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.
Rydges Resort Hunter Valley is part of EVT, and being a part of EVT means believing in changing the game. Why? Because no one wants ordinary. If you're seeking to be part of the kind of wow-factor moments you can help shape, then you've come to the right place.
About EVT:
As market-leading experience creators, we bring to life some of the best-known brands and properties in entertainment, ventures, and travel. Our portfolio includes over 140 entertainment experiences like Event Cinemas and Moonlight Cinemas, 150 award-winning restaurants and bars, and 80+ hotels, including QT, Rydges, Atura, LyLo, Independent Collection by EVT and Thredbo. Our ventures include a ~$2.3B property portfolio and hotel management, just to name a few.
About Rydges Hotels and Resorts:
Proudly Australian & New Zealand owned, Rydges Hotels & Resorts provides a diverse range of elevated city, suburban, and resort-style hotels. From classic charm to sophisticated style, our properties have every detail considered to deliver a refreshingly local experience with exceptional comforts catering to all guests. Join our team of local heroes dedicated to enhancing every guest’s stay.
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.
2025 & 2026 Hunter Valley Legends Awards
Hunter Valley Accommodation Operator of the Year
2025 & 2026 Accommodation Australia NSW Awards for Excellence Winner
Best Health & Wellbeing Practices
About the Role
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.
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, keen eye for detail and an ability to lead, develop and motivate a large team. A passion for creating memorable guest experiences, and the confidence to lead from the front. You will be hands-on, energetic leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment. Experience in a similar management role in operations is preferred, 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.
When you click apply, you’ll be taken to our secure EVT careers portal (powered by Dayforce). This is our official system for managing applications across the EVT Group. You’ll simply enter your details and answer a few quick screening questions so we can get to know you better.
