Executive Meeting - Conference Services Manager

Executive Meeting Manager

The Westin Buckhead Atlanta is a modern, newly refreshed retreat in an upscale community. The hotel has recently revitalized its public spaces, meeting rooms, and guest rooms. At the Westin, our associates are treated like family. We offer competitive salaries, a complementary hot lunch, MARTA discounts, and free self-parking. We also offer a variety of great incentives and participate in many community service projects. This hotel's motto is "Respect~Family~Trust". Apply today to join our great organization!

Don't meet every single requirement of this job? At HEI we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still send in your information. You may be the perfect candidate for this or for other roles within our organization! We value U.S. military experience and invite all qualified military candidates to apply.

Overview

The Executive Meeting Manager will play a pivotal role in driving revenue for the hotel by proactively selling and managing small to mid-sized group business, primarily focused on events with 10 to 20 room nights. This position requires a keen eye for detail, exceptional organizational skills, and a passion for delivering unparalleled Westin service. This role will be a dual CSM, with the occasional servicing of mid-sized convention groups based on demand.

Responsibilities

Sales and Revenue Generation:

• Proactively solicit new and past group business from all markets and regions, with a focus on maximizing revenue for all hotel departments (rooms, food & beverage, meeting space, audio-visual, etc.).
• Identify and qualify potential leads, conduct site inspections, and present compelling proposals that align with client needs and hotel capabilities.
• Negotiate contracts, ensuring favorable terms for both the client and the hotel.
• Achieve or exceed assigned revenue goals and sales targets.

Meeting Planning and Execution:

• Act as the primary liaison between clients and hotel operations departments, ensuring seamless communication and execution of all event details.
• Administer sales agreements and meticulously detail all aspects of the event, including food and beverage, room rental, audio-visual requirements, and auxiliary services.
• Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring profitability while meeting client expectations.
• Coordinate and work closely with internal teams (Catering, Banquets, Front Office, Housekeeping, and Engineering) to ensure all aspects of events are executed seamlessly and to Westin brand standards.
• Anticipate client needs and proactively address potential issues, providing exceptional customer service throughout the planning and execution phases.
• Excellent knowledge of computers, specifically CITY, Word, and Excel.
• Actively participate in industry related organizations (NACE, MPI)
• Conduct post-event follow-up to gather feedback and identify opportunities for future business.
• Understand the importance of raising the meeting planner evaluation scores and implement effective methods to ensure exceeding meeting planner satisfaction.
• Optimize room rental charges.
• Consistently participate in the re-booking of repeat business by having a track record of long-term client relationships.
• Monitor group room blocks and pick up, generate detailed resumes for the operating departments.
• Ability to work with outside vendors to ensure client satisfaction for all events/groups.
• Comply with attendance rules and be available to work on a regular basis.
• Perform any other job-related duties as assigned.

Client Relationship Management:

• Cultivate and maintain strong, long-term relationships with clients, understanding their evolving needs and objectives.
• Provide prompt and professional responses to inquiries and effectively resolve any client concerns.
• Represent The Westin Buckhead Atlanta with professionalism and a commitment to guest satisfaction at all times.

Administrative and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client and event information in the hotel's sales system.
• Prepare regular sales reports, forecasts, and other administrative documents as required.
• Stay informed of market trends, competitive activity, and industry best practices.

Team Collaboration:

• Collaborate effectively with the broader sales team and other hotel departments to achieve overall hotel goals.
• Participate in sales meetings, training sessions, and other hotel initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Prior Marriott hospitality experience preferred; with specific catering sales is a plus
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve and exceed sales targets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex information clearly and persuasively.
• Strong negotiation and presentation skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and hotel sales/CRM software (e.g., Opera Sales & Catering, Delphi).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• A self-starting personality with an even disposition and a professional appearance and manner at all times.
• Flexibility to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends, as business demands.
• Knowledge of the local Atlanta market and corporate meeting trends is a plus.

Compensation

Tipped/Service Charge Eligible? No Discretionary Performance Bonus Eligible? Yes

Benefits

HEI Hotels and Resorts is committed to providing a comprehensive benefit program that offers you choices for your physical, mental, and financial wellness, creating value in your most important investment - you! For your physical and mental wellness we offer competitive Medical and Dental programs through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield as well as Vision insurance programs through EyeMed. Our Vacation, Sick and Holiday programs are available for you to rejuvenate with time off. HEI also provides pet insurance through the ASPCA. For your financial wellness, HEI provides a wide array of coverage, including Supplemental, Spousal and Child Life insurance as well as Short and Long-Term Disability plans. Our 401(k) Savings Plan with matching funds, and discounts through our 'YouDecide' and Hotel Room Discount programs provide additional incentives for choosing HEI as the employer of your future. Specific details and eligibility of these programs vary by location and employment status.

HEI Hotels and Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.