Conference & Events Assistant Manager

Sofitel Melbourne On Collins, the ultimate luxury hotel escape in the heart of Melbourne city centre. Combining French elegance and modern luxury, curating dining experiences where our passionate chefs and mixologists delight our guest in a lively culinary experience whilst overlooking the city skyline. As a Hotel for the Arts, Sofitel Melbourne on Collins proudly champions culture and tradition with rotating art exhibitions and is immersed in the city’s thriving arts and entertainment scene.

• 5-star luxury in the heart of the Melbourne's shopping, theatre and business precincts
• 363 rooms with breathtaking views over Melbourne
• Incredibly versatile Conference & Events spaces offering small intimate caterings up to large gatherings of up to 1000 persons
• Exclusive Club Lounge that offers club guests that elevated French joie-de-vivre experience
• Sophisticated modern dining with vibrant contemporary French flair at No35 restaurant
• Unique signature cocktails & refined exclusive ambience at Atrium Bar on 35

We are offering an incredible opportunity to work directly with the Conference & Events Operation Manager with an operational emphasis on Conferencing and Events. This includes guest liaison, supervision of employees, preparation of accounts and managing equipment needs. To support revenue initiatives and maintain cost controls whilst providing total customer satisfaction with all customer contact.  This role is 'hands on', working as part of a team to provide efficient food and beverage service.

• Supervise function room set-ups and servicing to ensure client needs are being met according to specifications of function event orders. 
• Hire equipment based on requirements highlighted on event orders.
• Assist the manager to follow up on queries/concerns received from clients relating to servicing of functions.
• Provide food and drinks service to customers, maximizing every opportunity to increase sales per person.
• Supervise and support all employees including floor managers and assistant floor managers to ensure standards and procedures are observed to provide a consistent, high level of service for all customer contact.
• Establish rosters to meet function needs whilst managing labour costs.
• Communicate with relevant departments of any changes to function requirements which may require action to be taken.
• Prepare accounts to ensure accurate charges are posted on a timely basis.
• Communicate with kitchen on timing of meal requirements and quality of product. 
• Maintain store rooms to ensure tidiness and adequate inventories of glassware, crockery and cutlery.  Ensure strict security procedures are followed.
• Stock ordering according to par levels.
• Ensure all Conference & Events equipment are well maintained & any concerns are logged with Engineering for follow up.
• Work in other Hotel Food and Beverage outlets if required.
• Assist in conducting performance evaluations for all staff.
• Work closely with the Conference Sales Managers and Planners to ensure smooth transitions from sales and planning to operations.
• Work closely with Conference & Events Operation Manager on promotions for the outlet with a view to increasing market share and return business.

• Minimum of 3-4 years’ experience in a Supervisory or Managerial role in Food & Beverage, Conference & Events 
• Self-motivated
• Projects professional image at all times through personal presentation / interpersonal skills.
• Initiates contact and establishes rapport easily
• Organises time and work efficiently
• Appreciates and maintains an effective outlet for stress
• Effective numeracy, verbal and written communication skills.
• Works under pressure without negative impact