Conference Duty Manager

Accor; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development opportunities

Global staff discounts on Accor hotels

Job summary

Mercure Melbourne Doncaster is seeking a Conference Duty Manager to drive smooth operations for conferences, meetings and corporate events. You will lead a client-focused team, coordinate with kitchen and service teams, and ensure exemplary guest experiences in line with Accor Heartist culture.

You will oversee room setups, AV, catering, safety procedures and post-event handovers, while maintaining strong client relationships and efficient shift management.

Qualifications

• Experience in hotel conferences, banquets, events or F&B operations.
• Demonstrated leadership and team supervision skills.
• Strong customer service and client relationship management abilities.
• Excellent communication, organisation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple events and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of conference setups, catering operations, and audiovisual requirements.
• Understanding of workplace health and safety and food safety practices.
• Flexible availability for weekends, evenings, public holidays and varied shifts.
• Should have Full Working rights in Australia (Sponsorship not available)

Responsibilities

• Oversee conference & event operations including rooms, layouts, AV, catering and presentation standards.
• Check event orders and floor plans, conduct pre-event checks and address issues during events.
• Welcome and liaise with conference organisers, delegates and VIP guests; be the client contact.
• Coordinate with Kitchen, F&B, Front Office, Housekeeping, Maintenance and Sales teams.
• Supervise conference and event staff; assign duties and brief on requirements.
• Oversee conference catering, service timing, presentation and safety compliance.
• Ensure safety, security, and compliance with workplace requirements; manage costs and reporting.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Communication

Organization

Problem-solving

Multi-tasking

AV knowledge

OSH awareness

Flexible scheduling

Job description

Mercure Melbourne Doncaster is a 183 room & suite hotel is Australia’s first of the next generation Mercure brand, introducing approachable elegance in an untouched pocket of the Eastern Suburbs. Featuring restaurant, indoor heated swimming pool, elite fitness centre, expansive outdoor terraces with views from the Yarra Ranges to the CBD and has six event spaces for up to 200 guests with dedicated outdoor terraces to provide seamless indoor/outdoor flow.

We are a vibrant and forward-thinking hotel with a reputation for hosting exceptional conferences, meetings, and events. From corporate gatherings to high-energy incentives, we create moments that leave a lasting impact. Now, we’re looking for a talented individual to maximize our potential in the Conference & Events market and help us grow even more!

Did you know that Mercure Melbourne Doncaster is the only venue in the Eastern Suburbs that you can have panoramic views of the Dandenong Ranges and Melbourne’s City Skyline?! Come on in and check them out!

Job Description

The Conference Duty Manager is responsible for the smooth and successful operation of conferences, meetings, corporate events, and functions at the hotel. The role ensures exceptional guest service, effective team coordination, high operational standards, and a memorable experience for every client, in line with Accor brand standards and Heartist culture.

1. Conference & Event Operations

Oversee the daily operations of conferences, meetings, seminars, and corporate functions.

Ensure conference rooms are set up according to event orders, floor plans, and client requirements.

Check room layouts, audiovisual equipment, signage, catering arrangements, and overall presentation before each event.

Conduct pre-event checks and ensure all event requirements are delivered on time.

Monitor events throughout the day and promptly address any operational issues.

2. Guest & Client Relations

Welcome conference organisers, delegates, and VIP guests professionally.

Act as the main point of contact for clients during events.

Ensure client expectations are met and service standards are consistently maintained.

Respond to guest requests, feedback, and complaints promptly and professionally.

Build positive relationships with clients to encourage repeat business.

Supervise conference and event team members during shifts.

Allocate duties, conduct briefings, and ensure team members understand event requirements.

Coordinate with the Kitchen, Food & Beverage, Front Office, Housekeeping, Maintenance, and Sales teams.

Support team training, coaching, and performance development.

Promote teamwork, accountability, and a positive Heartist culture.

4. Food & Beverage Service

Oversee conference catering, including morning and afternoon tea, working lunches, buffets, and beverage service.

Ensure food presentation, service timing, cleanliness, and quality meet hotel standards.

Liaise with the Executive Chef and F&B team regarding dietary requirements and special requests.

Monitor food safety, hygiene, responsible service of alcohol where applicable, and relevant safety procedures.

5. Health, Safety & Compliance

Ensure conference spaces are safe, clean, and ready for use.

Monitor compliance with workplace health and safety requirements and hotel procedures.

Ensure emergency exits, accessways, and evacuation routes remain clear.

Report hazards, incidents, equipment faults, and maintenance issues promptly.

Follow relevant hotel policies and applicable Australian workplace requirements.

Review event function sheets and communicate any changes to the relevant departments.

Monitor staffing, stock usage, wastage, and operational costs.

Ensure event charges, additional services, and client requests are communicated accurately to the appropriate team.

Complete shift handovers, operational reports, and incident documentation as required.

Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, service quality, and revenue.

7. Opening, Closing & Shift Management

Complete conference room inspections before and after events.

Ensure equipment is stored correctly and rooms are reset for subsequent functions.

Check staffing levels, service readiness, and operational supplies.

Communicate outstanding matters and event updates during shift handovers.

Assist with other hotel operations when required.

Qualifications

Previous experience in hotel conferences, banquets, events, or Food & Beverage operations.

Should have Full Working rights in Australia (Sponsorship not available)

Demonstrated leadership and team supervision skills.

Strong customer service and client relationship management abilities.

Excellent communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to manage multiple events and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Knowledge of conference setups, catering operations, and audiovisual requirements.

Understanding of workplace health and safety and food safety practices.

Flexible availability to work weekends, evenings, public holidays, and varied shifts as required.

Additional Information

The Mercure brand is part of the Accor Group. As the global market leader, Accor Hotels offers a worldwide network of hospitality and tourism services, with a diverse portfolio of renowned brands. Just a few of the perks include:

• Ongoing Career and Professional Development Opportunities
• Global Discounts on Hotel Accommodation & Food and Beverage