CONFERENCE SERVICES MANAGER Job (Lake Forest, IL, US)

A Fresh Approach To Great Results.

Job Description:

At FLIK, our operating philosophy is centered on three essential factors: great food, great service and great people.

Location: Lake Forest, IL

Setting the standard for Conference Center Management, FLIK is on the forefront of the industry. FLIK is uniquely positioned to expertly manage a wide range of operations and has demonstrated abilities in exceeding clients' goals and objectives for their facilities.

FLIK Conference Centers is a fullsolutions provider. FLIK takes full responsibility for the facilities we operate while providing the highest level of customer service.

The Conference Services Manager will manage, design, and coordinate all events held at the client’s property. This includes internal events as well as events for 3^rd party clients. The Conference Services Manager will confer with the client’s staff as well as 3^rd party clients throughout all phases of the event process in order to ensure complete customer satisfaction.

The ideal candidate is an energetic, forward-thinking and creative individual with high ethical standards and an appropriate professional image. Must have the ability to work quickly and efficiently on several projects at one time, be results-oriented, and possess strong time management skills and work enthusiastically in a constantly changing environment.

Working as a Conference Services Manager for FLIK will allow you the opportunity to work with GREAT people like yourself! You will be surrounded by people who are passionate about what they do. In this position,

Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate all aspects of conferences, meetings and events including pre-planning, onsite execution and post event wrap up (clean-up, coordination with vendors, etc).


• Effectively plan and communicate with all necessary departments (Client staff groups and Flik team members) the needs of the 3^rd party client and the details of the event.


• Participates in the initial introduction meeting with the client and the 3^rd party client.


• Will serve as the key contact to 3^rd party clients by managing all event details from inception to execution. This includes facilitating quotes, assisting with budget preparation, coordinating the internal and external processes (rentals, flowers, entertainment etc.) and obtaining approvals.


• Ensures effective communication by keeping client staff groups informed of conversations that are had with 3^rd party clients regarding event specifics.


• Develop and maintain relationships and engage in continuous communication with other Flik team members, the client, 3^rd party clients, attendees and suppliers.


• Ensure critical deadlines and budgetary guidelines are adhered to and quality standards are met.


• Work directly with the Flik Catering Director to ensure all catering options/menus are presented to clients accurately & effectively.


• Ensure that all appropriate communication for upcoming events are completed and distributed in a timely manner to the client’s internal event team.


• Work closely with the client’s I.T., Security, and Building Administration staff to ensure that room set-up, A.V. needs, logistics, and other special requests are properly executed.


• Develop creative and strategic events thereby increasing exposure to the venues at the client’s property.


• Coordinate all staffing needs related to Food and Beverage service, room set, studio use, building tours, etc.


• Coordinates all post event breakdown and clean up – inclusive of communication and scheduling with 3^rd party vendors.


• Conducts event evaluation with 3^rd party clients in a timely manner. Shares feedback with all necessary parties involved; Catering Director and the client’s staff groups.


• Remain current on industry trends and share information with other staff as appropriate.


• Report equipment flaws and/or incidents to the client’s building administration staff and make capital improvement recommendations.


• Assists in budget preparation.


• Reports to Director of Catering


• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• BS Degree is preferred but not necessary if candidate has related conference services experience.


• At least 2 years hotel or conference center experience.


• Possess excellent, professional communication skills, including written and oral correspondence. This includes the ability to establish a rapport with others and build strong interpersonal relationships with a variety of personalities.


• Exceptional customer service abilities.


• Excellent computer skills with advanced knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint.


• Strong time management, problem solving skills and the ability to think proactively and anticipate needs.


• Must be enthusiastic and have a proactive mentality.


• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.


• Possess high standards of personal integrity and ethical behavior.


• Must be able to effectively work in a fast-paced environment and demonstrate the ability to juggle multiple competing tasks and projects while keeping key constituents in the loop.

Charlotte-based Compass Group North America is the leader in foodservice management and support services. By combining fresh ideas with the industry’s greatest talent, we continue to set the standards for food and service excellence. Our vision for success is a powerful one – to continue to rise above the competition in every aspect of our business – from leading-edge technology, to purchasing, to foodservice, to catering and vending, to facilities management and support services. That kind of commitment commands only the best, and it's our great people providing great service that generates our great results. In turn, it’s important to us that our talented employees be given the proper resources to achieve their fullest potential. Play a key role in our future success.

Great People. Great Service. Great Results.
At Compass Group North America, our superior balance of efficiency and quality attract the highest caliber level of service our clients deserve. We retain the finest workers with a highly competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits plan. If you're looking for a career where you set the standard for personal advancement, then Compass Group North America is for you! Working together, we will continue to experience success as the industry's best.

Achieving leadership in the foodservice industry
Compass Group North America is a diversity growth-oriented organization. Our goal is to improve the quality of work life by using fair and consistent treatment and providing equal growth opportunities for ALL associates. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that considers applicants without regard to race, sex, religion, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.