Director of Event Operations (Banquets)

This role leads the banquet and event operations team at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National, ensuring flawless execution of all events from conferences and weddings to golf events. The Director will provide strategic leadership, develop high-performing teams, partner with sales and culinary departments to maximize revenue, and drive operational excellence through staffing, budgeting, and process improvement. The position is remote, but based in Opelika, Alabama.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for all banquet and event operations, ensuring flawless execution, exceptional guest satisfaction, and Marriott brand standards across every meeting, conference, wedding, and special event.
• Recruit, coach, and develop a high-performing Event Operations team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and Hospitality with Heart & Soul.
• Partner closely with Sales, Event Management, Culinary, and Resort Leadership to maximize event revenue, support group business, enhance operational efficiency, and deliver extraordinary guest experiences.
• Lead operational excellence through staffing, labor management, budgeting, inventory, equipment management, and continuous process improvement while maintaining the highest standards of quality and service.
• Build strong relationships with clients by actively engaging throughout the event experience, resolving challenges with urgency, and identifying opportunities to elevate service, generate repeat business, and strengthen the resort's reputation.

Requirements

• Progressive leadership experience in Banquets, Event Operations, Conference Services, or Food & Beverage within a full-service Marriott hotel, resort, or comparable luxury hospitality environment.
• Proven success leading large banquet operations, developing high-performing teams, and delivering exceptional service for meetings, conferences, weddings, and special events.
• Strong financial and operational expertise, including labor management, budgeting, forecasting, cost controls, inventory management, and revenue optimization.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities while collaborating across hotel departments.
• Passion for coaching associates, exceeding guest expectations, and creating a culture where both people and performance thrive.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary plus annual performance incentive
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, FSA/HSA, and Short- & Long-Term Disability benefits
• Paid Holidays, PTO, and 401(k) with company match
• Marriott hotel discounts worldwide plus dining, golf, spa, and retail discounts across PCH Hotels & Resorts
• Tuition reimbursement and exceptional leadership development and career growth opportunities