Director of Event Services

The World Equestrian Center located in Ocala, Florida is searching for Director of Event Services to join our team! The Director of Event Services (DES) is responsible for directing and administering catering and event operations in the property's continuing effort to deliver outstanding guest service and financial profitability.

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Maintains liaison between the customer and their representatives and the hotel by directing each department within the hotel as to their specific role in the pre-planning and execution of on-site convention.
• Represents the hotel to customers in the role of executing negotiated group sales agreements including but not limited to room blocks, food and beverage, exhibits and associated products and services. This includes, but is not limited, to negotiation of pricing and terms and conditions of products, labor and services not specifically articulated in master agreement. Negotiates service agreements with companies and organizations affiliated with group business. Negotiates vendor partner agreements. Directs customer services via site visits, board meetings, menu testing, and planning meetings for definite and potential groups.
• Maximizes revenues and controls expenses through effective negotiation of services and accurate forecasting.
• Initiates verbal and written communication (group resume, weekly pick up, post event report, call reports, banquet event orders etc.) with customer and internal team in a proactive manner relative to payment structure, room block management, food and beverage, public room rental and exhibit hall fees, incremental and affiliate revenue streams, performance damages and master billing process.
• Participates in internal and external meetings i.e., forecast, menu review, department, citywide pre-cons, operational department pre shifts etc. Participates in internal and external training and industry events: i.e., Customer Focus Meetings & Conventions, Front Line Leadership, CPR, ACOM Institute etc. Participates in development and measurement of personal and team goals and action plans.
• Fantastic customer service ethic, with high emphasis on exceeding Clients’ expectations at all times and always providing authentic hospitality to each and every Guest.
• Ensures the accurate and timely flow of information, superior levels of performance and dependable and friendly service to external and internal clients.
• Supervises the planning and coordination of meetings/social events and guest room related activities (related to assigned group), to ensure the obligations by the hotel and client are met with satisfaction. Act as liaison between Sales and the Operations Team by disseminating appropriate information as it relates to the meeting and/or event.
• Manage and monitor room blocks according to contract specifications to include, room block cut-off dates, review room pick-up, and attrition.
• Manage and monitor food and beverage minimums according to contract specifications.
• Maintain strong client relations and ensure that meeting/event specifications are communicated and executed for a successful meeting experience. Organize and conduct pre/post meetings with assigned groups.
• Effectively upsell throughout the pre-meeting/event and event phase, to include food and beverage, amenities, audiovisual and special request services.
• Responsible for setting up master bill routing in and ensuring each guest in system as a package (price) attached to the booking. After completion of each assigned meeting, review master group folios and proforma at the end of each meeting for accuracy.
• Is responsible for participating in the planning program meeting, along with the other members of the Planning Department.
• Participate in site tours with contracted clients as well as potential clients.
• Is actively engaged in the daily operations of the conference center. 

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the associate occupying this position. Associates will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor.  This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" employment relationship.

Physical Requirements:

These physical demands represent the physical requirements necessary for an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the position.

• Associate may have to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.

Qualifications, Education, Experience, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred at least 3 years work experience in catering/event planning in the hospitality industry.
• Experience with Delphi system preferred.
• Superb organizational skills – ability to prioritize, multi-task, direct and solve problems effectively.
• Ability to work collectively and collaborate with multiple departments to ensure all details are communicated and flawlessly executed.
• Ability to stay current and fresh with industry trends to provide our clients with progressive ideas that have “wow factor” for their event.

Our attractive compensation package includes medical, dental, vision, life, 401k with match, STD/LTD, vacation, PTO, dining and travel discounts, special offers from our business partners, and discount programs for selected cell phone providers.

The World Equestrian Center is managed by Columbus Hospitality Management, a company committed to providing quality service and memorable guest experiences in a positive and welcoming work environment. We are focused on supporting the needs of our team through our commitment to the family/work-life balance and by providing development opportunities.

We are proud to be a Drug-Free Workplace/EOE. All applicants will be required to submit a background check prior to employment.