At The Great Southern Killarney, our purpose is to be the reason every stay becomes a story. The Great Southern Killarney has a wonderful opportunity for a passionate Event Operations Manager, who will play a key operational leadership role within the newly appointed 5-star Great Southern Killarney. Reporting to the Conference & Banqueting Manager, this role is focused on supporting the C&B manager to achieve the smooth day-to-day execution of all conferences, banquets and events across the hotel.
The Event Operations Manager will take ownership of floor operations during events and service periods, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, seamless communication between departments, and consistently high standards reflective of a luxury 5-star property.
This is a hands-on operational role suited to an experienced hospitality professional with strong, attention to detail, the ability to stay calm under pressure and a passion for delivering exceptional events and guest service.
Key Responsibilities
- Take overall responsibility for the operational delivery of conferences, banquets and events to a consistent 5-star standard.
- Ensure all event spaces are fully prepared, correctly set and presented to the hotel's 5-star standards before guests arrive.
- Maintain a visible presence on the floor, providing leadership, direction and support throughout service.
- Read and fully understand all Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), ensuring every event is delivered exactly as planned.
Guest Experience
- Monitor service continuously, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency without compromising guest experience.
- Ensure all guests receive an exceptional and memorable experience throughout their event.
- Maintain excellent attention to detail across all event spaces and guest touchpoints.
Team Leadership & Standards:
- Lead and support the Conference & Banqueting team throughout service & each event, ensuring exceptional standards are maintained at all times.
- Allocate responsibilities to Team Leads and supervisors, ensuring all areas of each event are effectively managed.
- Conduct pre-service briefings, ensuring the team understands the running order, guest expectations and any special requirements.
- Ensure staffing levels are appropriate for each event and redeploy team members where necessary to support service.
- Support Team Leads, Senior C&B Assistants and supervisors in developing their confidence, knowledge and leadership skills.
- Liaise with clients, suppliers and hotel departments to ensure the smooth running of all events.
- Lead by example, demonstrating professionalism, attention to detail and genuine hospitality at all times.
- Drive a culture of accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement within the department.
- Support the Conference & Banqueting Manager in achieving departmental objectives and maintaining exceptional operational standards.
Operational Coordination
- Work closely with the kitchen, bar and other hotel departments to ensure seamless communication throughout each event.
- Resolve operational challenges quickly and professionally, escalating significant issues where required.
- Carry out quality checks throughout events, ensuring food service, beverage service, room presentation and cleanliness consistently meet the hotel's standards.
- Ensure departmental procedures, sequence of service and standard operating procedures are followed consistently.
Candidate Requirements
- Minimum 2–3 years experience in conference & banqueting or hotel food & beverage supervisory/management role or alternatively just be eager to learn & be a part of an amazing team.
- Strong operational and organisational skills.
- Excellent leadership and communication abilities.
- Ability to remain calm and professional in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong attention to detail and service standards.
- Flexible to work longer days 3 or 4 days a week to make up 39hrs. This would consist of evenings, weekends and busy event periods.
- Passion for hospitality and guest experience excellence.
We believe in FINER hospitality, be part of something FINER!
A note to candidates
We cannot provide work permits or visa sponsorship for this position.
To submit:
Please submit your fully detailed CV to Shauna O'Donoghue.
Ensure you mention the Position Reference (Event Operations Manager) as we are recruiting for various positions at the same time
Note: Due to the importance of this position, unfortunately no telephonic / remote interviews will be accommodated. Should you not hear back from us within two weeks of your application for this position, please accept that your application was unsuccessful
Work authorisation:
Work Location: In person
Pay: €38,000.00-€42,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Bike to work scheme
- Company events
- Employee discount
- Gym membership
- On-site gym
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
