Job Description Summary

The Senior Conference Services Manager will be expected to contribute to the leadership of the Sales department under the guidance of the Director of Sales and Marketing. This role is also responsible for planning, organizing, and managing the in-house details for large group and convention booking (i.e. menus, set-up, etc.) They will serve as a trusted advisor for internal and external clients in the hotel's continuing effort to deliver outstanding guest service and financial profitability. They will participate in negotiating meetings/functions rooms, rates and all related requirements. Ensure maximations of room and meeting space, revenues, and profits while delivering a quality product. This position also includes a focus on execution of all aspects of event planning including coordination from the signing of a group contract forward, VIP needs, amenities, and group resumes. They will also assist in completion of BEOs for groups and local catering. The successful candidate will be extremely self-driven, possess excellent communication and customer-relations skills and have solid business acumen.

Job Description

Position Title:                  Senior Conference Services Manager

Location:                         Sonesta Denver (Downtown)

Department:                    Sales

Reports To:                      Director of Sales and Marketing

Type:                              Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Pay Range:                       $33.00 to $35.60 per hour

Application Deadline:     February 28th, 2025

Job Description Summary

The Senior Conference Services Manager will be expected to contribute to the leadership of the Sales department under the guidance of the Director of Sales and Marketing. This role is also responsible for planning, organizing, and managing the in-house details for large group and convention booking (i.e. menus, set-up, etc.) They will serve as a trusted advisor for internal and external clients in the hotel's continuing effort to deliver outstanding guest service and financial profitability. They will participate in negotiating meetings/functions rooms, rates and all related requirements. Ensure maximization of room and meeting space, revenues, and profits while delivering a quality product. This position also includes a focus on execution of all aspects of event planning including coordination from the signing of a group contract forward, VIP needs, amenities, and group resumes. They will also assist in completion of BEOs for groups and local catering. The successful candidate will be extremely self-driven, possess excellent communication and customer-relations skills and have solid business acumen. 

Job Description

Principle duties and responsibilities (Essential Functions) include:  

Key Job Functions

Maintain strong client relations and ensure that convention specifications are communicated and executed for a successful meeting experience for the meeting planner and attendees.Monitor and manage room blocks according to contract utilizing group history reports and information given by clients to maximize hotel revenue, making adjustments as necessary. Work closely with the DORM and Group Coordinator.Monitor and enforce program deadline dates and work with clients to release meeting space not needed to maximize hotel revenues.Produce and distribute convention resume according to departmental standards prior to the first day of main group arrival and communicate any changes and updated information to hotel departments.Monitoring billing, deposit schedule and review billing. Arrange and lead pre/post-convention meetings. Review sales contracts as well as other important information, i.e., room block, cutoff date, special concessions, and attrition clauses and validate with client via turnover letter.Produce and distribute convention/group resumes according to departmental standards prior to the first day of main group arrival and communicate any changes and updated information to hotel departments.Respond to client questions about the event including, but not limited to, group room blocks, food and beverage, the function space, ancillary and vendor services, affiliates/exhibitors and related billing processes.Partner with operations departments within the hotel to ensure full participation in servicing accounts.Follow company direction, process, and expectations.Ensure all due dates/deadlines are met and other duties as assigned. Monitor and assess service and satisfaction trends, evaluate and address issues and make improvements accordingly.Accurately forecast group rooms for assigned groups and affiliate business within a 5% variance. Develop/maintain knowledge of market trends, competition and customers.Participate in monthly banquet and catering forecasting, banquet menu auditing, and systems & process management where needed.Any other duties as assigned.

Accountability: Responsible for individual performance and incremental contribution to Sonesta hotels. Responsibly collaborate with hotel teams to activate shared account events and activities.  Responsible for effectively managing time commitments.  Responsible for meeting and/or exceeding guest service score targets.Candidate is expected to learn and understand roles, responsibilities and business of the clients with whom we partner with.  Responsible for using the appropriate account management tools to effectively track activities, opportunities and follow up. 

