Catering & Conference Services (CCS) Manager

Sofitel Riyadh Hotel & Convention Center: A Symphony of French Elegance and Saudi Arabian Warmth
The Sofitel Riyadh is dedicated to providing a five-star experience characterized by luxury, elegance, and impeccable service. The hotel's commitment to personalized attention ensures that each guest's stay is not just comfortable but memorable. Blending urban sophistication with refined opulence, the Sofitel Riyadh creates an atmosphere where every detail is thoughtfully curated to offer a unique and unforgettable experience.

The Catering & Conference Services (CCS) Manager at Sofitel Riyadh will be responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and execution of all catering and conference events held at the hotel. This includes managing a large event space with a capacity of 3,000 people and various smaller meeting rooms. The CCS Manager will play a key role in creating luxurious, tailored experiences for clients, ensuring the seamless execution of both large-scale events and

intimate meetings. As part of the pre-opening team, you will help establish Sofitel Riyadh as a premier venue for conferences, corporate events, and luxury social gatherings.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Event Planning & Coordination:

· Manage and coordinate all aspects of catering and conference services, including corporate events, conferences, banquets, social functions, and weddings, ranging from small meetings to large-scale events of up to 3,000 attendees.

· Work closely with clients to understand their needs and develop event plans that meet their expectations, ensuring all logistics, catering services, and event design are executed flawlessly.

· Customize event details, including menu selections, room setup, audiovisual requirements, and special requests to ensure a unique and tailored guest experience.

2. Client Relationship Management:

· Serve as the primary point of contact for clients from the initial inquiry through post-event follow-up, ensuring clear communication and addressing any questions or concerns that arise during the planning process.

· Develop and maintain strong relationships with corporate clients, event planners, and social clients, enhancing customer loyalty and repeat business.

· Lead site visits and walkthroughs for clients, showcasing the event spaces and discussing their specific needs.

3. Pre-Opening Responsibilities:

· Assist in pre-opening activities, including building a client database, marketing the event spaces, and promoting Sofitel Riyadh’s facilities to prospective clients.

· Develop and implement operational procedures for catering and event services, ensuring smooth workflows and efficient service once the hotel opens.

· Collaborate with the Director of Catering & Events to set up pricing strategies, service standards, and team training for catering and conference operations.

4. Event Space Utilization:

· Oversee the layout and utilization of the hotel’s event spaces, ensuring that both the 3,000-capacity venue and smaller meeting rooms are used efficiently and effectively based on client needs.

· Maximize revenue opportunities by upselling additional services, such as premium F&B offerings, specialized audiovisual setups, and luxury event design elements.

5. Team Coordination:

· Lead and coordinate with internal teams, including F&B, banquet operations, audiovisual, and housekeeping, to ensure seamless event execution and high service standards.

· Monitor event setup, execution, and breakdown, ensuring all operations run smoothly and the client’s expectations are met or exceeded.

· Provide training and mentorship to junior event coordinators and banquet staff, ensuring they are well-prepared to deliver top-tier service.

6. Budgeting & Financial Management:

· Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring that all aspects of the event align with client financial requirements while optimizing profitability for the hotel.

· Monitor costs, track financial performance, and ensure all billing and invoicing are handled accurately and on time.

7. Client Satisfaction & Post-Event Follow-Up:

· Conduct post-event debriefs with clients to assess satisfaction, gather feedback, and address any issues that may have arisen.

· Continuously improve the service offering based on client feedback, industry trends, and competitive benchmarks.

8. Compliance & Safety:

· Ensure that all events comply with local regulations, health and safety standards, and Sofitel’s internal policies.

· Work closely with the security team to develop emergency procedures for large-scale events and ensure that all safety protocols are followed.

9. Innovation & Industry Trends:

· Stay informed of the latest trends in event planning, catering, and conference services, incorporating innovative ideas to enhance the guest experience and differentiate Sofitel Riyadh from competitors.

· Develop creative solutions for event design, menu offerings, and overall guest experience, ensuring that Sofitel Riyadh remains at the forefront of luxury event venues in the region.

· Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in catering and conference services management, with a proven track record of handling both large-scale events (1,000+ attendees) and smaller, more intimate meetings in a luxury hotel or venue setting.

· Education: Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Event Management, Business Administration, or a related field.

· Skills:

o Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple departments.

o Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with a focus on client satisfaction and relationship-building.

o Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills, capable of managing multiple events simultaneously.

o Proficiency in event management software, CRM tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.

· Language Skills: Fluent in English; proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable.

· Personal Traits: A dynamic, results-driven individual with a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences. Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced, pre-opening environment.