Director of Events Planning & Operations

Job description

START YOUR JOURNEY WITH US

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai welcomes you to the heart of the city's lively downtown district with modern luxury and award-winning service. Soaring above Sheikh Zayed Road, our bustling and dynamic 5-star hotel is one of the tallest in the world, consisting of two towers with 1608 rooms and boasts awe-inspiring views of the water and Dubai cityscape. Enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool or a workout in the fitness center before easing tired muscles with a massage at Saray Spa. Sample the flavors of the world at our 10 restaurants and lounges, which offer Japanese, Italian, Indian and Thai cuisine. For those planning an event in downtown Dubai, UAE our hotel offers 80,000 square feet of adaptable space, including a striking ballroom and outdoor venues. Explore, Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and Dubai Opera which are all minutes away.

LOVE WHAT YOU DO EVEN MORE

At JW Marriott®, treating guests exceptionally starts with the way we treat our associates. Because we believe it takes people who genuinely love what they do to create a truly extraordinary experience. 

Here at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, we are looking for talented individuals, to join our amazing family and in return we are able to offer you the following: 

·  An amazing career opportunity to not just work with us but open opportunities worldwide with our extensive portfolio of hotels. 
·  Learning opportunities with some of the best professionals the region has to offer.
·  We aim to promote our associates within as soon as the opportunity arises, so we hope to see you progress your career in line with our training and promotion schedule. 
·  A competitive salary with excellent benefits which include accommodation, meals on duty, Transportation, and:
·  World class training and development, including leadership development.
·  Recognition programs.
·  Discounted accommodation in over 8,000 hotels all over the world. Yes, 8,000!
·  Discounted food & drink in all our restaurants and bars.
·  Discounts for your friends and family.
·  Unlimited career opportunities (Internationally and locally)
·  Medical and Life insurance
·  Amazing support to ensure you have all the tools you require to complete your day-to-day tasks. 

OUR EXPECTATIONS FROM THE ROLE:

Functions as the strategic business leader of Event Management, including the departments of Event Planning, Group Housing, Banquet operation and Outside Catering. Position oversees the development and implementation of departmental strategies and ensures implementation of the brand service strategy and brand initiatives. The position has overall responsibility for executing all hotel events with a seamless turnover from sales to operations and back to sales. Ensures the team meets the brand’s target customer needs, ensures associate satisfaction, focuses on growing event revenues and maximizes the financial performance of the department.

SCOPE / BUSINESS CONTEXT

·  A Full Time position based at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai.
·  Number of Direct Reports – 16-20 – Events Planning | 32 – 60 – Banquet Operations 
·  Titles of Direct Reports –Dir. of Outside Catering, Asst. Dir. of Outside Catering, Asst. Dir. Of Event Management, Event Planning Manager, Event Planning Executive, Event Planning Coordinator, Event Billing Executive, Event Billing Coordinator, Group Housing Manager, Group Housing Executive, Group Housing Coordinator, Asst. Dir. Of Banquet Operations, Banquet Manager, Asst. Banquet Manager, Banquet Supervisor, Banquet Captain, JW Event Concierge, Bartenders, Event Service Experts 

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Experience:

·  More than 5 years of Events Operations or Planning Experience at Conference Hotel or Resort
·  More than 5 years of Experience Managing Others

Skills and Knowledge

·  Reading Comprehension  - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
·  Writing  - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
·  Oral Comprehension  - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
·  Customer and Personal Service  - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes   customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
·  Basic Computer Skills  - Using basic computer hardware and software (e.g., personal computers, word processing software, Internet   browsers, etc.).
·  Operating Procedures  - Knowledge of Standard and Local Operating Procedures (SOPs and LSOPs) that apply to job.
·  Analytical/Critical Thinking  - The ability to gather and organize information using a logical and systematic process; recognize patterns and   relationships in complex data; examine data to identify implications, problems and draw appropriate conclusions; generate alternative solutions to problems; evaluate strengths, weaknesses and consequences of alternative solutions and approaches to solving problems.
·  Economics and Accounting  - Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, P&L statements, operating budgets,   forecasting and scheduling, and the reporting of financial data.
·  Management of Financial Resources  - Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
·  Administration and Management  - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation,   human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
·  Number Facility  - The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
·  Originality  - The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about products, services or situations, or to develop creative ways to solve a   problem.
·  Applied Business Knowledge  -   Understanding market dynamics, enterprise level objectives and important aspects of Marriott’s business to   accurately diagnose strengths and weaknesses, anticipate opportunities and risks, identify issues, and develop strategies and plans. Aligning individual and team actions with strategies and plans to drive business results.
·  Mathematics  - Using mathematics to solve problems.
·  Personnel and Human Resources  - Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training and development,   compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

