Job Description:
Job Summary: We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Reception and Events Manager to join our cruise ship team. As the Reception and Events Manager, you will oversee the reception area and coordinate a variety of events and activities on board. Your exceptional organizational skills, leadership abilities, and passion for guest service will contribute to creating unforgettable experiences for our guests.
Responsibilities:
- Reception Management: Oversee the reception area, ensuring a welcoming and efficient guest experience. Manage reception staff, schedules, and daily operations, including check-in/out procedures, guest inquiries, and requests.
- Event Coordination: Coordinate a range of events and activities on board, including but not limited to welcome receptions, theme nights, private parties, and group gatherings. Collaborate with various departments to ensure seamless execution.
- Guest Relations: Build rapport with guests, providing exceptional customer service and addressing inquiries, concerns, and special requests in a professional and timely manner. Anticipate guest needs and ensure high levels of guest satisfaction.
- Event Planning: Plan and organize events from conception to execution, including event logistics, budgeting, menu planning, décor, entertainment, and audiovisual requirements.
- Vendor Management: Liaise with external vendors and suppliers to secure services and products necessary for events, negotiating contracts, managing budgets, and ensuring quality and timely delivery.
- Staff Supervision: Supervise and train reception and event staff, providing guidance, coaching, and ongoing support to ensure a high level of service and professionalism.
- Administrative Tasks: Manage administrative responsibilities, including event budgets, guest lists, contracts, and event evaluations. Prepare reports and documentation related to reception and event operations.
- Communication: Maintain effective communication with various departments, including food and beverage, housekeeping, and entertainment, to coordinate event logistics, requirements, and changes.
- Quality Control: Maintain high standards of service quality, cleanliness, and presentation in the reception area and during events. Conduct regular inspections and address any deficiencies or areas for improvement.
- Health and Safety: Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, including proper food handling, sanitation practices, and responsible alcohol service during events.
Qualifications:
- Experience: Proven experience in reception management and event coordination, preferably in the hospitality industry or aboard cruise ships. Experience in managing a diverse team is highly desirable.
- Event Planning Expertise: Strong knowledge of event planning and execution, including logistics, budgeting, menu planning, décor, and entertainment.
- Customer Service: A genuine passion for providing exceptional customer service. Excellent communication skills to interact with guests, team members, and vendors professionally and effectively.
- Leadership Skills: Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills to supervise, train, and motivate a diverse team. Ability to delegate responsibilities, provide constructive feedback, and maintain a positive work environment.
- Multilingual Skills: Proficiency in English is required. Additional language skills are highly advantageous, especially those commonly spoken by cruise ship guests.
- Organizational Skills: Strong organizational and time management abilities to handle multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and ensure smooth reception and event operations.
- Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in administrative tasks, event planning, and execution.
- Flexibility: Willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required by the cruise ship's schedule. Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and handle unexpected situations.
- Computer Skills: Proficiency in using computer applications and software for administrative tasks, event planning, and communication.
- Integrity: Demonstrated reliability, honesty, and trustworthiness in handling confidential information, managing resources, and maintaining professional ethics.