We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Crowne Meeting Manager to join our team. This position is responsible for managing all aspects of our banquet & conference sales operations to achieve optimum departmental revenue targets and for planning and communicating all aspects of booked group banquet and catering events and goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Sales and Client Relations:

• Conduct sales visits, make telephone calls, write letters, send emails, and extend invitations to clients to visit the hotel.

• Follow up on all inquiries promptly and efficiently.

• Entertain clients to secure business or strengthen ties when required.

• Negotiate terms pertinent to the sale of banqueting services.

• Conduct site inspections and familiarization tours with potential clients.

• Conduct client interviews to understand their needs and tailor services accordingly.

• Attend trade shows and sell banquet space as directed.

• Establish leads from newspapers, magazines, and relevant industry documents, and follow up.

• Maintain a regular pattern of sales calls and follow up consistently.

• Monitor competitor activities and utilize information when developing strategies.

• Develop and maintain relationships with business generators, meeting and convention planners, visitors/convention bureaus, travel agents, tour operators, airlines, corporate accounts, government departments, and other producers closely allied to hotel business.

• Assist in the coordination of banquet sales/promotional events and activities.

Event Planning and Coordination:

• Communicate in a timely manner with customers, both internal and external.

• Maintain menu pricing and cost.

• Meet with Banquet Operations Manager and Food & Beverage Director to discuss menus, planning of new events, and brainstorm new ideas to generate revenue for the Hotel.

• Maintain a 24-Hour Response Guarantee and Daily Meeting Debrief set by the Hotel.

• Be familiar with all pertinent documents and able to explain elements contained within the sales agreement as requested by the customer.

• Prepare pertinent documents for each booking including but not limited to: banquet event orders, group resumes/profiles, and various service orders and forms.

• Work closely with all departments across the hotel to ensure smooth execution of all events.

• Attend group resume, banquet event order, and sales meetings.

• Prepare and/or approve daily and final billing for each group during and after their stay. Post charges, payments, and deposits for groups as needed.

• Ensure all event details are documented by a signed BEO and all changes are shared and communicated with hotel staff as needed.

• Communicate all important details, changes, and guarantees for each event to all affected departments.

• Ensure that the client has met the contracted F&B minimum.

• Assist co-workers in assisting with their clients when no other Conference Service Managers are available.

Administrative and Miscellaneous:

• Maintain a current knowledge of industry trends, market conditions, and product offerings.

• Effectively explain the features, benefits, capabilities, and limitations of the Hotel’s food and beverage outlets, meeting facilities, hospitality, and services, in order to assist with client inquiries.

• Perform other tasks as needed by the DOS or GM.

Qualifications:

• At least 2 years of hospitality experience, or 2 years of convention services experience.

• 4-year college/university degree preferred.

• Strong sales and negotiation skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including public speaking experience.

• Ability to understand and interpret financial data.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

• Strong computer skills in MS applications (Excel and Word).

• Competence in Delphi and Opera preferred.

• Valid driver’s license required.

Working Environment:

• The majority of the time is spent in a typical office environment.

• Depending on business demands, this individual may be required to work overtime and/or some weekend/evening hours.

• A professional appearance suitable for sales meetings with group representatives is required.

At IHG, 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, recognised and respected – wherever they are in the world. Want to be part of the journey?

Join Crowne Plaza one of the largest and best loved premium hotel brands in the world. With more than 420 hotels in diverse locations globally Crowne Plaza is the perfect base to connect on business, pleasure or a blend of both. We've thoughtfully designed our spaces to encourage, support and celebrate great connections. We're also big on meetings and events, a trusted and valued partner for connecting both domestic and global groups alike.

Our branded service style 'Dare to Connect' is crafted for connection. Designed for humans not nameless guests or colleagues. Still professional but touches guests on an emotional level. Where colleagues take their initiative and use their personality because they make a crucial difference in the guest's experience. The role of every colleague at Crowne Plaza is to create memorable emotional connections and the job of every leader is to create an environment where that can happen.

Don't quite meet every single requirement, but still believe you'd be a great fit for the job? We'll never know unless you hit the 'Apply' button. Start your journey with us today.

At IHG Hotels & Resorts, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We firmly believe that all our colleagues deserve to be treated equally and have the same opportunities to develop and grow their skills within our business and provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and colleagues without regard to an individual's, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital or familial status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.