Groups, Conference and Events Manager

Jobs for Humanity is partnering with Virgin_UK to build an inclusive and just employment ecosystem. Therefore, we prioritize individuals coming from the following communities: Refugee, Neurodivergent, Single Parent, Blind or Low Vision, Deaf or Hard of Hearing, Black, Hispanic, Asian, Military Veterans, the Elderly, the LGBTQ, and Justice Impacted individuals. This position is open to candidates who reside in and have the legal right to work in the country where the job is located. Company Name: Virgin_UK

Job Description

Who we are:

We love what we do and what we do is important! We believe that everyone should leave feeling better – this means not just our guests and owners, but also our teammates. Everyone should go home feeling better because they learned something new or had fun working that day. 

Why work with Virgin Hotels:

Because it is fun, of course! But we appreciate that fun isn’t always enough – what else is in it for you?

• A day off for your birthday
• Paid leave to volunteer to spend time with the causes closest to your heart, for every teammate
• Generous family friendly policies and allowances
• Teammate discount at Virgin Hotels and 20 other Virgin brands!
• Training and development including apprenticeships
• Teammate meals provided
• 4 x your salary life assurance policy
• Employee Assistance Program and Company sick pay

Your mission:

Should you choose to accept it…

The Groups, Conference and Events Manager knows having many talents within the same industry leave naysayers envious. Part sales person, part Events Manager, they put the M in multi-tasking. Using their tenured experience the Groups, Conference and Events Manager will sell and coordinate events in the hotel’s restaurants and dedicated event space to meet revenue goals. They are the leader of the pack with client relationships and community involvement and an exceptional collaborator within all hotel departments. 

The Groups, Conference and Events Manager collaborates on service standards, food and beverage minimums and forecasting along with the Event Operations Manager and both are the partner in crime to the Regional Director of Sales & Marketing.

The Nitty-Gritty:

What exactly you will be doing…

• Through the usual functions (planning, site inspections, selling, up-selling and detailing) Groups, Conference and Events Manager is responsible for booking events and meeting revenue goals.
• The Groups, Conference and Events Manager is a proud representative of Virgin Hotels. Through untouched relationships they know what is happening with supply, demand and market fluctuations. 
• They will gather data and prepare strategic plans to meet annual revenue goals. Monthly forecasting preparation, development of banquet menus pricing and establishing revenue minimums will be the focus. Participation and co-facilitation in daily business review meetings as well as sales & catering meetings. Extensive knowledge of food and beverage, proper preparation and presentation of food and service standards are a must.
• Organizing and leading pre & post-convention meetings with the hotel team (and sometimes the clients too) the Groups, Conference and Events Manager will anticipate client needs and special requests.
• Along with the Event Operations Manager they are the first line of communication and can’t fanny around when they see potential problems, compliments or complaints. Our guest’s satisfaction is on top.
• We live to learn. The Groups, Conference and Events Manager is open to developing their professional skills through Virgin Hotels organized training programs. 

What qualities are we looking for?

You got skills? If you are able to perform the following, then you have come to the right place…

• Great team player with the ability create excellent working relationships across the group. Collaborative approach with all departments, particularly food & beverage and of course, the sales & marketing and Events team. 
• Ability to break down barriers and resolving potential conflicts swiftly and effortlessly
• Strong communication and presentation skills to all levels of management
• Creativity and innovation are essential!
• Ability to think outside the box and approach all issues with a completely fresh approach
• Ability to anticipate needs and over deliver wherever possible
• Candidates must think on their feet and use their initiative to solve problems and deliver solutions
• Excellent customer relations, communication, presentation and organization skills of utmost importance
• Comply with all safety and health department procedures, as well as, all state and federal liquor laws.
• Able to change direction and work on multiple project aspects at once
• Enthusiastic, passionate, able to enthuse and motivate others
• Leadership ability and behavior consistent with Virgin Hotels Core Values: Fun, innovative, original and personable, and striving to deliver high quality and brilliant customer service

Background must-have:

• Candidates must have previous hospitality experience. Hospitality could encompass; hotels, bars, restaurants and other event spaces
• Minimum 2-3 years of previous catering/event sales experience
• Ability to clearly and pleasantly communicate in English with clients, guests, vendors, teammates/management, in person, in writing and on the telephone
• Proficient computer knowledge.
• Experience with Delphi and HMS Infor would be beneficial but not necessary.
• Current right to work in the UK