Convention services manager

We’re People People. Are you?

We’re Sonesta International Hotels—the 8th largest hotel company in the U.S. (and growing fast 🚀).

With a dynamic mix of full-service and focused hotels across major cities, our diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties means we’re everywhere our guests need us to be. But here’s the thing—we’re not just in the business of hotels, we’re in the business of people. We bring service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and create experiences that genuinely connect—delivering quality, value, and memorable stays across 1,000+ properties in eight countries (and counting).

What this role is all about

The Convention Services Manager sets the tone for Sonesta’s Culture of Caring. We expect leaders to focus on creating amazing moments for guests and team members and dig deep to find ways to create success for their team.

The Convention Services Manager is responsible for coordinating meetings, conventions and other special events that are booked through the sales department. The Convention Services Manager synchronizes the needs of the group contact planning the event and the staff of the hotel to effectively execute the event function.

The ideal candidate has a passion for building and motivating teams that achieve results. Sonesta managers are guest-focused (both internal and external) and achievement-oriented leaders.

What you’ll be doing

Work Environment

Must be able work in a fast-paced environment. Majority of work takes place indoors.

Physical Demands

The person in this role may be exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds of force frequently or constantly. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects of up to 25 pounds. The person in this role will be frequently standing up, bending, climbing, kneeling and moving about the hotel.

Expected Hours of Work

Must be flexible to work variable days of the week to include weekends and holidays. Must be flexible to work variable shifts (days, nights, overnights). Ten to twelve hour shifts sometimes required.

Education and Experience

High school degree or equivalent required. College course work in related field preferred. 1-2 years sales or marketing related experience required. Knowledge of hotel sales and/or catering preferred.

Principle duties and responsibilities (Essential Functions) include:

Operational/Functional:

• Negotiate food and beverage prices, function space, and hotel services within approved departmental booking guidelines.
• Assist the client in menu planning, food and beverage coordination, table arrangements, decorations, traffic flow, room set-up, group room blocks and VIP services, etc.
• Plan and attend Pre and Post convention meetings.
• Manage function space and room block inventory as assigned and ensure that all BEO paperwork is completed in a timely and accurate manner.
• Implement a daily, weekly, and monthly checklist for the catering department.
• Build strong relationships with meeting planners and promote the hotel services and facilities. Work with sales staff to service and solicit new business.
• Work closely with other hotel departments to coordinate functions and events and ensure that banquet/meeting room set up is done according to client’s needs, room blocks and special reservations needs are met, and that service during the meeting/event meets and exceeds expectations.
• Complete post-conference reports of events for senior management and complete other reports as needed or requested.
• Attend weekly resume meetings.
• Assist the Director of Sales & Marketing/Director of Convention Services with budget and forecast and complete special projects and assignments as designated.
• Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming.
• Perform any other job-related duties as assigned.

Financial Management:

• Maintain client files and update information daily in accordance with established departmental policies and procedures.
• Review daily postings of charges to master accounts of clients and resolve any discrepancies, or process necessary adjustments.
• Review final bill prior to presenting to client.
• Assist in the preparation of the departmental budget and implementation of the hotel’s catering and conference strategy.

Leading with Passion:

• Utilize and collaborate with resources across different departments and corporate office.
• Lead by example and operate with integrity and respect.
• Inspire your coworkers to embrace and demonstrate Sonesta’s core values and the guest service standards.

Qualifications and Skills

A candidate for this position must possess the following applicable knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to demonstrate and provide applicable examples to support his/her competency.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize and organize work assignments.
• Extensive knowledge of hotel and hospitality industry.
• Delphi and Opera PMS experience a plus.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Anticipated Pay Range & Additional Job Information

Additional Job Description Benefits:

Sonesta recognizes that benefits play a vital role in helping ensure the health and financial security of employees and their families. We offer a variety of benefits to our employees including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance (available the first day of the month after hire date)
• Health Savings Account with Company Match
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match (match begins after 11 months of employment)
• Paid Vacation and Sick Days (2 weeks of vacation, 6 sick days, 10 paid holidays per year)
• Free employee parking
• Free shift meal
• $60 Shoes for Crew credit per year
• Fun, family environment
• Sonesta Hotel Discounts (over 1,200 hotels worldwide)
• Educational Assistance (up to $3,000 per calendar year)
• Paid Parental Leave (2 weeks paid leave)
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Company Paid Short Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Various Employee Perks and Discounts

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

How we reward you

At Sonesta, we know showing up for our guests starts with showing up for our people. That means supporting your health, your financial future, and everything in between.

Here’s a snapshot of what we offer:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with Company Match
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid Vacation & Sick Time
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Company-Paid Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness & Accident Insurance
• Educational Assistance
• Sonesta Hotel Discounts (yes, you’ll want to use these ✈️)
• Additional Perks & Employee Discounts

Our Commitment to You

Sonesta is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Before You Apply

To be considered, please complete the full application in addition to submitting your resume. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.