Groups & Events Manager

Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como aims to become one of the most exclusive resorts in Europe, representing the true elegant Italian but understated luxury experience for a worldwide Clientele.

Our vision is to promote our welcoming, genuine and passionate culture to attract and engage exceptional talents, under the guidance of enthusiastic leaders.
Our aim is to get the best out of each individual and being recognized as an employer of choice among the most exclusive hotels in the world.

**Duties and responsibilities**:

- Strategic Events Planning & Development:_
- Assisting in the formulation and execution of Sales strategies to drive room and catering revenue;
- Directing the Groups and Events Sales team to ensure targets are met and exceeded, fostering a high-performance culture ensuring our team act as entrepreneurs within their areas;
- Growing existing business and finding new revenue streams and partnerships
- To handle and oversee all Group and Event enquiries, ensuring the team are proposing, following up, contracting and carrying out site inspections to achieve high levels of conversion;
- To effectively manage a portfolio of key assigned accounts through planned sales activity, maximizing account potential in terms of rate, room-nights and / or events in accordance with overall sales strategies;
- To focus on the growth and continued production of existing assigned Group and Event Accounts, both domestic and international, and to develop new Group and Event Accounts that are suitable to the pricing strategy of the hotel;
- To foster excellent collaboration and communication with operational departments (Event Operations, Kitchen, Front of House);
- Be accountable for creating and implementing the resort's long-term events strategy, aligning with the overall business goals and positioning in the ultra-luxury market;
- Work in partnership with the Sales and Marketing teams to identify key business opportunities that drive event bookings, including exclusive weddings, corporate retreats, fashion shows, product launches, and high-profile social gatherings;
- Lead market research and competitive analysis to continuously innovate and tailor event offerings that appeal to ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), A-list celebrities, and global corporate leaders;
- Develop a comprehensive calendar of signature events, ensuring that each event reflects the unique selling points of the resort.
- Clients Relationship Management & VIP Liaison:_
- Own the client relationship lifecycle, from initial inquiry to post-event follow-up, ensuring high-touch, personalized service at each stage;
- Serve as the primary point of contact for VIP clients, providing concierge-level support and anticipating their needs to ensure flawless execution of every detail;
- Work closely with wedding planners, corporate event organizers, and luxury event agencies to build partnerships that drive repeat business;
- Maintain an extensive database of high-profile clientele, ensuring that tailored communications, offers, and services are delivered to these guests before, during, and after events.
- Operational Oversight & Events Execution:_
- Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of all resort-hosted events, ensuring a flawless and seamless experience across all touchpoints;
- Oversee multi-departmental coordination for large-scale events, ensuring full collaboration between Food & Beverage, Housekeeping, Guest Services, Security, and external vendors;
- Create detailed event briefs, timelines, and contingency plans, ensuring that every event aspect adheres to the highest standards of luxury service;
- Hold full accountability for risk management during events, ensuring that all health, safety, and legal requirements are met while safeguarding the resort’s reputation.
- Financial Performance & Revenue Management:_
- Be accountable for the financial performance of the the Events department, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting on all event-related revenue streams;
- Develop and manage annual departmental budgets in collaboration with the finance team, focusing on cost control without compromising service standards;
- Implement strategies to optimize revenue by upselling premium services, negotiating contracts with clients and vendors, and ensuring the profitability of each event;
- Oversee vendor negotiations and ensure that all contracts, from entertainment to catering, reflect the luxury brand standards while also being financially favorable to the resort.
- Leadership & Team Development:_
- Lead, mentor, and develop the Events team, ensuring that they have the skills, training, and support to consistently deliver exceptional results;
- Directly manage the performance and productivity of event planners, coordinators, and support staff, conducting regular performance reviews and setting clear objectives aligned with the resort’s business goals;
- Foster a culture of creativity, professionalism, and collaboration wi