Event Planning Manager

Assistant General Manager

As part of Sage Hospitality Group, we passionately strive to be the best and create excellence in everything we do. We believe in enriching lives one experience at a time. More than a slogan, we empower our employees to make positive impacts on the communities in which we live and work. By providing genuine service we build relationships with our guests and value for our shareholders, and we create unforgettable experiences.

Nestled in the majestic Rocky Mountains in Estes Park, Colorado, The Stanley Hotel is a landmark of timeless elegance, known for its historic charm, panoramic views, and a legacy that has inspired artists, writers, and adventurers for over a century. From its famed role in American pop culture to its status as a luxury mountain retreat, The Stanley offers guests an unforgettable blend of grandeur and mystery. We're looking for someone who can bring creativity, operational excellence, and a passion for storytelling.

Estes Park is more than a scenic getaway-it's the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, offering year-round outdoor adventure, wildlife encounters, and a vibrant arts and culture scene. Working at The Stanley means embracing the spirit of exploration and hospitality in a setting unlike any other.

At Sage Hospitality Group, we aim to "make the ordinary extraordinary," and The Stanley Hotel is no exception. As Assistant General Manager, you'll shape experiences that reflect the rich history and bold future of this remarkable destination. Join us, and help write the next chapter in The Stanley's enduring legacy.

Job Overview

Primary focus is on executing all aspects of event planning including meetings, reunions, social functions and catering. Event planning includes all aspects of business coordination from the signing of a group contract forward, for example, direct billing requirements, catering, all event details, VIP needs, amenities, group resumes, rooming lists, registration cards, etc. Approximately 75% of overall time. Other key responsibilities include targeting, capturing and coordinating catering sales. Approximately 25% of overall time. Meets and exceeds revenue goals by developing new catering accounts and planning / coordinating all components of group business in a profitable and win-win selling approach. This position primarily handles complex events. Ensures a seamless turnover from sales to service back to sales. Recognizes opportunities to maximize revenue by up-selling and offering enhancements to create outstanding events. Supports and leads the Events team. Serves as the event planner's primary contact (following turnover) on property and is responsible for his / her experience.

Responsibilities

Achieves a minimum of 90% of productivity goals and 100% of activity goals, as established by management.

Coordination of all group business as developed by the sales manager. Contact and appropriately follow-up on all signed / contracted business within 5 working days. Determination and coordination of all event planning needs.

Responsible for effectively communicating with the various departments to ensure that the meeting and related functions are executed to the clients "expectations plus one."

Direct Sales : Targets appointment-oriented sales calls to ensure a successful catering direct sales effort, in accordance with goals established by department budget and marketing plan. Must have own reliable transportation and possess a valid state drivers license in order to make outside sales calls.

Key Account Management : Maximizes current hotel key accounts by identifying and developing those that offer revenue growth.

New Account Development : Captures competitors accounts through networking, research and reader board surveys in order to target and solicit those most probable to generate new business.

Acquires referrals from existing accounts : Follows up on all leads within 48 hours of receipt in an effort to create new business for the hotel and, when appropriate, sends leads to other Sage hotels.

Group retention : Is responsible for rebooking group and applicable catering business through building strong, professional customer relationships and providing consistent outstanding customer service.

Account Service and Management : Maintains well-documented, accurate, organized and up-to-date file management in order to serve client and employer in the most expedient, organized and knowledgeable manner.

Develops customer profiles and maintains as effective trace system including trace dates and references, in order to best meet client needs, resulting in superior account service and increased revenues.

Develops strong customer relationships through appropriate client communication and the use of professional, courteous and ethical interpersonal interaction.

Promptly, the same day or by 10am the next business day, follows-up on all customers needs and inquires in an efficient and expedient manner. Time Management : Focuses on revenue-producing activity and maximizes selling time through retaining accounts / customers, maximizing account yield opportunities and direct sales effectiveness.

Professionalism : Controls expenses on the propertys behalf in order to minimize department and hotel costs. Maximizes return on all investments. Represents themselves and the hotel with the highest level of integrity and professionalism, a service-focused approach and a caring, sincere attitude at all times.

Exhibits a positive and involved team attitude to all hotel departments and maintains open communications with all coworkers for the best overall performance of the hotel. Display a neat, clean and business-like appearance at all times.

Solve problems and / or suggest alternatives to previous arrangements if necessary.

Leads pre-event and post-event meetings for assigned groups.

Identifies operational challenges associated with his / her group and works with the property staff and customer to solve these challenges and / or develop alternative solutions.

Strives to improve service performance.

Sets a positive example for guest relations.

Celebrates successes and publicly recognizes the contributions of team members.

Qualifications

Education / Formal Training

Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent.

Experience

One year minimum hotel sales or catering experience.

Knowledge / Skills

Requires knowledge of general sales techniques.

Yield management experience required.

Requires highly developed customer service skills. Strong follow-up and guest satisfactions skills.

Understand and follow verbal / written instructions.

Work on more than one task at a time.

Develop strong internal and customer relationships.

Set and manage priorities and plan activities in advance.

Solve problems and make sound business decisions.

Respond to coaching, feedback and training.

Must be detailed oriented.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requires ability to hear, speak, read and write English fluently.

Requires 12th grade level mathematics, spelling and reading skills.

Reuires effective verbal communication and business writing skills.

Must have dexterity / mobility to meet clients on and off premises, to tour property and attend functions, to climb stairs, use door keys and operate basic office equipment.

Vision to read fine print and computer screens, to see colors, to observe rooms in poorly lit conditions.

Benefits

Independence Plan - Paid Time Off

Medical, dental, & vision insurance

Health savings and flexible spending accounts

Basic Life and AD&D insurance

Company-paid short-term disability

Paid FMLA leave for up to a period of 12 weeks

Employee Assistance Program

Great discounts on Hotels, Restaurants, and much more.

Eligible to participate in the Employee Referral Bonus Program. Up to $1,000 per referral.

The application period will be open for approximately 30 days or until a suitable candidate is identified. We encourage qualified individuals to submit their applications within this timeframe.

Salary

USD $60,000.00 - USD $70,000.00 / Yr.