Convention Service Manager

We’re Sonesta International Hotels. The 8th largest hotel company in the U.S.—and growing fast. An epic blend of full-service and focused hotels in major cities, Sonesta’s uniquely diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties makes us everywhere you want to be. Driven by the human side of hospitality, we deliver service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and experiences that truly connect.

Together We Thrive—bringing quality, value, and amazing hospitality to every guest, every stay, across 1000+ properties in eight countries and counting.

The Convention Services Manager sets the tone for Sonesta’s Culture of Caring. We expect leaders to focus on creating amazing moments for guests and team members and dig deep to find ways to create success for their team.

The Convention Services Manager is responsible for coordinating meetings, conventions and other special events that are booked through the sales department. The Convention Services Manager synchronizes the needs of the group contact planning the event and the staff of the hotel to effectively execute the event function. The ideal candidate has a passion for building and motivating teams that achieve results.

Sonesta managers are guest-focused (both internal and external) and achievement-oriented leaders.

• Negotiate food and beverage prices, function space, and hotel services within approved departmental booking guidelines.
• Confirm in writing to the client and all affected hotel departments all group requirements via sales contract terms, addendums, confirmation of pricing, group resumes, and/or banquet event order.
• As needed, assist the client in menu planning, food and beverage coordination, table arrangements, decorations, traffic flow, room set-up, group room blocks and VIP services, etc.
• Work with sales staff to service and solicit new business.
• Up-sell client events and manage function space and room block inventory as assigned.
• Work closely with other hotel departments to facilitate services agreed upon by the sales office and prospective clients.
• Report and communicate Meeting event needs between the client and hotel.
• Prepare and distribute amenity request forms for specified clients.
• Obtain designated approvals and follow-up on delivery.
• Check function room set ups prior to guest arrival, ensuring all details are in agreement with client’s requirements and hotel standards.
• Ensure deficiencies are corrected by appropriate personnel.
• Welcome group contact upon arrival at function and ensure guest satisfaction.
• Monitor and ensure all functions are set up, refreshed, and broken down in compliance with scheduled times and departmental procedures.
• Work in a timely manner to executive and distribute all Banquet Event Orders (BEO) and contracts as designated by sales.
• Conduct hotel and banquet facility tours and entertain qualified clients in accordance with company and property policies.
• Follow up with clients regularly during and after departure to ensure satisfaction and secure future bookings.
• Promote teamwork and quality service through daily communication and coordination with other departments.

Key departmental contacts include all hotel departments.

Interact with outside contacts:
Guests – to ensure their total satisfaction, Airlines, wholesalers, corporate accounts, travel agencies, ad agencies, etc. – to ensure repeat business, follow up on events, and generate new business, Other contacts as needed (Professional organizations, community groups). May perform other duties as assigned.

• 2 years of hotel-related sales experience required.
• Hotel events, sales and/or conference services experience is preferred.
• High school degree or equivalent required.
• Bachelor's Degree preferred 1 year of catering sales experience in a 4-Diamond hotel with 8,000+sqft of function space is preferred
• 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
• Delphi FDC and Opera…