Director of Event Sales & Services

Fairmont; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted hotel rooms

Discounted F&B rates

Training & development programs

Growth opportunities

Health benefits

401(k) eligibility

Cell phone stipend

Dry cleaning for business attire

Job summary

Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles seeks a Director of Event Sales & Services to lead the Event Sales department and coordinate across departments to meet client needs and exceed expectations.

You will oversee catering arrangements from booking to execution, forecast and budget with the Director of Sales and Marketing, and drive new revenue through strategic events while ensuring top-tier guest experiences and adherence to Fairmont standards.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in luxury hospitality sales.
• Experience in managing high-end events and client relationships.
• Strong communication and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Event Sales team and conduct performance reviews.
• Oversee catering from booking to execution and floor plan creation.
• Forecast, budget, and collaborate with Sales & Marketing for plans.
• Develop annual business/marketing plan for the department.
• Negotiate pricing and contracts; secure bookings and post-event follow-up.

Skills

Senior sales leadership

Luxury hotel market knowledge

Opera Cloud knowledge

Microsoft Windows

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Reliability

Fast-paced adaptability

Tools

Opera Cloud

Microsoft Windows

Job description

At Fairmont, our passion is to connect our guests to the very best of our destinations. From the beaches of Hawaii to the deserts of the United Arab Emirates to the heart of London, our hotels offer guests extraordinary places, created by combining unique architecture, expressive decor and artistry, and magnificent features. Add engaging service, and the result is an unforgettable guest experience.

Job Description

Director of Event Sales & Services

As Director of Event Sales and Services, you are an ambassador for our exceptional offerings of Fairmont Century Plaza. You will lead the Event Sales department and liaise between multiple departments to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of your clients.

What you will be doing:

• Consistently offer professional, friendly and engaging service
• Responsible for the oversight of all catering event arrangements, from booking to execution
• Organize catering bookings from date of booking to departure, including meeting requirements, food & beverage and audio visual
• To work closely with the Director of Sales and Marketing to prepare monthly forecasts and budgeting
• Lead the Event Sales team and conduct performance Reviews
• Actively prospect new and existing accounts to meet/exceed revenue goals through telephone solicitation, outside sales calls, site inspections, entertainment, and written communication
• Active in local community/social events and industry meetings
• To develop the annual business and marketing plan for the department in conjunction with the Director of Sales and Marketing.
• Work with other sales personnel to generate new business
• Establish and maintain rapport with current clients, prior to, during and post event, encouraging repeat business
• Responsible for negotiating pricing, and drawing-up and securing contracts
• To ensure Health and Safety standards are complied with at all times, in addition to company “Green” initiatives.
• Oversee the creation of floor plans for each event to ensure banquets and clients are in agreement prior to set up
• Conduct site inspections as required
• Conduct daily meeting to review event contracts and ensure last minute changes are communicated with appropriate departments
• Manage VIP visits for hotel.
• Support a work environment reflective of Fairmont’s value.
• Lead new revenue generation strategies within Event Sales with the support of the Director of Sales and Marketing.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Your experience and skills include:

• Previous senior sales leadership experience within a similar role required
• Previous luxury hotel/resort experience in a major US market preferred with knowledge of local market preferred
• Familiar with and knowledge of Opera Cloud is a plus
• Computer literate in Microsoft Window applications required
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal required
• Strong interpersonal and problem solving abilities
• Highly responsible & reliable
• Ability to interact with and focus attention on guest needs, remaining calm and courteous at all times
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment, meet short deadlines and multi-task

Additional Information

What is in it for you:

• Salary Range: $130,000 - $175,000 USD
• Discounted hotel rooms and food & beverage rates to employees at our sister properties around the globe.
• We provide learning programs through our Academies to promote growth and development so that you can perform at your full potential
• Opportunity to develop your talent and grow within your property and across the world!
• Ability to make a difference through our Corporate Social Responsibility activities, like Planet 21 and WATCH
• Competitive Health Benefit Package within 30 days of employment
• 401(k)/Roth IRA Eligibility after 60 days of employment
• Cell Phone Usage Reimbursement
• Complimentary Dry Cleaning Services for business attire

Your team and working environment:

What was true in 1966 remains true to this day: The Century Plaza Hotel is part of a visionary development intent on doing what others could only imagine. Previously deemed the “Western White House,” (as the only venue outside the White House to host state dinners), Century Plaza’s place in history remains unshakeable. A modernized take on luxury and elevated guest experience from product to people enlivens the real wow factor.

This experience begins with a new kind of workplace, one where the energy is contagious, the stories are invigorating, and the challenges present inspiring opportunities to make your mark. We provide an environment of trust, respect, and integrity. A home away from home. Where diversity and inclusion are celebrated. Privacy and personal information are protected. Through Accor’s Employee Value Proposition, we ensure fair treatment and a workplace free from discrimination & harassment.

Visa Requirements:Must provide proof of eligibility to be employed in the United States of America.
Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:
We are an inclusive company and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent. We commit to a future where diverse identities are celebrated, and equitable and inclusive practices are woven into the fabric of everything we do as an organization.

Fairmont Century Plaza is an Equal Opportunity Employer EEO M/F/V/D
Why work for Accor?
We are far more than a worldwide leader. We welcome you as you are and you can find a job and brand that matches your personality. We support you to grow and learn every day, making sure that work brings purpose to your life, so that during your journey with us, you can continue to explore Accor’s limitless possibilities.
By joining Accor, every chapter of your story is yours to write and together we can imagine tomorrow's hospitality. Discover the life that awaits you at Accor, visithttps://careers.accor.com/

Do what you love, care for the world, dare to challenge the status quo!#BELIMITLESS