Assistant Director of Event Operations

Why work for Fairmont?

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.

Assistant Director of Event Operations

You represent Fairmont Century Plaza with enthusiasm and pride, providing exceptional service and attention for each guest you encounter. You are energetic and confident, and will encourage your teammates to achieve and be positive. You are entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring the best possible experience for your guests at all times, and to assist the Director of Event Operations in ensuring Events services exceed Accor and Fairmont Century Plaza standards. You are responsible for elevating guest experience and Heartist satisfaction. You also oversee the Events team and the daily floor operation as it relates to events. You must be flexible with the type of work needed to be done as well as hours worked including, but not limited to, mornings, nights, weekends and holidays. It is a position centered around guests’ needs.

What you will be doing:

• To develop and enhance Fairmont service standards through disciplined administration of departmental Standard Operating Procedures and excellent attention to detail
• To enhance the leadership skills of the event leadership team. This includes the development of decision-making skills, performance management techniques, function planning ability, process mapping and analysis, and sense of urgency and ownership.
• Ensure effective working relationships and clear communication are maintained with all Heartists and leaders in the Event Department
• Work closely with Catering and Conference Service team to execute on client needs, expectations, and timelines
• Attend regular meetings to discuss Banquet Event Orders and event forecasts
• Ensure all functions make a positive visual impact and unforgettable guest experience; including ambiance, décor and service delivery
• Focus on guest satisfaction scores (Voice of the Guest / Meeting Planner) in all duties and interactions
• Attend pre-conference meetings with clients to confirm all relevant details are communicated
• Assume responsibility for all banquet facilities, including cleanliness, repair and maintenance, reporting any deficiencies as required
• Oversees all Events staff including housepersons, bartenders, servers, and captains
• Works with Heartist schedules to optimize productivity and coverage: ensuring actual coverage meets guest service standards and business demand
• Manages labor in conjunction with Collective Bargaining Agreement guidelines, optimizing productivity and coverage
• Reviews all information pertinent to events, ensuring accuracy in form and execution
• Runs the floor and multiple events simultaneously

Your experience and skills include:

• Well developed and rounded general management skills with an emphasis in Food and Beverage operations management
• Previous Events Operations (Banquets) experience with a minimum of 5 years as an Events/Banquet Manager; must have Union Property experience
• A demonstrated ability to delegate tasks to team members and facilitate their completion
• Efficient and effective operational skills
• Strong cross functional team player
• Responsive, with a sense of urgency
• Consistent follow through
• Possesses a focus on guest service
• Strong food and wine knowledge
• Makes business decisions based on Event Orders, available information, experience and collaborative input
• Works tactfully, courteously and seamlessly with the general public, customers and Heartists
• Performs a variety of activities; able to change activities frequently and sometimes without advance notice
• Analyzes and interprets established policies
• Makes business decisions based on Event Orders, available information, experience and collaborative input
• Works tactfully, courteously and seamlessly with the general public, customers, Heartists and union officials
• Accepts full responsibility for directing and managing an activity

What is in it for you:

• Salary Range: $100,000 - $110,000 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

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, visit  https://careers.accor.com/

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