Rydges Resort Hunter Valley Conference & Events Manager

EVT - Entertainment | Ventures | Travel; Abernethy; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Team member discounts

50% off EVT stays

Movie tickets and discounts

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Rydges Resort Hunter Valley, part of EVT, seeks a full-time Conference & Events Manager to lead a dynamic C&E team and deliver five-star service across high-volume events. Reporting to the Food & Beverage leadership team, you’ll drive operations, guest experiences, and budget performance while shaping memorable events in a premier winery region.

This hands-on role requires 4+ years in hospitality or events, strong leadership, and a passion for excellence in service, guest relations, and team

Qualifications

• 4+ years in a senior operations role within F&B or conferences.
• Proven ability to lead large hospitality teams.
• Experience delivering five-star service and guest experiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day C&E operations and team development.
• Coach, mentor, and provide feedback to staff.
• Coordinate event logistics from planning to execution.
• Collaborate across departments to enhance guest satisfaction.
• Monitor staffing and budget alignment to guest volume and revenue.

Skills

Senior operations

Hospitality leadership

Event management

People management

Job description

Rydges Resort Hunter Valley is part of EVT, and being a part of EVT means believing in changing the game. Why? Because no one wants ordinary. If you're seeking to be part of the kind of wow-factor moments you can help shape, then you've come to the right place.

About EVT:

As market-leading experience creators, we bring to life some of the best-known brands and properties in entertainment, ventures, and travel. Our portfolio includes over 140 entertainment experiences like Event Cinemas and Moonlight Cinemas, 150 award-winning restaurants and bars, and 80+ hotels, including QT, Rydges, Atura, LyLo, Independent Collection by EVT and Thredbo. Our ventures include a ~$2.3B property portfolio and hotel management, just to name a few.

About Rydges Hotels and Resorts:

Proudly Australian & New Zealand owned, Rydges Hotels & Resorts provides a diverse range of elevated city, suburban, and resort-style hotels. From classic charm to sophisticated style, our properties have every detail considered to deliver a refreshingly local experience with exceptional comforts catering to all guests. Join our team of local heroes dedicated to enhancing every guest’s stay.

Located in the heart of Australia’s premier wine region, situated across an enormous slice of pristine countryside. Rydges Resort Hunter Valley is a vibrant 419-room resort and an all-encompassing destination for leisure, conferences, and unforgettable events. As home to the award-winning Hunter Valley Conference and Events Centre, we offer an expansive range of event spaces - from intimate boardrooms for 10 to grand celebrations for over 1,100 guests. Whether it's a corporate gathering, elegant gala, or poolside cocktail party, our diverse venues and state-of-the-art facilities are designed to impress. With a dedicated events team, exceptional local cuisine, and immersive wine and food experiences, we bring every occasion to life with flair.

2025 & 2026 Hunter Valley Legends Awards

Hunter Valley Accommodation Operator of the Year

2025 & 2026 Accommodation Australia NSW Awards for Excellence Winner

Best Health & Wellbeing Practices

About the Role:

We’re currently seeking a full-time Conference & Events Manager - a hands-on, energetic leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and knows how to deliver five-star service with a smile.

Reporting directly to the Director and Assistant Director of Food & Beverage, this full-time role is ideal for someone with a strong background in hospitality or events, a passion for creating memorable guest experiences, and the confidence to lead from the front.

As an integral member of the Food & Beverage leadership team, this role will be responsible for the strategic direction and leading the successful operations of our Conference & Events team.

This is a role suited to a hands-on person with a can-do attitude, keen eye for detail and an ability to lead, develop and motivate a large team. Experience in a similar management role in operations is preferred, while a love for hospitality and a passion for providing excellent service to our guests is a must! The successful candidate will have the availability to work when across both day and evening shifts, including weekends.

If you’ve got a big personality, love a challenge, and are ready to take the next step in your hospitality career, we’d love to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the Conference & Events (C&E) department, assigning tasks, overseeing event execution, and setting performance and development goals for team members.
• Provide regular coaching, mentoring, and feedback to support performance improvement and conflict resolution.
• Ensure all team members are trained in accordance with hotel standards, service expectations, and relevant regulations.
• Equip the team with the necessary tools, resources, and knowledge to deliver seamless service.
• Foster strong communication and collaboration across departments to drive exceptional guest experiences.
• Maintain optimal staffing levels in line with business demands and guest volume.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with guests, vendors, and other external stakeholders.
• Design and implement structured onboarding and training programs for new team members and supervisors.
• Manage staffing actions including performance reviews, recognition, and disciplinary processes in alignment with hotel policies.
• Proactively engage with guests to share information about hotel services, loyalty programs, local attractions, and events.
• Conduct site inspections and host potential clients to showcase the resort’s event capabilities.
• Collaborate with clients during the planning phase to recommend room configurations, event flows, menus, décor, AV, and more, ensuring productive and impactful events.
• Coordinate all event logistics including room setups, staging, lighting, audiovisual, guest flow, catering, accommodation blocks, transport, billing, and VIP services.
• Hold daily meetings with planners to review event details, address billing queries, and ensure client satisfaction.
• Conduct pre- and post-event briefings with clients and internal teams to drive continuous improvement.
• Review and act on guest feedback and satisfaction surveys to enhance future service delivery.
• Prepare and manage departmental forecasts, operational plans, and productivity reports.
• Assist with the development of the department’s annual budget and financial objectives.
• Monitor budgets, drive upselling opportunities, and minimise waste to improve revenue performance.

Skills & Experience:

• Minimum 4 years’ experience in a senior operations role within Food & Beverage or Conference & Events.
• Proven track record in high-volume, fast-paced environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate large operational hospitality teams.

Benefits & Perks:

• Incredible team member discounts from your first day on-the-job.
• 50% off stays at EVT hotels – Rydges, QT, Atura, Lylo and more.
• $2 movie tickets, plus Moonlight, Gold Class, Candy Bar discounts and more.
• Awesome winter and summer savings and discounts at Thredbo.
• Rapidcareer growth opportunities through our EVT network.
• Local community involvement, volunteering and charitable giving.
• Australia and NZ’s largest and most diverse experiences company

Join Rydges Resort Hunter Valley and become an EVT experience creator, opportunity taker, the ultimate Daymaker. Join and make a positive impact on our people, communities, and environment every day.