Education or Certification

·  High school diploma or GED; 4 years’ experience in the event management, food and beverage, sales and marketing, or related professional area.

OR

·  2-year degree from an accredited university in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, or related major; 2 years’ experience in the event management, food and beverage, sales and marketing, or related professional area.

 

CORE WORK ACTIVITIES

The following are specific responsibilities and contributions critical to the successful performance of the position:

·  Develops an Event Planning, Banquet operations and Outside Catering strategy that is aligned with the brand’s business strategy and leads its execution.
·  Ensures that regular, ongoing communication is happening in all areas of event operations (e.g., BEO meetings, pre-event briefings, staff meetings, food and beverage team, culinary team).
·  Communicates a clear and consistent message regarding departmental goals to produce desired results.
·  Identifies key drivers of business success and keeps team focused on the critical few to achieve results.
·  Ensures integration of departmental goals in game plans.
·  Ensures brand and regional business initiatives are implemented and communicates follow-up actions to team as necessary.
·  Researches and analyzes new products, pricing and services of competition.
·  Introduces ideas to leadership team to enable property to remain competitive.
·  Works with direct reports to review scheduled events and troubleshoot potential challenges/conflicts.
·  Encourages calculated risk-taking to generate incremental revenue and deliver excellent guest service.
·  Ensures the hotel is appraised of all groups that will impact hotel operations.
·  Works directly with major groups when high profile and financial impact will be significant (limited instances).
·  Oversees event planning team (BEO/Resume writers).
·  Develops working relationships with outside vendors and establishes prices and service agreements to enhance the event experience and to increase additional revenue opportunities for the hotel.
·  Ensures meeting space and corresponding heart of the house areas are cleaned and maintained.
·  Ensures furniture and equipment is maintained and inventory levels are kept in accordance to corporate guidelines.
·  Creates an atmosphere in all event management operations areas that meets or exceeds guest expectations.
·  Works with culinary team to ensure compliance with food handling and sanitation standards.

 In joining Marriott Hotels, you join a portfolio of brands with Marriott International.  Be where you can do your best work,  begin your purpose,  belong to an amazing global team, and  become the best version of you.

Marriott International is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people-first culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law.

Marriott Hotels strive to elevate the art of hospitality, innovating at every opportunity while keeping the comfort of the oh-so-familiar all around the globe. As a host with Marriott Hotels, you will help keep the promise of “Wonderful Hospitality. Always.” by delivering thoughtful, heartfelt, forward-thinking service that upholds and builds upon this living legacy. With the name that’s synonymous with hospitality the world over, we are proud to welcome you to explore a career with Marriott Hotels. In joining Marriott Hotels, you join a portfolio of brands with Marriott International. Be where you can do your best work, begin your purpose, belong to an amazing global team, and become the best version of you.

JW Marriott is part of Marriott International's luxury portfolio and consists of more than 100 beautiful properties in gateway cities and distinctive resort locations around the world. JW believes our associates come first. Because if you’re happy, our guests will be happy. JW Marriott associates are confident, innovative, genuine, intuitive, and carry on the legacy of the brand’s namesake and company founder, J.Willard Marriott. Our hotels offer a work experience unlike any other, where you’ll be part of a community and enjoy true camaraderie with a diverse group of co-workers. JW creates opportunities for training, development, recognition and most importantly, a place where you can pursue your passions in a luxury environment with a focus on holistic well-being. Treating guests exceptionally starts with the way we take care of our associates. That’s The JW Treatment™. In joining JW Marriott, you join a portfolio of brands with Marriott International. Be where you can do your best work,​ begin  your purpose,  belong  to an amazing global​ team, and  become  the best version of you.