The Driskill

The Driskill Hotel opened its doors in 1886 as one of the most luxurious Texas hotels in its day. Since opening, the hotel has been an integral part of the fabric in the city of Austin and the State of Texas. The Hotel has a rich history of hosting many high-profile events and weddings. The Driskill joined the Hyatt family of hotels in 2013 and has become a benchmark for the new Unbound Collection by Hyatt.

The Senior Event Sales Manager | Wedding Specialist has a passion for weddings, from developing relationships with couples, understanding their vision, to creatively executing their most important event. This position is responsible for selling, planning, coordinating, and executing weddings, ensuring an exceptional and seamless experience for couples and their guests. This role involves liaising with clients, vendors, and internal departments to create unforgettable wedding events that meet and exceed expectations. This position will oversee the entire wedding planning process, from initial inquiries to the final execution, ensuring the highest standards of service and hospitality.

Key Responsibilities:

Client Relations & Sales:

• Strong sales skills, business acumen, experienced in contract negotiations and closing business.
• Serve as the main point of contact for couples, understanding their vision, preferences, and budget.
• Conduct venue tours, showcasing The Driskill’s historic charm and tailored wedding packages, and close sales with prospective clients
• Collaborate with clients to craft customized wedding experiences that reflect their vision and style.

Wedding Planning & Coordination:

• Plan and coordinate all aspects of the wedding, including venue setup, catering, décor, entertainment, vendors and logistics.
• Develop detailed Event Orders, Resumes, and timelines and be present for pre-event meetings: Menu Reading and Resume Meetings, to ensure flawless execution interdepartmentally.
• Oversee day of coordination with vendor arrival, banquet setup, entertainment, and effectively address any last-minute changes to ensure events uphold the prestige and excellence synonymous with The Driskill name.

Vendor & Supplier Management:

• Collaborate with external vendors, including florists, decorators, photographers, entertainment, and rental companies.
• Build relationships with local vendors – florists, planners, photographers, musicians, etc., to assist with building client’s vision and expectation for each event
• Negotiate contracts and ensure vendors adhere to the hotel's quality expectations.
• Manage delivery schedules and setup requirements with all service providers.

Budgeting & Financial Management:

• Assist clients in managing their wedding budget and providing cost-effective solutions.
• Monitor booking pipelines and revenue targets, providing regular sales reports and forecasts
• Prepare event proposals, itemized pricing estimates, and contracts.
• Manage client’s wedding-related expenses, deposit schedules to ensure payments are processed on time.

Guest Experience & Hospitality:

• Ensure a warm and welcoming experience for the couple and their guests from site visit to event execution.
• Manage guest accommodation bookings, special requests, and VIP arrangements.
• Handle any guest concerns or special needs with professionalism and care.

Marketing & Promotion:

• Work with the sales and marketing team to promote wedding services through social media, brochures, and online platforms.
• Extensive networking skills. Represent The Driskill Hotel at bridal shows, exhibitions, and networking events (up to 5+ times per month, plus 2 industry events per month) to generate qualified leads and build new vendor relationships.
• Stay updated on wedding trends and create innovative packages to attract new clients.

Qualifications

• Minimum two to five years event planning experience required.
• Experience as a Wedding Manager or Event Manager in a luxury hotel or wedding planning company preferred.
• Hotel experience in sales/events required.
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a customer-focused approach.
• Refined written and verbal communication skills required
• Ability to manage high-pressure situations and make quick decisions.
• Creative mindset with an eye for detail and aesthetics.
• Knowledge of wedding customs, traditions, and cultural requirements.
• Proven selling experience in working and meeting/exceeding a quota.
• Understanding of negotiation and interpretation of contracts.
• Knowledge of space set-ups and capabilities, with ability to maximize revenue of event spaces.
• Degree/Diploma in Hospitality Management, Event Planning, or a related field a plus.
• Strong understanding of Microsoft Suite, Word, Excel, required.
• Use of Envision Sales System, a plus