Meeting and Events Operations Manager

About the role

Raffles London at The OWO, a Grade II* listed Edwardian building on Whitehall with 120 rooms and suites, 85 branded residences, nine restaurants, three bars and a 600-seat ballroom, is looking for a Meeting and Events Operations Manager. The post carries full responsibility for the day-to-day running of events operations during each service period, reporting to the Director of Events Operations.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate events in the meeting rooms so that guest expectations are exceeded and issues are handled quickly and efficiently.
• Ensure event setup and service meet guest expectations, leading pre-service team briefings and working closely with events planners, sales teams and clients on changes and special requests.
• Maintain high levels of guest communication, preparation and delivery across the events department, and act as first point of contact for clients when needed.
• Keep operating equipment in good working order, monitor staffing levels and ensure staff have supplies, equipment and uniforms.
• Liaise with Planning and Sales on floor plans and banquet event orders, promote sales awareness and cover for the line manager or senior staff when absent.
• Provide leadership under pressure, encourage creativity and innovation among staff, and ensure health and safety hazards are reported and fixed.
• Know fire, emergency and bomb procedures and promote a general awareness of health and safety.

Required profile

• A full understanding of event function sheets and the ability to plan team tasks according to client requirements.
• A proven track record of delivering high levels of service under pressure.
• Excellent written and spoken communication and customer service skills.
• Strong time management and multitasking ability, with a professional appearance.
• Willingness to contribute to a 24-hour operational schedule when required.
• Desirable: previous experience in a luxury hotel environment to LQA, Forbes 5* or equivalent standards.

Required skills

• Fully conversant with Microsoft Office.
• Event function sheets and banquet event orders.

What we offer

• 28 days holiday including bank holidays, plus an extra day for every year of service up to 5 years.
• Staff meals while on duty and free dry cleaning for uniforms.
• Employer pension contribution of 3%, enhanced sick pay and enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.
• Life assurance of 1x salary, employee assistance programme, season ticket loans and cycle to work scheme.
• Employee benefit card with discounts of up to 30% at Accor worldwide and Raffles London F&B outlets.
• Internal learning and development programmes, fun events and worldwide development opportunities.

Candidates apply online; shortly after applying they receive an email from the recruitment partner asking them to complete a questionnaire, which is a mandatory step for consideration.