Director of Function Space Management
Sheraton Grand Chicago RiverwalkJOB SUMMARY
Leads revenue management functions and inventory strategy processes for function space including managing inventory. Maintains overall responsibility for communicating function space strategy with Group Strategy partners and Sales Managers booking for the hotel. Verifies that revenue and profit are maximized by effectively calculating the displacement of other business and the price-point(s) that will make the business profitable. Manages team of Function Space Managers to maintain optimum use of property function space that drives maximum group occupancy while verifying that group customer needs and expectations are met.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
Education and Experience
• 2-year degree from an accredited university in Business Administration, Finance and Accounting, Economics, Hotel and Restaurant Management, or related major; 4 years experience in the revenue management, sales and marketing, or related professional area.
OR
• 4-year bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Business Administration, Finance and Accounting, Economics, Hotel and Restaurant Management, or related major; 2 years experience in the revenue management, sales and marketing, or related professional area.
CORE WORK ACTIVITIES
Managing Projects, Strategy, Analysis and Data
• Leads the effort to analyze and maximize future bookings for room block to function space ratios; space conflicts, space release patterns, rates, availability, and Long Range Plan (LRP) objectives.
• Directs the activities and manages the performance of the Function Space Management team, to maintain optimum use of property function space that drives maximum group occupancy; while verifying that group customer needs and expectations are met.
• Maintains overall responsibility for communicating function space strategy with Group Strategy partners and Sales Managers booking for the hotel.
• Verifies that revenue and profit are maximized by effectively calculating the displacement of other business and the price-point(s) that will make the business profitable.
• Documents and creates solutions and strategies for bookings that have existing space conflicts; utilizes all function space while leaving some guestrooms to fill or specifying an area to be booked with space constraints.
• Acts as primary liaison between Sales and Events/Conference Services to continuously analyze function space usage in the effort to reduce function space utilization.
• Analyzes actual space utilization on all rotational/repeat groups and develops suggested changes to contracted space based on the post-event data.
• Develops and executes annual space utilization goals that support annual group occupancy goals.
• Provides recommendations to improve effectiveness of revenue management processes related to function space.
• Leverages relationship between sales, reservations and property management systems
• Verifies that function space team conducts regular function space diary audits for accuracy and to identify conflicts and that the adequate space is protected for each group's pattern, without affecting the ability to book another group immediately before or after.
• Takes a predetermined strategy and drives the execution of that strategy.
• Demonstrates knowledge of job-relevant issues, products, systems, and processes.
• Monitors RevPar, RevPos and function space occupancy trends.
• Analyzes information, identifying current and potential problems and proposing solutions.
• Generates and provides accurate and timely results in the form of reports, presentations, etc.
Building Successful Relationships
• Understands and meets the needs of key stakeholders (e.g., owners, corporate, guests).
• Develops and manages internal key stakeholder relationships.
• Provides targeted and timely communication of results, achievements and challenges to the stakeholders.
• Informs and/or updates the executives, the peers and the subordinates on relevant information in a timely manner.
Leading Discipline Teams
• Utilizes interpersonal and communication skills to lead, influence, and encourage others; advocates sound financial/business decision making; demonstrates honesty/integrity; leads by example.
• Attends meetings to plan, organize, prioritize, coordinate and manage activities and solutions.
• Leads a team of function space managers
Managing and Conducting Human Resources Activities
• Interviews and hires employees with the appropriate skills to meet the business needs of the units.
• Develops, implements and maintains a departmental orientation program for employees to receive the appropriate new hire training to successfully perform their job.
• Uses all available on the job training tools for employees.
• Communicates performance expectations in accordance with job descriptions for each position and monitors progress.
• Conducts employee performance appraisals according to Standard Operating Procedures.
The salary range for this position is $93,000 to $121,000 annually. Marriott offers a bonus program, comprehensive health care benefits, 401(k) plan with up to 5% company match, employee stock purchase plan at 15% discount, accrued paid time off (including sick leave where applicable), life insurance, group disability insurance, travel discounts, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, health savings account (except for positions based out of or performed in Hawaii), flexible spending accounts, tuition assistance, pre-tax commuter benefits, other life and work wellness benefits, and may include other incentives such as stock awards and deferred compensation plans. Benefits and incentive compensation may be subject to generally applicable eligibility, waiting period, contribution, and other requirements and conditions.
The compensation and benefits information is provided as of the date of this posting. Marriott reserves the right to modify compensation and benefits at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law.
Marriott International is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people-first culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law.
When you join the Sheraton family, you become a member of its global community. We’ve been a place to gather and connect since 1937. At Sheraton, associates create a sense of belonging in more than 400 communities around the world. We invite, we welcome, and we connect guests through engaging experiences and thoughtful service. If you’re a team player who is excited to deliver a meaningful guest experience, we encourage you to explore your next career opportunity with Sheraton. Join us on our mission to be ‘The World’s Gathering Place’. In joining Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, you join a portfolio of brands with Marriott International. Be where you can do your best work, begin your purpose, belong to an amazing global team, and become the best version of you.