Senior Functions & Events Lead – Hands-On Hospitality

Panton Hill Hotel; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Panton Hill Hotel, located in Melbourne, is seeking an experienced Functions & Events Manager to own every stage from enquiry through delivery. You will lead event planning, coordinate menus and decor, and work closely with kitchen and bar teams to ensure seamless execution.

The role requires hands-on involvement with clients, suppliers, and staff, with a focus on delivering exceptional experiences across private functions and celebrations in a lively hospitality venue.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in functions, events or hospitality management.
• Strong food & beverage knowledge, including confidence working behind a busy bar.
• Excellent communication skills, both with clients and internal teams.
• Exceptional organisation, attention to detail and time management.
• The ability to manage multiple bookings and competing priorities.
• A practical, hands-on approach and willingness to lead by example.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Confidence using booking systems, email and general administration software.
• A current Victorian RSA.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends when functions require it.

Responsibilities

• Manage the complete function process, from initial enquiry and site inspection through to event completion and follow‑up.
• Act as the primary point of contact for clients, providing clear communication and a professional, welcoming experience.
• Prepare function proposals, packages, quotations and booking confirmations.
• Coordinate menus, beverage packages, floor plans, timings, decorations and special requirements.
• Maintain accurate event bookings, function sheets, deposits and final payments.
• Identify opportunities to convert enquiries into confirmed bookings and grow our functions business.
• On‑site event delivery: take ownership of function preparation, room setup, presentation and event execution.
• Coordinate with kitchen, bar and front‑of‑house teams to ensure everyone understands the event requirements.
• Lead and support staff during functions, ensuring professional and attentive service.
• Confidently assist with bar service, food service and general floor operations when required.
• Anticipate potential issues, adapt to changing circumstances and resolve problems calmly.
• Ensure functions run to schedule and guests enjoy a seamless experience from arrival to departure.
• Organisation & team communication: prepare clear function run sheets and communicate event requirements well in advance.
• Coordinate staffing requirements with venue management.
• Maintain an organised calendar of upcoming functions, bookings and key deadlines.
• Work closely with the management and kitchen teams to ensure functions are properly planned and resourced.
• Maintain high standards of presentation, cleanliness, safety and customer service.
• Review event feedback and continuously improve the function experience.

Skills

Functions & events management

Food & beverage knowledge

Communication skills

Organisation

Time management

Multitasking

Leadership by example

Problem solving

Booking systems

Victorian RSA

Evenings & weekends flexibility

Job description

Panton Hill Hotel, located in Melbourne, is seeking an experienced Functions & Events Manager to own every stage from enquiry through delivery. You will lead event planning, coordinate menus and decor, and work closely with kitchen and bar teams to ensure seamless execution.

The role requires hands-on involvement with clients, suppliers, and staff, with a focus on delivering exceptional experiences across private functions and celebrations in a lively hospitality venue.