Leading with Passion

Function as the Voice of the Customer to represent customer insights to hotel management and teams.   Utilize and collaborate with resources across different departments within the hotel as appropriate. Lead by example and operate with integrity and respect. Work to achieve goals while overcoming competitive obstacles and planning alternate ways to win. Show strong passion and commitment about reaching targets. Celebrate individual and team success. Maintain a positive, “can do” attitude and a versatile approach to change.  Appreciates the diversity of our team members, guests, vendors and surrounding community. Is always committed to ensuring a positive and safe work environment. As a member of leadership training and/or mentoring in designated field may be required.

Qualifications and Skills

A candidate for this position must possess the following applicable knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to demonstrate and provide applicable examples to support his/her competency.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Ability to prioritize and organize work assignments.Extensive knowledge of hotel and hospitality industry.Delphi and Opera PMS experience a plus.Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Work Environment

Must be able work in a fast-paced environment.Majority of work takes place indoors, occasionally outside work may occur.This position is in-location only.

Physical Demands

The person in this role may be exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds of force frequently or constantly.The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects of up to 25 pounds.The person in this role will be frequently standing up, bending, climbing, kneeling and moving about the hotel.

Expected Hours of Work

Must be flexible to work variable days of the week to include weekends and holidays.Must be flexible to work variable shifts (days, nights, overnights).Ten to twelve hour shifts sometimes required.

Education and Experience

High school degree or equivalent required. College course work in related field preferred.1-2 years sales or marketing related experience required.Knowledge of hotel sales and/or catering preferred.

Additional Job Description

Pay: $33.00 to $35.60 per hour. Base pay offered may vary depending on various factors including but not limited to job related knowledge, skills, and job specific/overall experience.

This position is eligible for a very competitive bonus structure.

Application Deadline: This job posting will be closed on February 28th, 2025

Benefits

Sonesta recognizes that benefits play a vital role in helping ensure the health and financial security of employees and their families. We offer a variety of benefits to our employees including:

Medical, Dental and Vision InsuranceHealth Savings Account with Company Match401(k) Retirement Plan with Company MatchPaid Vacation and Sick DaysSonesta Hotel DiscountsEducational AssistancePaid Parental LeaveCompany Paid Life InsuranceCompany Paid Short Term and Long-Term Disability InsuranceVarious Employee Perks and DiscountsGo Beyond @SonestaHotelsWHO WE ARE

We are an organization made up of people, thoughts and ideas – all working towards fulfilling our simple mission: To wow every guest, team member, partner & community we operate in by delivering quality, value & amazing hospitality.

We will achieve our mission by being passionate about exceeding expectations - by being persistent, resilient, and constantly seeking new and creative ways to succeed.  Doing the Right Thing and Going Beyond are our principles that guide everything we do.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

The statements in this job description are intended to represent the key duties and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be ALL responsibilities or qualifications of the job. This job description is subject to change at any time.

Upon submitting your application, please ensure you complete a full application in addition to attaching a resume. Incomplete applications received will not be considered. 

Additional Job Information/Anticipated

Pay Range

Pay: $33.00 to $35.60 per hour. Base pay offered may vary depending on various factors including but not limited to job related knowledge, skills, and job specific/overall experience.

This position is eligible for a very competitive bonus structure.

Application Deadline: This job posting will be closed on February 28th, 2025

Benefits

Sonesta recognizes that benefits play a vital role in helping ensure the health and financial security of employees and their families. We offer a variety of benefits to our employees including:

Medical, Dental and Vision InsuranceHealth Savings Account with Company Match401(k) Retirement Plan with Company MatchPaid Vacation and Sick DaysSonesta Hotel DiscountsEducational AssistancePaid Parental LeaveCompany Paid Life InsuranceCompany Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability InsuranceVarious Employee Perks and DiscountsHospital IndemnityCritical Illness InsuranceAccident Insurance

Sonesta is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Upon submitting your application, please ensure you complete a full application in addition to attaching a resume. Incomplete applications received will not be considered.