Assistant Director, Event Operations

Experience the magic of working at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, a timeless Vancouver landmark known as the ‘Castle in the City’. With its majestic chateau-style architecture, copper green roof, and historic gargoyles, this stunning hotel has been captivating visitors since 1939. Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver on prestigious Georgia Street, the hotel is surrounded by a dynamic arts scene, vibrant shopping, exciting nightlife, and world-class dining. Join our cherished team, and be part of an unforgettable hospitality experience. You’ll help create lasting memories for our guests in a setting that’s as exceptional as you are! 

Assistant Director, Event Operations

At Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, extraordinary events are not simply hosted—they are meticulously orchestrated. For more than 85 years, as the place where important happens, our iconic hotel has set the stage for defining moments, landmark celebrations, and world-class experiences.

We are seeking an accomplished Assistant Director of Event Operations to provide strategic, hands-on leadership to a diverse team of 100+ colleagues and leaders, delivering complex, high-profile events with precision, pride, and purpose—while upholding Fairmont’s legacy of five-star excellence.

What Is in It for You

• An inclusive, empowering company culture where people are at the heart of everything we do
• The opportunity to work alongside passionate hospitality professionals committed to making the world a more welcoming place
• Competitive annual compensation of $75,000, with salary reviews conducted annually based on performance, demonstrated capabilities, and market conditions.
• Complimentary meals during your shift through our Colleague Dining Program
• Complimentary dry-cleaning of business attire
• Exclusive access to the Pacific Northwest Food & Beverage Discount Program, with 50% off at our dining destinations in Vancouver, Victoria, and Whistler
• Travel reimbursement program for a TransLink monthly pass
• Extensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance for those meeting eligibility requirements
• Company-matched pension plan and the option to enroll in the Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan
• 10 days of paid vacation annually, increasing with service, along with 12 statutory holidays and paid birthday leave
• Complimentary hotel stay for newly hired colleagues, including breakfast for two through our BE OUR GUEST program
• Colleague benefit card offering discounted room and F&B rates at Accor properties worldwide
• The opportunity to work in a luxury hotel environment within a Vancouver heritage building, dating back to 1939
• Learning programs designed to sharpen your skills
• Opportunities to contribute through Corporate Social Responsibility activities

What You Will Be Doing

• Provide operational leadership to Event Operations, delivering flawlessly executed events aligned with Fairmont’s five-star service standards
• Set the tone for exceptional guest experiences by anticipating needs, resolving concerns with empathy, and ensuring clear communication and follow-through
• Inspire, coach, and develop Event Operations Colleagues through meaningful feedback, performance reviews, recognition, and incentive initiatives
• Oversee the seamless communication, execution, and accurate billing of events, ensuring delivery consistently meets or exceeds guest expectations
• Partner closely with the Event Sales & Service teams to achieve shared service, quality, and revenue goals
• Lead consistent team communication through structured briefings and leadership meetings
• In partnership with the Director of Event Operations, assist with departmental budgeting and forecasting, balancing fiscal discipline with service excellence
• Drive long-term operational strategy for Event Operations in partnership with the Director of Event Operations, aligning people, process, and performance with hotel and brand priorities
• Establish, implement, and continuously refine policies, procedures, and standards to elevate quality, colleague engagement, and cost efficiency
• Ensure optimal staffing and scheduling in alignment with labour agreements, productivity targets, and business demands
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performance culture through proactive colleague engagement, one-on-ones, and ongoing support
• Actively represent Event Operations in recognition, health & safety, and sustainability initiatives
• Champion health, safety, and sanitation standards, promoting a safe workplace and leading investigations and return-to-work programs as required
• Lead special projects and initiatives as assigned

What We're Looking For

• Minimum 3 years of progressive banquet or event operations leadership experience within a luxury, unionized, or large-scale hospitality environment
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage large-scale events of up to 1,500 guests
• A polished, service-driven leadership style with exceptional communication skills
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving capabilities
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships across departments and with key stakeholders
• A collaborative leader who inspires strong team culture and consistently drives high performance
• Experience working within a unionized environment is an asset
• Serving It Right certification required
• Flexibility to work varied schedules including evenings, weekends, holidays, and early mornings

Physical Requirements

This role maintains a visible leadership presence within event spaces and requires the following physical capabilities:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Capacity to lift and carry up to 30 lbs
• Frequent bending, kneeling, pushing, pulling, and stair use

Visa Requirements:
Must be legally eligible to work in Canada. The hotel is unable to assist candidates in obtaining Canadian work authorization.

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:
We are an inclusive company and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent.

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, visit  https://careers.accor.com

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