the Nines, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Portland is seeking a Conference Service Manager to join their renowned team. The perfect candidate is passionate about service and creating indigenous experiences for each guest! Poised in the heart of the city center, within the walls of the stately Meier & Frank Building one of Portland's most beloved landmarks, the Nines honors the structure’s storied past, both in its striking decor and impeccable service. Individualistic design traits celebrate the surroundings of one of finest LEED Silver-certified hotels in Portland, providing the opportunity to truly experience the region's unique character.

As part of Sage Hospitality, we passionately strive to be the best and create excellence in everything we do. We are known amongst our staff, our owners, our guests and our communities as leaders in our field who are authentic, humble, innovative and flexible operators driven to anticipate needs and exceed expectations.

Plan, organize and manage the details for large group and convention bookings (e.g. Guest rooms, menus, meeting room sets, etc.) Participate in negotiating meetings/functions, rooms and all related requirements. Ensure maximization of room and meeting space, revenues, and profits while delivering the highest level of customer service. Focus on execution of all aspects of pre-planning, during and post-event requirements including coordination from the signing of a group contract forward, VIP needs, amenities, group resumes, and rooming lists.

• Responsible for the management and planning of meetings/conventions and related activities. EXPERIENCE WITH PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAMS IS A PLUS!
• Attends Banquet Event Order (BEO), staff meetings and perform as a team leader for all hotel department staff participating in the event delivery process.
• Achieve 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.
• Maintain well documented, accurate, organized and up to date file management in order to serve client and the employer in the most expedient, organized and knowledgeable manner.
• Develop customer profiles and maintain an effective, organized system to adhere to key deadlines, event management process and procedure resulting in superior service and increased revenues.
• Develops strong customer relationships through appropriate client communication and the use of professional, courteous and ethical interpersonal interaction.
• Follow up on all client needs and inquiries in an efficient and expedient manner.
• Focuses on revenue-generating activities and maximizes up-selling opportunities for all programs
• Full detailing of events and programs with the client including verification and modification of space requirements, audio-visual, times, equipment, menus, themes/decorations, billing, guest room requirements, etc. Prepare the appropriate resumes and paperwork to ensure quality service.
• Manage function details and related activities to ensure that program requirements are satisfied. Anticipate and handle customer complaints and/or problems to ensure quality product delivery, customer satisfaction and repeat business.
• Oversee all billing details for each assigned group to include scheduled deposits, direct bill applications are completed, credit card authorizations are completed and financial estimates are being monitored on an on-going basis, in coordination with accounting.
• Improve hotel convention services' products through; (a) participate in the development of new sales tools and systems, (b) participate in the analysis of the strengths and weakness of our competitions product, and (c) analysis, understanding, and satisfaction of our customers’ needs.
• Monitor and control individual client event budgets and details to maximize revenues and minimize expenses while ensuring delivery of a quality product.
• Attend and lead pre-conference meetings as needed. Coordinate the pre-con between the client and hotel staff and review the details of the BEO with all parties.
• Close out all groups to include final review of invoices and billing per assigned group and in close working coordination with accounting.

One to two full years of employment in a related position with this company or other organization(s).

• Requires a working knowledge of banquet/catering food and beverage services, policies or operations.
• Requires knowledge of computer equipment.
• Requires compiling facts and figures in accordance with established procedures.
• Supervisory skills needed.
• Communication skills required to provide information and associated services to hotel management and guests.
• Excellent hearing necessary for verbal interaction with guests and associates.
• Excellent vision necessary to view set-ups.
• Excellent speech communication skills required for verbal interaction with guests and associates.

• Lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying tables, chairs, boxes (50 lb. maximum) occasionally.
• Bending/kneeling required for taping down cords, skirting tables, picking up floor after function occasionally.
• Mobility - ability to service clients on a moment notice, variable distances.
• Continuous standing required for function observation, client site inspections (one hour minimum to four hours maximum). Climbing stairs of approximately 55 steps 3-5% of 10 hours daily.