Title: Conference & Events Manager
Position Overview: The Conference & Events Operations Manager is responsible for all aspects of the day to day running of conferencing and/or events venue(s), ensuring excellence in all aspects of service and operations whilst exceeding all internal and external guest requirements. They strive to improve rapport with existing clients and assist in creating new function business.
Located in the heart of Australia’s premier wine region, situated across an enormous slice of pristine countryside. Rydges Resort Hunter Valley is a vibrant 419-room resort and an all-encompassing destination for leisure, conferences, and unforgettable events. As home to the award-winning Hunter Valley Conference and Events Centre, we offer an expansive range of event spaces — from intimate boardrooms for 10 to grand celebrations for over 1,100 guests.
Whether it's a corporate gathering, elegant gala, or poolside cocktail party, our diverse venues and state-of-the-art facilities are designed to impress. With a dedicated events team, exceptional local cuisine, and immersive wine and food experiences, we bring every occasion to life with flair.
Our Vision is to be the most highly regarded hospitality, leisure and entertainment company outperforming our markets by being better than yesterday, every day.
Our Purpose is to make the day better for ourselves, each other, our group, our customers and communities. We do this by living our values of empowerment, possibilities and community.
We achieve our Vision and Purpose by delivering on our goals and values.
Our Goals
- Grow revenue ahead of market
- Maximise asset performance
- Business transformation
Our Values
- Empowerment: Step up and be accountable
- Possibilities: Always evolve and improve
- Community: Strong teams, better together
Key Roles & Responsibilities
- Take direction from the Food & Beverage Manager and/or Director of Food & Beverage as well as maintaining a proactive approach.
- Direct, supervise and coordinate operational activities of all functions within the hotel to ensure the smooth and efficient running of all functions within the hotel.
- Guarantee the running of the department in accordance to venue and hotel policies, procedures, guidelines and manuals to ensure compliance, safety and profitability.
- Ensure accurate statistical records and reporting are kept and maintained.
- Control departmental expenses within set targets.
- Cultivate a sales culture maximising up-selling and on-selling techniques.
- Ensure effective communication within the department to guarantee flawless operation.
- Ensure effective organisational communication with other departments in preparation and follow up of events in the function venue(s).
- Ensure that stock levels in outlets are satisfactory, to ensure that all functions run smoothly and have relevant supplies.
- Establish and maintain minimum standards for back of house areas with an emphasis on functionality and cleanliness.
- Conduct site inspections where necessary.
- Ensure that all charges are correctly posted to the relevant account for any specific function.
- Manage the hotel assets to protect their long term investment value.
- Actively look for and optimise opportunities to improve the business.
- Ensure all team members within the venue are adequately trained to assist across all venues on a daily basis.
- Have full working knowledge of the venue’s computer/IT systems.
- Direct, supervise and assist colleagues to ensure a high level of productivity and service standard within the department at all times.
- Support and actively cultivate an environment of positive service within the department to ultimately achieve a level of service quality that consistently meets and exceeds the expectations of guests and team members.
- Take effective action to resolve any foreseen problems to prevent complaints.
- Warrant an effective system of quality control by utilising shift checklists, revision of procedures and implementation of standards.
- Actively stay up to date with venue, hotel, EVENT and/or area information, objectives, policies and procedures. Ensure to communicate any and all of these updates or changes to the team.
- Ensure all incidents, injuries and hazards are reported, reviewed and preventative/corrective measures are taken.
- Promote EVENT properties to guests wherever possible.
- Be a brand ambassador for the venue, hotel and Event Hospitality & Entertainment.
- Give assistance and support to other departments and/or colleagues when needed.
- Attend and participate in all scheduled meetings, training and development programmes.
About the Role
A Conference & Events Manager is a hands-on, energetic leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and knows how to deliver five-star service with a smile.
Reporting directly to the Director & Assistant Director of Food & Beverage, this full-time role is ideal for someone with a strong background in hospitality or events, a passion for creating memorable guest experiences, and the confidence to lead from the front.
The Conference & Events Manager is an integral member of the Food & Beverage leadership team, this role in collaboration with the Director & Assistant Director of Food & Beverage is responsible for the strategic direction and leading the successful operations of our Conference & Events team.
This is a role suited to a hands on person with a can-do attitude, keen eye for detail and an ability to lead, develop and motivate a large team. Experience in a similar management role in operations is preferred, while a love for hospitality and a passion for providing excellent service to our guests is a must! The successful candidate will have the availability to work when across both day and evening shifts, including weekends.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the day-to-day operations of the Conference & Events (C&E) department, assigning tasks, overseeing event execution, and setting performance and development goals for team members.
- Provide regular coaching, mentoring, and feedback to support performance improvement and conflict resolution.
- Ensure all team members are trained in accordance with hotel standards, service expectations, and relevant regulations.
- Equip the team with the necessary tools, resources, and knowledge to deliver seamless service.
- Foster strong communication and collaboration across departments to drive exceptional guest experiences.
- Maintain optimal staffing levels in line with business demands and guest volume.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with guests, vendors, and other external stakeholders.
- Design and implement structured onboarding and training programs for new team members and supervisors.
- Manage staffing actions including performance reviews, recognition, and disciplinary processes in alignment with hotel policies.
- Proactively engage with guests to share information about hotel services, loyalty programs, local attractions, and events.
- Conduct site inspections and host potential clients to showcase the resort’s event capabilities.
- Collaborate with clients during the planning phase to recommend room configurations, event flows, menus, décor, AV, and more, ensuring productive and impactful events.
- Coordinate all event logistics including room setups, staging, lighting, audiovisual, guest flow, catering, accommodation blocks, transport, billing, and VIP services.
- Hold daily meetings with planners to review event details, address billing queries, and ensure client satisfaction.
- Conduct pre- and post-event briefings with clients and internal teams to drive continuous improvement.
- Review and act on guest feedback and satisfaction surveys to enhance future service delivery.
- Prepare and manage departmental forecasts, operational plans, and productivity reports.
- Assist with the development of the department’s annual budget and financial objectives.
- Monitor budgets, drive upselling opportunities, and minimise waste to improve revenue performance. Skills & Experience
- Minimum 4 years’ experience in a senior operations role within Food & Beverage or Conference & Events.
- Proven track record in high-volume, fast-paced environments.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate large operational hospitality teams.
Benefits & Perks
- Incredible team member discounts from your first day on-the-job.
- 50% off stays at EVT hotels – Rydges, QT, Atura, Lylo and more.
- $2 movie tickets, plus Moonlight, Gold Class, Candy Bar discounts and more.
- Awesome winter and summer savings and discounts at Thredbo.
- Rapid career growth opportunities through our EVT network.
- Local community involvement, volunteering and charitable giving.
- Australia and NZ’s largest and most diverse experiences company
Join Rydges Resort Hunter Valley and become an EVT experience creator, opportunity taker, the ultimate Daymaker. Join and make a positive impact on our people, communities, and environment every day.
