Groups and Events Assistant Manager for W Costa Navarino Dunes

Costa Navarino is in Messinia in the southwest Peloponnese, in one of the most unspoiled and breathtaking landscapes in the Mediterranean. It is currently home to four 5-star deluxe hotels, The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort and The Westin Resort at Navarino Dunes, W-Costa Navarino at Navarino Waterfront and Mandarin Oriental at Navarino Bay.

In the coming years, more upscale branded hotels will be added to our portfolio, both in Messinia and Athens, including the re-launch of the former Athens Hilton.

Navarino Dunes Costa Navarino facilities include 766-bedroom units award winning Anazoe Spa, a 4,000m2 spa & thalassotherapy center, four multi-awarded, signature golf courses, over 20 fine dining venues, 5,000 m2 House of Events and a wide range of sports, such as the “Mouratoglou Tennis Center”, Bayern Munich football academy, Navarino Outdoor and many more.

Groups and Events Assistant Manager for W Costa Navarino Dunes will be responsible for preparing all event documentation and coordinating with Sales, property departments and customers to ensure consistent, high level service throughout pre-event, event and post-event phases of property events. This position primarily handles groups and events of average complexity. Ensures their property events have a seamless turnover from sales to service back to sales. Recognize opportunities to maximize revenue opportunities by up-selling and offering enhancements to create outstanding events and unforgettable memories for the guests.

Core Work Activities :

Managing Event Logistics and Operations

• Ensure that events progress seamlessly by following procedures, collaborating with other employees, and ensuring accuracy.
• Greets customers during the event phase and creates a trustable relationship during the execution of details.
• Adhere to all standards, policies, and procedures.
• Ensures billing accuracy and conducts bill reviews with the client prior to processing the final bill.
• Manages group room block and meeting spaces for average to large-sized assigned groups.
• Identifies operational challenges associated with his/her group and determines how to best work with the property staff and customer to solve these challenges and/or develop alternative solutions.
• Uses his/her judgment to integrate current trends in event management and event design.
• Acts as liaison between field salesperson and customer throughout the event process (pre-event, event, post-event).
• Participates in customer site inspections and assists with the sales process if necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned to meet business needs.
• Solicits feedback from the property departments to identify areas for improvements to enhance the Events Planner’s experience.

Ensuring and Providing Exceptional Customer service

• Delivers excellent customer service throughout the customer experience and encourages the same from other employees.
• Empowers employees to provide excellent customer service.
• Sets a positive example for guest/colleagues’ relations.
• Coordinates and communicates event details both verbally and in writing to the customer and property operations.
• Makes presence always known to customer during this process.
• Oversees the customer experiences from file turnover though the post event phase until turnover back to sales.
• Follows up with customer post-event.
• Responds to and handles guest problems and complaints.
• Uses personal judgment and expertise to enhance the customer experience.
• Stays available to solve problems and/or suggest alternatives to previous arrangements.
• Works to continually improve customer service by integrating obtained feedback and personal judgment into action plans.
• Emphasizes guest satisfaction during all departmental meetings and focuses on continuous improvement.
• Interacts with guests to obtain feedback on product quality and service levels.
• Ensure hourly employees understand expectations and parameters for event activities.

Leading Event Management Teams

• Conducts formal pre- and post-event meetings as required to review/communicate group needs and feedback.
• Leads formal pre-event and post-event meetings for average to large-sized assigned groups.
• Facilitates necessary meetings (Banquet Event Order meeting, block review, pre-con meeting, etc.)
• Lead the team in the execution of the tasks, delegating, coordinating and training when necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned to meet business needs.

Requirements

• Demonstrated previous managerial or supervisory experience in Groups & Events function in the hotel/ hospitality sector.
• Be a person with enviable customer service skills.
• Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Project a pleasant and positive professional image to all contacts always
• Be flexible to respond to a range of different work situations.
• Speak, write, and converse freely in both Greek and English
• Having computer skills and knowledge of a hotelier software system, Opera is mandatory.
• Have impeccable cooperation, attention to detail, inspiration, and organizational skills.
• Have strong customer awareness and focus.
• Be Well-groomed and presentable.
• Ability to work under pressure, well organized and interact well as part of a team.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• On going training opportunities
• Accommodation in the vicinity of Navarino Dunes (for non Messinians)
• Meals within the premises
• Private Medical Plan
• Use of Navarino Dunes Facilities, according to the relevant policies