Conference & Banqueting Manager

The Grace; Westport; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Grace Westport Estate in Westport, County Mayo, Ireland, seeks a Conference & Banqueting Manager to oversee meetings, events, weddings, and banquets, ensuring premium guest experiences and profitable operations aligned with brand standards.

Lead a team of banqueting and conference staff, collaborate with sales, kitchen, and front desk, and manage budgets and safety compliance for all events.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in events or banqueting management, ideally in a luxury hotel or resort.
• Strong planning, communication, and guest service skills.
• Ability to manage high-profile events with poise and precision.
• Knowledge of event software and POS systems.
• First aid and health & safety training certifications preferred.
• Eligibility to work in Ireland.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the setup, service, and breakdown of all conference, meeting, and banqueting functions.
• Ensure operational readiness, attention to detail, and luxury presentation for all events.
• Active part in sales and promotion of event spaces; collaborate with sales teams.
• Lead and manage the banqueting and conference operations team; deliver training.
• Coordinate with event planners and clients to exceed expectations.
• Monitor budgets, labour costs, and vendor relations for events.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, fire, and alcohol service regulations.

Skills

Event management

Budgeting

Team leadership

Client relations

Operations planning

Sales collaboration

Health & safety

Tools

Event software

POS systems

Job description

Now Hiring at The Grace

The Grace | Where Excellence meets Opportunity

Westport, County Mayo | Full-Time

At the heart of Westport Estate's luxury hospitality offering is The Grace, Westport Estate, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, providing a distinctive luxury proposition for domestic and international guests.

Job Summary:

The Conference & Banqueting Manager oversees the planning, execution, and service delivery of all meetings, events, weddings, and banquets hosted at the hotel. This includes ensuring premium guest experiences, flawless coordination, and profitable operations that align with The Grace Westport Estate brand standards.

Principle Responsibilities

Event Operations Management

• Supervise the setup, service, and breakdown of all conference, meeting, and banqueting functions.
• Ensure operational readiness, attention to detail, and luxury presentation for all events.
• Active part in sales and promotion of event spaces, part of sales team hand in gloves in generating sales
• Collaborate with event planners and clients to ensure expectations are exceeded.

Team Leadership & Training

• Lead and manage the banqueting and conference operations team, including supervisors, porters, and waitstaff.
• Deliver training on service standards, event protocols, and guest interaction.
• Create rosters and manage labour costs while maintaining service quality.

Client & Guest Experience

• Act as the main operational point of contact for event clients and VIPs during functions.
• Coordinate with sales, kitchen, front office, housekeeping, and security teams for seamless event delivery.
• Handle client feedback and service recovery with professionalism and discretion.

Financial Oversight & Cost Control

• Monitor and manage operational budgets, event labour, and departmental P&L.
• Track event-specific revenue, beverage sales, and upselling performance.
• Oversee inventory, linen, and equipment usage across all event spaces.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with local health and safety regulations, fire codes, and alcohol service laws.
• Conduct regular inspections and lead incident response protocols during events.
• Maintain accurate records of staff certifications, equipment checks, and SOP compliance.

This job description is not intended to be either prescriptive or exhaustive, it is issued as a framework to outline main areas of responsibility at the time of writing.

Required Experience & Skills

• Minimum 5 years' experience in events or banqueting management, ideally in a luxury hotel or resort.
• Strong planning, communication, and guest service skills.
• Ability to manage high-profile events with poise and precision.
• Knowledge of event software and POS systems.
• First aid and health & safety training certifications preferred.
• Eligibility to work in Ireland.

The Grace Westport Estate is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create and maintain a diverse workforce where everyone is respected and included.