Director of Operations - Conference Centre

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.

By joining us, you will become a Heartist®, because hospitality is, first and foremost, a work of heart.​

You will join a caring environment and a team where you can be all you are. You will be in a supportive place to grow, to fulfil yourself, to discover other professions and to pursue career opportunities, in your hotel or in other hospitality environments, in your country or anywhere in the world!​

You will enjoy exclusive benefits, specific to the sector and beyond, as well as strong recognition for your daily commitment.​

Everything you will do with us, regardless of your profession, will offer a deep sense of meaning, to create lasting, memorable and impactful experiences for your customers, for your colleagues and for the planet.

Hospitality is a work of heart,​
Join us and become a Heartist®.

The main purpose of this role is to plan and direct all processes of the Conference Centre & Hotel meeting facilities to ensure luxury service is provided and revenue target is achieved while maintaining a positive work environment for all Heartists. Sofitel values have to be applied in all aspects of the operations.

This is the largest single ballroom facility in the hotel in the KSA that can hold 3,000 to 4,000 people under one room pillarless ballroom. Ideal candidate will Supervises a large number of team members in the banqueting department. May oversee one or more subordinate assistant managers or supervisors.

What will you be doing:

• Participate in the preparation of the annual outlet operating budget and financial plans. Monitor budget and control expenses with a focus on food, beverage, and labor costs.
• In partnership with the GM Convention Center & Director of Catering Sales, identify additional sales opportunities to enhance revenue. Drive promotions that deliver great dining experiences for guests at a good value.
• Ensure all credit and financial transactions are handled in a secure manner via random spot checks in the operation.
• Ensure all banqueting equipment is in proper operational condition and are cleaned on a regular basis as per established standards and cleaning rosters.
• Establish and achieve quality and guest satisfaction goals. Respond in a courteous and prompt manner to all guest questions, complaints and/or requests to ensure a high level of guest satisfaction.
• Interacts with Kitchen and Stewarding departments to ensure that the operation runs smoothly.
• Oversees that SOP manual is being used as necessary and that staff are trained accordingly.
• Communicates with the Banqueting Chef on a daily basis regarding menus and special requests for guests.
• Has a thorough knowledge of all Hotel & Convention facilities and is able to answer guest questions in a quick, polite and helpful manner.
• Coordinate with the Director of Tales & Culture to maintain responsible and effective recruitment, training and development, certification, performance evaluation, turnover reduction and optimization of productivity through efficient work practices and staff rostering.
• Analyze and respond to guest feedback, guest satisfaction and employee satisfaction information; and give a positive commitment to continuous improvement of product and performance.
• Monitor day-to-day staffing requirements and provide mentoring, coaching and regular feedback to help manage conflict and improve team member performance.
• Educate and train all team members in compliance with local laws and safety regulations. Ensure staff is properly trained on quality and service standards, has the necessary tools and equipment, and is empowered to carry out job duties.
• Ensure that teams are confident and familiar with all information regarding the events, meetings, conference centre menu’s and attached Hotel and facilities.
• Responsible for conducting effective departmental meetings on a regular basis and communicates information of importance to the team.
• Attends regular BEO & Sales meetings to obtain and share information.
• Coordinate with Director of Culinary & Cost Control to conduct scheduled food and beverage inventory procedures. Maintain minimum and maximum stocks for all food, beverage, material, and equipment.
• Ensure the security and proper storage of food and beverage products, inventory and equipment, and replenish supplies in a timely and efficient manner.
• Ensure all food and beverage items served to guests are of the highest standard, and presentation is as per established standards.
• Coordinate with Catering Sales team to schedule daily business forecast review.
• To participate in the formulation of the Annual Operating Budget in determining Convention & Banquet areas projected revenues and expenses, operating equipment and FF&E requirements in line with the compilation of the Annual Business Plan.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• 10-15 years of Banquet & Convention Center management experience is required.
• Large Banquet experience preferred with 3,000+ Pax capacity.
• Experience in a 5-star luxury hotel company is must.
• Saudi market experience preferred.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in Arabic & English, particularly to deal effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work as part of a diverse team.
• Maintains high confidentiality, guest privacy and any related hotel matters.
• Able to work rotational shifts in any day of the week, late evening & holidays as per business needs.

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