Director of Weddings & Social Events

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 Director of Weddings & Social Events at Sofitel Riyadh will be responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of weddings, social events, and celebrations at the hotel. This role will focus on creating luxurious, memorable experiences for clients, from the planning stages through the flawless execution of their events. As part of the pre-opening team, the Director will play a vital role in establishing Sofitel Riyadh as a premier venue for weddings and high-end social gatherings, ensuring that every event reflects the brand's commitment to elegance and exceptional service.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Weddings & Social Events Strategy:

o Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for weddings and social events at Sofitel Riyadh, targeting luxury clients and high-profile social functions such as galas, private parties, and milestone celebrations.

o Work closely with the Director of Catering & Events to align the wedding and social event strategy with the hotel’s overall sales and marketing goals.

2. Client Relationship Management:

o Serve as the main point of contact for clients planning weddings and social events, building strong, lasting relationships through personalized service and attention to detail.

o Conduct site visits and consultations with clients to understand their vision, themes, and preferences, offering expert advice on venue setup, décor, menus, entertainment, and other details to create bespoke, memorable experiences.

o Ensure continuous communication with clients throughout the planning and execution process, addressing their needs and concerns promptly and professionally.

3. Event Planning & Coordination:

o Lead the planning and execution of all weddings and social events, coordinating with clients and internal teams (catering, banquet, audiovisual, housekeeping, and guest services) to ensure seamless execution.

o Customize each event based on the client’s preferences, offering tailored solutions for F&B, décor, entertainment, and other aspects of the event.

o Manage timelines, event logistics, and budgets to ensure successful delivery, from the initial inquiry to post-event follow-up.

4. Pre-opening Responsibilities:

o As part of the pre-opening team, contribute to the marketing of the hotel’s wedding and social event spaces, helping to build a strong pipeline of bookings before the hotel opens.

o Develop SOPs for the weddings and social events department, set up operational systems, and work on pricing and service packages that reflect Sofitel Riyadh’s positioning as a luxury event destination.

o Establish partnerships with local vendors, wedding planners, florists, decorators, photographers, and entertainment providers to enhance the hotel’s wedding and event offerings.

5. Team Leadership & Coordination:

o Lead and train a dedicated team of event managers, coordinators, and banquet staff, ensuring they deliver personalized and professional service at every stage of the event.

o Collaborate closely with other departments such as F&B, housekeeping, and security to ensure smooth event operations and address any challenges that arise.

o Provide mentorship and guidance to junior staff, ensuring that they uphold Sofitel’s high standards for luxury service and guest satisfaction.

6. Vendor Management:

o Build and maintain strong relationships with external vendors such as florists, event designers, photographers, entertainment agencies, and more, to deliver high-quality, customized events.

o Ensure that vendor services align with Sofitel’s standards of luxury, reliability, and professionalism, and manage contracts and negotiations where necessary.

7. Budgeting & Financial Oversight:

o Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring that all weddings and social events remain profitable for the hotel while providing exceptional value to clients.

o Work closely with the sales team to maximize revenue opportunities, including upselling premium services such as signature culinary experiences, luxury décor options, and exclusive entertainment packages.

o Track and analyze financial performance for all weddings and social events, ensuring that revenue goals are met and expenses are controlled.

8. Post-Event Follow-Up & Client Feedback:

o Conduct post-event evaluations with clients to gather feedback, ensuring that client expectations were met or exceeded.

o Use feedback to continuously improve the service offerings for weddings and social events and to enhance the guest experience at Sofitel Riyadh.

9. Innovation & Trends:

o Stay informed about the latest trends in weddings and social event planning, ensuring that Sofitel Riyadh remains at the forefront of the luxury event market.

o Continuously innovate and introduce new concepts for weddings, themed parties, and social events to attract discerning clientele and differentiate Sofitel from competitors.

o Implement creative and unique touches that align with Sofitel’s reputation for elegance, luxury, and French-inspired hospitality.

10. Compliance & Safety:

o Ensure that all weddings and social events adhere to local regulations, health and safety standards, and Sofitel’s internal policies.

o Work with security and operations teams to ensure that all safety protocols are in place for large gatherings, especially for high-profile social events and weddings.

· Experience: Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in wedding and social event planning in a luxury hotel or event venue, with a proven track record of handling high-end, large-scale weddings and social gatherings.

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

· Skills:

o Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with high-profile clients, wedding planners, and vendors.

o Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, capable of managing multiple events simultaneously while delivering exceptional results.

o Leadership experience, with the ability to train and inspire a team to deliver world-class service.

o Expertise in budgeting, negotiation, and revenue management related to luxury events.

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

· Language Skills: Fluent in English; proficiency in Arabic is an advantage.

· Personal Traits: A creative, dynamic, and results-oriented professional with a passion for luxury weddings and social events. Ability to work under pressure and in a fast-paced

pre-opening environment, with a commitment to delivering extraordinary guest experiences.