Hyatt Centric Memphis

We’re seeking a detail-oriented, results-driven Event Planning & Event Sales Manager to join our dynamic team at Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis and Caption by Hyatt. This hybrid role bridges the gap between sales and service, supporting events from initial inquiry to successful execution. The ideal candidate is passionate about hospitality, thrives under pressure, and excels at building lasting relationships with clients and vendors.

Key Responsibilities:

Sales & Client Acquisition:

• Proactively source, sell, and secure local catering business (corporate meetings, weddings, galas, fundraisers, social events).
• Conduct hotel site tours, tastings, custom proposals, and contract negotiations.
• Prospect and develop new client relationships through networking and community involvement.
• Drive event revenue through effective upselling strategies and creative event design.

Planning & Execution:

• Serve as the primary contact for clients from contract turnover through event completion.
• Coordinate all event details including food & beverage, audiovisual, room blocks, event agendas, and billing.
• Guide clients through the planning process with professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail.
• Collaborate with Sales, Revenue, and Operations to maximize group profitability and guest satisfaction.
• Lead pre-event meetings and develop detailed Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and group resumes.
• Be present during key on-site functions to ensure flawless execution and guest satisfaction.

Team & Operations Collaboration:

• Partner with Sales & Events Team and hotel departments (Banquets, Culinary, AV, Rooms, and Finance) to ensure seamless event delivery.
• Understand and manage meeting room configurations, sleeping room inventory, and space optimization.
• Contribute to the hotel’s forecasting, revenue planning, and post-event recap process.

This is an on-site position; remote work is not available.

Qualifications

• • Minimum 2 years of hotel event sales or planning experience required; combination of both strongly preferred.
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in hospitality, event management, or food & beverage.
  • Knowledge of the Memphis event market or similar local market is preferred.
  • Strong contract negotiation skills and experience working with third-party vendors.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to build rapport with diverse clients and stakeholders.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Hyatt sales/event systems (Envision, OPERA, Excel, and similar CRM hotel system etc.).
  • Ability to manage multiple events simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Must be detail-oriented, highly organized, and adept at problem-solving.
  • Professional appearance and confident presentation skills are essential.
  • Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event schedules.
  • Experience with vendors and leveraging business relationships to drive new business and enhanced offerings for clients
  • Participation in local networking organizations that help drive new business
  • Must be experienced in general computer knowledge and programs; heavy usage of Hyatt sales systems and Microsoft products
  • Professional verbal and written communication skills
  • Experience in creative development of marketing concepts, custom proposals and promotional events to increase local event sales
  • Understanding of negotiation and interpretation of contracts
  • Maintain price integrity in food and beverage
  • Responsible for increasing overall revenue per attendee by upselling techniques, value added offerings and other creative methods
  • Experience in data analytics to drive sales success
  • Manage retention, reactivation and acquisition accounts to capture future business
  • Adhere to prospecting standards and goals
  • Present a professional business appearance and confidence
  • Extremely detail oriented, organized and able to handle a fast paced environment
  • Strong time management & multi-tasking skills with the ability to work well under pressure
  • Demonstrate positive leadership characteristics, which inspire employees to exceed standards and expectations
  • Experience in training and guiding a team through the events sales, planning and execution process
  • Have comprehensive knowledge of all operational departments within the hotel; banquets, setup, audio visual, finance, guest services, reservations, housekeeping, restaurants and engineering