Events Manager

Company Description

Raffles London at The OWO on London’s Whitehall unites the allure and heritage of Raffles with one of the world’s most historic addresses, synonymous with luxury, glamour, and extraordinary adventure. This fine Grade II* listed Edwardian building has been transformed with 120 rooms and suites along with a collection of 85 exceptional branded residences. Within The OWO destination, there are a total of nine restaurants and three bars, including one by our signature chef Mauro Colagreco. The Guerlain spa and Pillar Wellness offer the latest in wellbeing, and a 600 seated-capacity grand ballroom, The Whitehall, is perfect for all kinds of special occasions and events.

Job Description

Scope Of Position

To sell and plan all manner of social and corporate events at Raffles London and to deliver exceptional service whilst doing so. To be actively involved in ensuring that the Raffles London events offering is consistently best-in-class, and that it evolves to encompass the best of industry trends and continues to delight our guests. To develop new business and to contribute to projects to strengthen the positioning of the events department as required.

Responsibilities

• To sell and plan events, including taking initial enquiries, preparing proposals, sending contracts, negotiating pricing, preparing event orders, planning and executing events to the highest level and in-line with Raffles London standards.
• To be present at the event, to provide a smooth link for the client to the operations team and to support in the seamless running of the event for the client.
• To follow up post event gaining client feedback with care and attention and ensuring that billing is accurate and timely.
• To build up a portfolio of regular clients and to encourage repeat business.
• To develop new social events business and to take proactive action to do so.
• To conduct site visits and entertain guests, agents and bookers.
• To accurately forecast all events and to prepare forecast reports if required.
• To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of event trends and think innovatively to create and offer new and exciting event experiences at Raffles London.
• Additional responsibilities in absence of line manager or senior employee.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned including working in a different department or restaurant than usually assigned.

Leadership

• Ensuring composure under pressure and providing leadership and guidance to the Team when required.
• Actively encouraging and promoting employees to be creative and innovative, whilst recognising them for their contributions to the success of the operation.

Health and Safety

• Ensure that all potential and real hazards are reported immediately and rectified.
• Be fully conversant with all departmental Fire, Emergency and Bomb procedures.
• Ensure the safety of the persons and the property of all within the premises, by strict adherence to existing laws, statutes and applicable ordinances, and by anticipating possible and probable hazards and conditions and either correcting them or pre-planning a defence against them.
• Stimulate and encourage a general awareness of Health and Safety in relation to all tasks and activities undertaken in the department.

Qualifications

Essential

• Recent experience in event management in a similar role.
• Strong understanding of revenue management and guidelines to maximise event profit.
• Market knowledge of competitors and event industry trends.
• A proven track record and ability to provide high levels of service under pressure.
• Exceptional communication and customer service skills, both written and spoken.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to multi-task while maintaining an immaculate and professional appearance.
• An understanding and willingness to contribute to a 24h operational schedule when required.

Desirable

• Knowledge of Delphi fdc, salesforce and Opera PMS.
• Previous experience within a luxury hotel environment working with LQA, Forbes 5* or equivalent standards.

Additional Information

Why join our Raffles team? Not only will you be joining one of the world’s best hotels, you will also receive great benefits including:

• 28 days holiday including bank holidays plus a day extra for every year of your service up to 5 years (35 Days).
• Staff meals whilst on duty.
• Free dry cleaning for uniform.
• Employer pension contribution of 3%.
• Enhanced sick pay.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.
• Life Assurance 1x salary.
• Employee assistance program, including virtual GP and financial advice.
• Season ticket loans and cycle to work scheme.
• Colleague gifting to celebrate special occasions.
• Paid days off to move house or give back time to a charity of your choice.
• Internal learning and development programmes tailored to you.
• Fun-filled events, whether that’s a pub quiz, team run or festive party.
• Employee benefit card offering discounted rates of up to 30% at Accor worldwide and Raffles London F&B outlets.
• Worldwide development opportunities across Accor’s extensive brand portfolio.

What are the Raffles Values?

• Respect: We value the needs, ideas and individuality of others; we treat everyone with fairness and dignity.
• Belonging: We celebrate our differences. We support each other and we always stand together.
• Integrity: We build trust through mutual respect and being authentic.
• Empowerment: We have the authority to take initiative and anticipate moments to create unforgettable experiences.
• Excellence: We make genuine connections, and we cherish every opportunity to make the people around us feel special.