Groups Events Manager at Sun International

Job Purpose

• The Groups & Events Manager is accountable and responsible for the effective day to day management  and delivery of the Groups & Events team in the end-to-end planning, management and delivery of Groups and events for the business unit, including the conferencing customer experience and relationship management, with the ultimate objectives of acquiring and developing the conferencing business for the property to meet financial and revenue targets; in line with Sun standards and legislative requirements.
• The successful candidate must be prepared to perform similar functions in alternative outlets due to operational requirements

Key Performance Areas

Deliver Groups & Events Business Plan

• Develop events and conferencing objectives and deliverables in line with Unit strategy
• Compile and update the events calendar and roadmap for the business unit
• Facilitate the communication and implementation of events and conferencing deliverables for the outlet
• Conduct risk analyses i.t.o impact on short term profit margins
• Provide clear delegation of authority and accountability for deliverables
• Collaborate with the Banqueting to complete a competitor analysis of events and conferencing facilities in property catchment areas including pricing comparisons
• Conduct product performance analyses / reviews and make recommendations to address opportunities and gaps
• Provide product rationalization on a regular basis or as required
• Motivate new product enhancements
• Communicate plans relative to promotions and strategies to relevant staff and stakeholders within the unit
• Align plans with EE, SD and procurement transformation strategies which contribute towards BBBEE targets being achieved for the property

Groups & Events Product Management

• Attends pre-conference meetings when required for large scale events
• Acts as the primary contact for all Groups & Conferencing bookings
• Provides client with relevant solutions / options and pricing for conferencing that are innovative and in line with industry trends
• Document and confirm function set-up and requirements
• Allocates event files to staff, communicating requirements and standards to staff
• Oversee the set-up of venues and catering requirements in line with client requirements
• Manage and advise all stakeholders of any amendments to function requirements
• Is present at major functions to ensure execution is in line with client requirements
• Monitor service standards during the function and identify and resolve any areas of concern
• Conducts post-mortem on events and makes recommendations for improvements
• Compile action plans for the implementation of approved projects
• Measure ROI and performance on a regular basis.

Groups & Events Standards & Governance

• Monitor standards and processes
• Align practices with new legislative compliance around health, hygiene, safety and the environment
• Implement sufficient control measures (including systems and processes) & checks for the various conferencing rooms and facilities to mitigate any financial risk to the business
• Work with internal stakeholders (maintenance, finance, HR, and security) to identify risk areas and address these.

People Management

• Manage staff conditions of employment, e.g., attendance, absenteeism, leave, adherence to policies and procedures
• Manage productivities and payroll costs for the outlet
• Identification of employee training needs
• Perform on the job training and coaching to close developmental gaps and build succession for a talent pipeline within the outlet
• Manage employee relations within the department
• Staff communication and motivation
• Performance contracting, reviews and development
• Provides resources and removes obstacles to performance
• Recruit and resource for talent for positions within the department
• Onboarding of new staff members

Budget management

• Participate in the preparation of budget forecasts
• Consolidate Capex requirements for specific outlets
• Customer Relationship Management
• Ensures that guests are always treated with courtesy and respect
• Interact with guests and provide professional service standards and solutions
• Handle any escalated complaints, disputes and suggestions as required
• Engage with customers and provide a customer experience within the outlet / on the floor that will support brand loyalty ensuring SI as the brand of choice
• Conduct staff training on product knowledge / promotions (including promotion information, functions, facilities, etc.)
• Provide post-mortem feedback to ensure these are always relevant and effective 

Job Requirements

Education

• 3 Year Hotel School Diploma or equivalent National Qualification at a Diploma 

Experience

• 3-4 years in the events co-ordination / conferencing industry  Managerial experience / managing of teams 

Skills and Knowledge

• Ability to work shifts that meet operational requirements
• Physically able to move operating equipment
• Events Planning & Co-ordination
• Events Management
• Strong English Verbal & Written Communication skills
• Business Acumen
• Networking skills
• Financial acumen
• Emotional resilience and ability to handle pressure
• Proficient Computer Skills (MS Office / Opera)
• Professionalism
• Banqueting / Conferencing set-ups
• Micros / Opera is preferred
• Selling skills
• Presentable
• Assertiveness
• Problem Solving
• Motivating others / gaining co-operation
• Decision-making
• Training; coaching; keeping abreast of new developments in field
• Analyzing / Diagnosing performance of the outlet / product performance