The 4* Roker Hotel in Sunderland are seeking to hire a Meetings & Events Manager
We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Meetings and Events Manager to lead our team. The Roker Hotel is a high-volume venue catering to both corporate clients and wedding celebrations.
Our beautiful Ballroom is the perfect venue for Weddings and Corporate events. We strive to ensure that we create unforgettable experiences and that all of our guests days/nights are personally managed to their exact requirements.
We are looking for a leader to support and manage the team who has the drive and passion to deliver the perfect event and ensure an exceptional client experience.
This is an exciting time to join us here at the Roker Hotel as due to the success of our Ballroom we now plan the introduction of new Conference space to enhance our current offering and support new business opportunities. In Q1 2026 we will see the introduction of new Conference facilities which will add 3 new rooms into our existing business. This will give us opportunities for up to an additional 180 delegates and to offer new and existing clients the perfect space for their meetings / events / parties / private dining experiences. It also allows us to offer breakout rooms and space for clients that require this.
The perfect candidate will be passionate in not only continuing the current success of the Ballroom but driving it forward. They will also be ready for the exciting challenge of growing the business further with the new abilities and space we are introducing. You will strive to gain new business and build strong relationships with both new and existing clients.

JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the General Manager as Meetings & Events Manager, you will oversee all aspects of meetings and events sales. You will be responsible for maintaining high standards of service, managing a team of hospitality professionals, and ensuring customer satisfaction. You will work closely alongside the Rooms Division Manager to ensure Groups are managed and rate strategies are maintained.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review business plans, identify gaps and ensure proactive efforts to meet targets
• Oversee all reactive sales enquiries for conferences, events, and group bookings, stepping in to manage enquiries and client communication during peak periods.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability when personalising client needs and the changing demand and priorities of the business
• Contribute to the selling strategy, ensuring the team are aligned and equipped to deliver
• Maintain a good knowledge of the competitor set; taking actions to ensure the hotel holds position within the local market
• Develop and implement SOP’s and other practices, to create a structured approach to the execution of M&E sales
• Strong leadership and people management skills. Ensuring the team are well trained and operate a culture of delivering high standards of customer service, relationship building, selling and conversion techniques, billing and processing of contracts
• Ensure the team is efficiently confirming events (proposal, site inspection, contracting, negotiating of rates and terms and conditions), handling client requests to secure conversion and ensuring post-event follow-up to confirm repeat business
• Plan, budget and forecast in an accurate and timely manner, produce regular performance reports.
• Engage with clients or agents in relation to their enquiries
• Ensure the efficient and appropriate response to client feedback
• Attend trade fairs and travel to offsite meetings to represent the hotel in the wider region
• Build relationships with suppliers, keeping accurate and up to date records of supplier agreements and required details.
• Design and lead marketing campaigns for events in keeping with social calendar.
• Ensure marketing material for conferencing and events are readily available and promoted.
• Recruit, coach, mentor and support the Meetings & Events Sales Team. Build required team in line with budget and as the business grows.
• Liaise closely with the Operational team via regular meetings to review upcoming events. Ensure clear and concise information is provided to Operations teams to ensure each event runs smoothly and as agreed.
• Adhere to company H&S requirements & training

To be successful in this role, you must possess the following qualifications, attitude, behaviours, skills, and values:

• Team player with focus on the importance of team culture
• Previous experience in the same or similar role
• Proficient organisational and administrative skills with a demonstrable customer focused approach.
• Competent with Excel and other Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to adapt to a frequently changing market environment.
• Ability to be proactive and think outside the box
• Strong commercial approach to identifying sales and revenue maximisation opportunities for all revenue streams.
• Excellent organizational, communication and time management skills.
• Experience of working with Rezlynx/Guestline is an advantag