and exert well-paced mobility for up to 5 hours in length.
• Must be able to exert a well-paced ability to maneuver between functions occurring simultaneously.
• Must be able to lift items weighing up to 25-50 lbs. as needed.
• Requires grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions, bending, climbing, listening, and hearing ability, and visual acuity.
• Talking, seeing, and hearing occur continuously in the process of communicating with guests, supervisors, and other employees.
• Requires manual dexterity to use and operate all necessary equipment.

EOE M/D/F/V