Event Manager

We are looking for an Event Manager to join the pre-opening of SLS The Red Sea.

Ennismore, with its luxury brand SLS Hotels, is currently opening a magnificent project in the oasis that is The Red Sea. SLS The Red Sea is planned to open in 2025.

Introducing the newest gem of dazzling luxury to reach The Red Sea project: resort offers 150 luxurious keys, complemented by an impressive array of 7 distinct Food & Beverage outlets and a rejuvenating spa sanctuary. Catering to both adults seeking a getaway and families craving connection and some adventure, this hotel brings a wonderland of extraordinary experiences to The Red Sea, providing an array of amenities and activities tailored for travelers of all ages.

This project is not for the faint at heart.  At Ennismore, we are ambitious, and this project is a perfect example of that.  If you are looking to make your mark as we expand further into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, build an exciting hotel with lots to offer, and curate the team with some of the best and brightest in the lifestyle and luxury hospitality space, this might just be the right fit for you.

Job Purpose:

Under the guidance of the Director of Sales and Marketing, the Special Events Manager is responsible for the establishment of new accounts and maintaining existing relationships with corporate and social accounts while consistently striving to maximize revenue and promote relationships through effective negotiation of services. Assist in maintaining the daily operation of the Special Events Department.

Duties & Functions:

• Must love and support their TEAM!
• Must love and take care of guests!
• Must say “yes” and “thank you” often!
• Represents the resort and conducts conferences with meeting planners by telephone or
   in-person to assist on the planning of programs.   Conducts property tours, and promotes facilities and services. Responds to guest inquiries and negotiates services/ products with guests and vendors.
• Assumes responsibility for the successful set-up and execution of social and corporate meetings, meals and special events. Provides direction and supervision of meeting and/or catering logistics to affected departments and associates.
• Develops proposals, contracts, menus and SEOS, as well as organize all other arrangements as they relate to social and corporate programs.
• Prepares and presents Special Events forecasts and reports as required.
• Responsible to solicit and book non-convention connected Food & Beverage business through solicitation, newspaper leads, knowing the competition & handling assigned inquiry calls & walk ins.
• Handle all meetings and supervision and direction of the staff.
• Audits guest checks and department charges and files to ensure accuracy.
• Supervises staff in creation and distribution of accurate written materials.
• Ensures that contracts, menus, letters and reports are completed per SLS standards and policies.
• Re-book functions and follow-up with guests.
• Compiles Food and Beverage report on events.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned or required.
• Any other reasonable duties as assigned by the supervisor or manager.
• We recognize we are in the hospitality industry and that may require us to provide lateral service.  We will on occasion call for each individual in the team to on a routine basis perform various related tasks as needed in the spirit of providing exceptional guest service.
• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to provide clear direction to the venue teams.
• Communicate with employees using a positive and clear speaking voice, listen to and understand requests, respond with appropriate actions and provide accurate information.
• Remain calm and alert, especially during emergency situations and/or heavy restaurant activity, serving as a role model for team and other employees. Interact with other department personnel and venue staff as needed.
• Make decisions and take actions based on previous experience and good judgment, sometimes revising procedures to accommodate unusual situations.

To be aware of and ensure constant compliance with all necessary operational policies including:

• Health and Safety
• Food Hygiene
• Maintenance
• Emergency Procedures
• Liquor Licensing

SUPPORTIVE FUNCTIONS

In addition to performance of the essential functions, this position may be required to perform a combination of the following supportive functions, with the percentage of time performing each function to be solely determined by the supervisor based upon the particular requirements of the company.

• Attend mandatory meetings including divisional meetings, staff meetings, etc.
• Participate in community events and ensure corporate social responsibility goals of the company are met.
• Utilize traditional software programs such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint), Micros, ADP, Open Table and any departmental specific systems used.
• Keep work area clean and organized.
• Ensure confidential documents are kept in a secured area.
• When disposing confidential documents that contain any personally identifiable information, they must be shredded or pulverized.
• Complete other duties as assigned by the Department Head.
• Demonstrate positive leadership characteristics, which inspire Team Members to meet and exceed standards.
• Ensure compliance with SLS’s policies and procedures.

OTHER DUTIES

• Assimilate into SLS’s culture through understanding, supporting and participating in all SLS elements. Demonstrate working knowledge of the service standards.
• Regular attendance in conformance with the standards, which may be established by SLS from time to time, is essential to the successful performance of this position.
• Due to the cyclical nature of the hospitality industry, employees may be required to work varying schedules to reflect the business needs of the property.

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be required when performing work duties that may have the potential of risk to your health or safety. The restaurant will provide the required PPE. Team members will be trained in the proper use and care of any assigned PPE. It is your responsibility to report defective, damaged or lost PPE, or equipment that does not fit properly, to your Manager.

GROOMING/UNIFORMS

All employees must maintain a neat, clean and well-groomed appearance. Specific uniform guidelines and/or required articles of clothing will be explained to you as a part of the orientation process.

OTHER

Additional language ability preferred.

SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• Minimum three (3) years of management experience in a Leadership role, special events experience, preferably in an upscale or lifestyle brand hotel
• Ability to quickly evaluate alternatives and decide on a plan of action.
• Strong organizational skills including follow up, time management, ability to multi-task and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptionally strong ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing, with guests and employees, some of whom will require high levels of patience, tact, and diplomacy to defuse anger and to collect accurate information and to resolve problems.
• Ability to work under pressure and deal with stressful situations during busy periods.
• Ability to access and accurately input information using a moderately complex computer system.
• Proficient in Windows Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, etc.
• Dynamic, proven leader demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit, innovative thinking, change leadership and focus on coaching and team motivation.
• Must be innovative, organized, efficient and able to prioritize multiple projects while working with a team.
• Must be able to effectively communicate with all levels of an organization.
• Strong work ethic and self-starter who is a team player and comes with a can-do attitude.
• Ability to walk, stand, and/or bend continuously to perform essential job functions.
• Must have comprehensive knowledge of food and beverage, service standards, guest relations and etiquette
• Solid client base and relationships within local community
• Ability to analyze guest needs and negotiate pricing.
• Provide a problem free experience for our clients while providing the highest standards of service without sacrificing quality.
• Return all phone calls on the same day and demonstrate timeliness in getting proposals to client.
• Oversee assigned group functions when they are in house.
• Always maintain a professional image in appearance/attire and conduct when dealing with meeting planner and resort associates.

What's in it for you...

• The opportunity to join an innovative, fast-growing, international group that’s committed to not just building new hotels but building a global brand.
• The chance to challenge the norm and work in an environment that is both creative and rewarding.
• Become part of a team that’s very passionate about creating great hospitality experiences and exploring new locations at every opportunity.
• A competitive package and plenty of opportunity for development.
• Excellent discounts across the entire Ennismore family of brands.

SLS is part of Ennismore, a creative hospitality company rooted in culture and community, with a global collection of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with purpose at their heart. Ennismore is a joint- venture with Accor, formed in 2021.