GROUPS & EVENTS MANAGER

Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como aims to become one of the most exclusive resorts in Europe, representing the true elegant Italian but understated luxury experience for a worldwide clientele. Our vision is to promote our welcoming, genuine and passionate culture to attract and engage exceptional talents, under the guidance of enthusiastic leaders. Our aim is to get the best out of each individual and being recognized as an employer of choice among the most exclusive hotels in the world. Duties and responsibilities: Strategic Events Planning & Development: Assisting in the formulation and execution of sales strategies to drive room and catering revenue. Directing the Groups and Events Sales team to ensure targets are met and exceeded, fostering a high-performance culture ensuring our team act as entrepreneurs within their areas. Growing existing business and finding new revenue streams and partnerships. Handling and overseeing all Group and Event enquiries, ensuring the team are proposing, following up, contracting and carrying out site inspections to achieve high levels of conversion. Effectively managing a portfolio of key assigned accounts through planned sales activity, maximizing account potential in terms of rate, room-nights and/or events in accordance with overall sales strategies. Focusing on the growth and continued production of existing assigned Group and Event Accounts, both domestic and international, and developing new Group and Event Accounts that are suitable to the pricing strategy of the hotel. Fostering excellent collaboration and communication with operational departments (Event Operations, Kitchen, Front of House). Being accountable for creating and implementing the resort's long-term events strategy, aligning with the overall business goals and positioning in the ultra-luxury market. Working in partnership with the Sales and Marketing teams to identify key business opportunities that drive event bookings, including exclusive weddings, corporate retreats, fashion shows, product launches, and high-profile social gatherings. Leading market research and competitive analysis to continuously innovate and tailor event offerings that appeal to ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), A-list celebrities, and global corporate leaders. Developing a comprehensive calendar of signature events, ensuring that each event reflects the unique selling points of the resort. Owning the client relationship lifecycle, from initial inquiry to post-event follow-up, ensuring high-touch, personalized service at each stage. Serving as the primary point of contact for VIP clients, providing concierge-level support and anticipating their needs to ensure flawless execution of every detail. Working closely with wedding planners, corporate event organizers, and luxury event agencies to build partnerships that drive repeat business. Maintaining an extensive database of high-profile clientele, ensuring that tailored communications, offers, and services are delivered to these guests before, during, and after events. Operational Oversight & Events Execution: Leading the planning, coordination, and execution of all resort-hosted events, ensuring a flawless and seamless experience across all touchpoints. Overseeing multi-departmental coordination for large-scale events, ensuring full collaboration between Food & Beverage, Housekeeping, Guest Services, Security, and external vendors. Creating detailed event briefs, timelines, and contingency plans, ensuring that every event aspect adheres to the highest standards of luxury service. Holding full accountability for risk management during events, ensuring that all health, safety, and legal requirements are met while safeguarding the resort’s reputation. Financial Performance & Revenue Management: Being accountable for the financial performance of the Events department, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting on all event-related revenue streams. Developing and managing annual departmental budgets in collaboration with the finance team, focusing on cost control without compromising service standards. Implementing strategies to optimize revenue by upselling premium services, negotiating contracts with clients and vendors, and ensuring the profitability of each event. Overseeing vendor negotiations and ensuring that all contracts, from entertainment to catering, reflect the luxury brand standards while also being financially favorable to the resort. Leadership & Team Development: Leading, mentoring, and developing the Events team, ensuring that they have the skills, training, and support to consistently deliver exceptional results. Directly managing the performance and productivity of event planners, coordinators, and support staff, conducting regular performance reviews and setting clear objectives aligned with the resort’s business goals. Fostering a culture of creativity, professionalism, and collaboration within the department, ensuring the team continuously innovates and exceeds guest expectations. Ensuring that staffing levels are optimized to meet operational needs, managing the team schedules during high and low seasons to ensure efficiency and service excellence. Luxury Guest Experience Management: Ensuring that all events align with the resort's ultra-luxury brand standards, from concept to execution, maintaining impeccable attention to detail and exceptional guest service. Being accountable for post-event feedback collection and analysis, using guest insights to improve service delivery and client satisfaction in future events. Creating exclusive, tailored experiences that showcase the resort’s premium amenities, natural surroundings, and world-class facilities, ensuring each event is a unique, high-end experience. Vendor and Partner’s Relationship Management: Establishing and maintaining relationships with top-tier luxury vendors, such as designers, caterers, entertainers, and florists, ensuring access to exclusive, high-quality services. Negotiating contracts and partnerships, holding full accountability for ensuring favorable terms for both the resort and the client while upholding the resort's luxury image. Regularly reviewing vendor performance, ensuring that all services provided align with the resort’s brand and guest expectations. Brand & Marketing Collaboration: Working closely with the Marketing team to promote the resort’s event capabilities, ensuring consistent branding across all promotional materials, including brochures, social media, and the resort’s website. Collaborating on PR and marketing initiatives, such as hosting influencer events, media launches, and collaborations with high-end luxury brands to increase visibility and prestige. Driving event PR opportunities by leveraging signature events and high-profile clientele to further the resort's image as a leader in the luxury market. Innovation and Trend Analysis: Monitoring global event trends, particularly within the ultra-luxury segment, to ensure the resort remains at the forefront of innovation and guest experience. Introducing cutting-edge technology, décor trends, and entertainment concepts that elevate the resort’s events above industry standards. Ensuring that event spaces and setups are refreshed regularly to maintain an upscale, modern aesthetic that appeals to discerning clients. Sustainability and Social Responsibility: Incorporating sustainable practices into event planning, ensuring that the resort meets eco-friendly standards without compromising on luxury. Leading corporate social responsibility initiatives through events, aligning with luxury industry trends that favor sustainability, philanthropy, and community engagement. Requirements: 4-5 years prior experience in similar positions. Strong knowledge of Excel and Office pack. Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences. #J-18808-Ljbffr