Conference Services Manager - Now Hiring

The Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa/Short Pump is currently seeking an experienced, dynamic, detail-oriented Conference Services Manager.

The Conference Services Manager is responsible for the planning and oversight of all meeting space operations in addition to coordinating events and serving the needs of clients at the Hilton Short Pump, which is owned and operated by Shamin Hotels. We are Central Virginia's largest hotel management company. Having tripled in size to 70 hotels over the past ten years, we own and operate hotels under the Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, InterContinental and Choice flags.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package that includes medical, vision, dental, life insurance, short- and long-term disability and a 401k plan. We also offer paid time off, hotel discounts and a fun, friendly place to work. We work hard but have fun doing it and are proud of our commitment to excellence and outstanding guest service.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of two to three years’ experience in hotel catering/Conference Services operations and/or sales is required. 
• An Associate's or Bachelor’s Degree is preferred.
• Knowledge of the Hilton OnQ platform is strongly preferred and strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Delphi would be beneficial. 
• Experience in meeting deadlines and multiple priorities of business demands.
• Basic knowledge of business contracts.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including leading and participating in formal presentations.
• Strong negotiation skills as well as the ability to cultivate leads, build relationships, and close the deal.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Strong desire to deliver excellent customer service.
• Detail oriented.
• Flexibility with scheduling and ability to work some weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities:

• Direct client communication and on-site meetings, touring, planning, presenting menus, pricing and hotel and meeting policies. 
• Represent the hotel to potential customers to promote sales of meetings/conventions and food and beverage services.
• Negotiate contracts with existing and potential customers and vendors. 
• Manage customer services via site visits, board meetings, menu testing, and planning meetings for definite and potential groups.
• Provide direction and supervision of meeting and/or catering logistics to affected departments and team members.
• Manage customer relationships in a proactive manner relative to payment structure, room block management, food and beverage, public room rental and exhibit hall fees, incremental and affiliate revenue streams, performance damages and master billing process.
• Analyze the service and product needs of the customer and the financial issues of in-house groups.
• Prepare and follow-up with VIP guest amenities.
• Authorize appropriate resolution of customer concerns while maintaining profitability.
• Prepare reports including Banquet Event Orders (BEO’s), group resumes, and DELPHI reports and input as instructed, rooming lists, correspondence, and analysis relative to group activity (i.e., activity checklist, call reports, forecast evaluations, menu proposals, written customer correspondence, resume, report of convention, and internal memos or communications).
• Menu up-selling, general client solicitation, and catering sales based on the needs of the hotel.
• Participate in internal and external meetings.
• Communicate daily with banquet, kitchen, and setup service staff.
• Participate in internal and external training.
• Participate in development and measurement of personal and team goals and action plans.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and maintain a drug free work environment. We do background and reference checks on potential employees.