Meetings & Events Planning Manager

About us... Fairmont Windsor Park is a beautiful, heartfelt retreat surrounded by 40 acres of English countryside that blends iconic heritage with modern elegance. Our five-star hotel includes251 luxurious bedrooms and suites accompanied by 7 restaurants and bars offering an unrivalled dining experience. The spa and wellness facilities are inspired by nature and the hotel has state of the art conference facilities. A bit about what you will do... The M&E Planning Manager is responsible for ensuring that all contracted meetings and events are planned and managed in a timely and efficient manner, in line with the department's operational and commercial objectives. The role oversees the end-to-end planning process, producing comprehensive and accurate event orders through effective collaboration with clients and hotel operational teams to ensure seamless event delivery and an exceptional customer experience. The M&E Planning Manager plays a key role in developing and maintaining strong relationships with repeat clients, identifying opportunities to secure future business and, where appropriate, directly contracting or converting repeat enquiries. In addition, the role provides leadership and support across the Sales and Events function, including overseeing the sales enquiry process in the absence of the Sales Team Manager and supporting the Director of Sales and Events in achieving departmental goals, driving revenue growth, and maintaining high service standards. • • Lead the planning and delivery of all contracted meetings and events, ensuring exceptional customer experiences from handover to execution. • Build strong client relationships, acting as the main point of contact throughout the planning journey, including site visits, planning meetings, and tastings. • Produce detailed event orders and function sheets, ensuring accurate communication between clients and hotel operational teams. • Oversee the successful execution of VIP and flagship events, providing on-the-day operational support where required. • Drive revenue through effective upselling, repeat business generation, and achievement of departmental targets. • Manage, coach, and support the Planning Team, including task delegation, scheduling, performance reviews, and recruitment. • Lead weekly BEO meetings and ensure all event information is distributed accurately and on time. • Ensure compliance with health and safety requirements, contractual obligations, and company standards. • Handle customer feedback and complaints professionally, proactively resolving issues to maintain high guest satisfaction. • Support the Director of Sales & Events in delivering departmental objectives, forecasting, reporting, and business development initiatives. More about you... • Experience in planning large, residential events in 5-star properties. • Operational experience • Skilled in handling complaints and customer feedback. • In-depth knowledge of Salesforce (Delphi), including reporting functions. • Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative team player. • Energetic, enthusiastic, and confident in approach. • Proactive thinker capable of adapting to a dynamic market. • Excellent communicator with persuasive negotiation skills. • Effective upselling abilities. • Proficient in Microsoft Office and event management software. • Detail-oriented with a hands-on approach. • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. • Strong task prioritisation and organisational skills. What’s in it for you… Competitive salary Holiday – 28 days holiday, enhanced after 5 years of service. But there’s more... • Free meals on duty. • on-site parking is available whilst on duty. • Discounted employee friends & family rates at Arora Hotels. • Food and beverage discounts. • Christmas gifts and employee parties. • Introduce a friend scheme. • Cycle 2 work scheme. • UK attraction discounts @ Merlin Entertainments. • Taste card. • Life assurance scheme. • Wage stream. • Employee assistance programme. • Arora star employee recognition. • Long service recognition award. Grow with us... We are growing rapidly and with growth comes advancement opportunities. Being part of the Arora group there are exciting opportunities for career progression and development across our properties and brands.