Director of Event Planning

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Event Planning is responsible for leading and overseeing all Event Management functions across the Complex property, including Event Planning, Banquets/Catering, Event Services, Event Technology, and Destination Management. This role ensures seamless execution of events from sales turnover through operational delivery and post-event follow-up while maintaining Marriott brand standards and service excellence.

The Director of Event Planning drives event revenue growth, operational efficiency, guest satisfaction, and employee engagement by developing and executing event strategies aligned with the property's business objectives. The position serves as the key leader responsible for delivering exceptional event experiences, maximizing profitability, and fostering strong partnerships across Sales, Operations, Culinary, and other hotel departments.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

I. Event Planning & Operational Excellence

• Lead and manage all Event Planning and Event Management operations across the property.
• Ensure seamless turnover of business from Sales to Operations and back to Sales through effective communication and execution processes.
• Oversee the planning, coordination, and successful execution of meetings, conferences, conventions, weddings, social events, and catering functions.
• Review and monitor all scheduled events to proactively identify and resolve operational challenges or conflicts.
• Ensure all departments are informed of upcoming groups and events impacting hotel operations.
• Develop and implement event strategies aligned with Marriott brand standards and property objectives.
• Ensure meeting and event spaces, including back-of-house areas, are properly maintained, organized, and operationally ready.
• Lead execution of Marriott brand service initiatives across all event operations.
• Maintain exceptional event quality standards to ensure memorable guest experiences.

II. Event Revenue Management & Business Growth

• Develop and implement strategies to maximize event revenues and profitability.
• Identify opportunities for upselling event services, banquet offerings, audiovisual solutions, and other revenue-generating products.
• Analyze market trends, competitor offerings, pricing strategies, and service innovations to maintain a competitive advantage.
• Collaborate closely with Sales and Revenue Management teams to optimize event business opportunities.
• Establish and maintain strong partnerships with external vendors and service providers to enhance event offerings and profitability.
• Support high-profile and strategically significant events to ensure successful delivery and financial outcomes.
• Monitor event-related financial performance and implement corrective actions when required.

III. Banquet, Catering & Event Services Management

• Oversee all Banquet Operations, Catering Services, Event Services, and Event Technology functions.
• Ensure event setups, service delivery, and breakdown activities are executed efficiently and according to brand standards.
• Partner with Culinary teams to ensure food quality, presentation, and service standards exceed guest expectations.
• Ensure compliance with food handling, sanitation, health, and safety regulations.
• Monitor inventory levels, equipment maintenance, and event resource utilization.
• Ensure operational readiness for all events through effective planning and resource allocation.
• Drive service innovation and operational excellence throughout all event-related departments.

IV. Guest Experience & Service Excellence

• Create an environment focused on delivering exceptional event experiences.
• Meet with clients to understand event objectives, requirements, expectations, and success measures.
• Ensure all events are executed in accordance with agreed event specifications and client expectations.
• Monitor and respond to Event Satisfaction Survey results and guest feedback.
• Develop corrective action plans for service deficiencies and guest concerns.
• Partner with operational teams to ensure a consistent and exceptional service experience throughout the event lifecycle.
• Promote Marriott's service culture and guest-centric approach across all event operations.

V. Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop the Event Planning and Event Management leadership teams.
• Establish clear goals, performance expectations, and service standards for all team members.
• Foster accountability for achieving operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and revenue targets.
• Communicate departmental objectives and strategies to align team efforts with business priorities.
• Identify and develop future leaders through coaching, mentoring, and succession planning.
• Encourage teamwork, collaboration, and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Recognize and reward outstanding performance to strengthen employee engagement and retention.

VI. Financial Management & Budget Control

• Develop and manage departmental budgets and financial plans.
• Monitor labor costs, operating expenses, and event-related expenditures.
• Ensure effective utilization of resources to maximize profitability.
• Review event revenue performance and identify opportunities for financial improvement.
• Implement cost-control measures without compromising guest experience or service quality.
• Support forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting processes.
• Ensure financial decisions align with business objectives and profitability goals.

VII. Human Resources & Talent Management

• Partner with Human Resources to ensure compliance with employment laws, company policies, and Marriott standards.
• Review staffing levels to ensure operational requirements and guest expectations are met.
• Participate in recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management activities.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and development discussions.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and high-performing work environment.
• Support employee engagement initiatives and associate recognition programs.
• Ensure compliance with workplace health, safety, and wellbeing practices.

VIII. Communication & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Build strong working relationships with Sales, Revenue Management, Operations, Culinary, Engineering, Finance, and Human Resources teams.
• Facilitate effective communication through BEO meetings, pre-event briefings, operational reviews, and leadership meetings.
• Ensure event information is communicated accurately and consistently across departments.
• Support implementation of regional and brand initiatives related to events and guest experience.
• Collaborate with leadership teams to achieve overall property business goals.
• Promote continuous communication and operational alignment throughout the event planning and delivery process.

IX. Compliance, Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with Marriott brand standards, policies, and operational procedures.
• Maintain safe event environments for guests, associates, and vendors.
• Ensure emergency procedures and crisis management protocols are understood and implemented when required.
• Monitor compliance with food safety, sanitation, security, and workplace safety regulations.
• Conduct regular operational reviews and implement corrective actions where necessary.
• Maintain documentation, contracts, event records, and operational reports in accordance with company requirements.
• Support audit readiness and ensure event operations meet regulatory and brand compliance standards.

OUR BENEFITS

• Exclusive staff discounts on hotel accommodation and food & beverage across all Marriott International properties for you, your family, and friends.
• Career growth and development through Marriott's global learning and training programs.
• Employment with a globally recognized hospitality brand committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity.
• Duty meals provided.
• Associate transportation provided.
• Prorated unused sick leave paid out at year end.

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Diploma or Degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Hotel Management, Quality Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in Hospitality Operations, Sales & Event Planning, Food & Beverage, Quality Assurance, or a related leadership role.
• Strong understanding of Marriott brand standards, guest satisfaction programs, and operational excellence principles.
• Experience conducting audits, inspections, quality reviews, and compliance assessments.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze operational and guest satisfaction data and translate insights into action plans.
• Strong knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies and quality assurance practices.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects and driving operational change.
• Excellent communication, presentation, coaching, and influencing skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to build strong relationships and work collaboratively across multiple departments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and reporting systems.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced hospitality environment.
• Knowledge of Marriott Guest Voice, Brand Standard Audits, and quality measurement tools is highly desirable.
• Flexibility to work weekends, public holidays, and operational schedules as required.