Director of Groups and Events

Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Muscat, Sultanate of Oman

Nestled in between the dramatic backdrop of rugged mountains and the pristine waters of the Sea of Oman, Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa is set on 124 acres of stunning scenery and home to three spectacular hotels: the family orientated Al Waha comprises 262 rooms, the diverse Al Bandar comprises 198 deluxe rooms and the luxurious and most exclusive Al Husn has 180 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites. The resort also features 22 Food and Beverage outlets, 1,056 sqm ballroom with 8 breakout rooms, wide variety of recreational facilities, and a spa with 12 treatment villas.

The Director of Groups & Events is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational efficiency, and financial performance of the Groups & Events division. This role ensures seamless execution of conferences, banquets, weddings, and corporate functions, delivering exceptional guest experiences while maximizing revenue and profitability. The incumbent will oversee the Events, Catering, and Banqueting teams, collaborating closely with Sales, F&B, Rooms, and other departments to uphold Shangri-La's service standards and reputation for excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Event Planning & Execution

Ensure flawless planning and delivery of all events, meetings, and banquets in line with guest expectations and brand standards.

Conduct regular site inspections of function venues and back-of-house areas to monitor setup, cleanliness, and service readiness.

Oversee event design, theming, and service delivery to maintain creativity, attention to detail, and consistency.

Coordinate with culinary and F&B teams to ensure quality, timing, and presentation of food and beverage offerings.

Guest Experience & Service Standards

Guarantee personalized service by understanding guest needs and providing tailored event solutions.

Implement and maintain service guidelines with strong emphasis on guest satisfaction and service recovery.

Engage directly with event hosts and key clients to build long-term relationships and ensure repeat business.

Hygiene, Safety & Compliance

Enforce Shangri-La's hygiene, safety, and sanitation protocols across all banquet and meeting spaces.

Ensure compliance with fire safety, health, and licensing requirements for all events.

Administration, Reports & Communication

Review daily and overnight reports to track event operations and progress.

Share key information and updates from other divisions with the Groups & Events team.

Conduct daily and pre-event briefings with banquet leaders and planners to ensure operational alignment.

Attend EXCOM meetings and contribute insights related to events and group business.

Meetings & Reviews

Lead monthly Groups & Events meetings to review:

Maintenance needs and Engineering updates

Sales & Catering pipeline updates

Event achievements, challenges, and feedback

Training needs and service improvement plans

Budgeting & Forecasting

Prepare annual budgets and forecasts for the Groups & Events division based on historical data, market trends, and future demand.

Monitor daily revenue, covers, and average spend per event.

Provide rolling three-month forecasts and highlight variances to RGM and DOF.

Strategic Leadership

Develop and execute business strategies to grow MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and social event market share.

Identify and pursue new business opportunities through competitor analysis and market intelligence.

Drive innovation in event offerings, packages, and guest experiences while maintaining profitability.

Operational Management

Oversee day-to-day operations of banqueting, events, and catering services.

Ensure timely and accurate event setup, service delivery, and breakdown.

Maintain high standards of décor, equipment, and service across all event venues.

Financial Oversight

Manage event-related financials, including revenue generation, cost control, and profitability analysis.

Optimize cost per cover and monitor cost of sales in coordination with F&B and Culinary.

Implement yield strategies for banquet spaces to maximize revenue opportunities.

Team Development

Lead, coach, and develop the Groups & Events leadership team to deliver consistent excellence.

Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and guest-centric service.

Ensure succession planning and professional growth through training and development programs.

Client & Guest Engagement

Build strong partnerships with corporate, government, and social clients to drive repeat and referral business.

Actively participate in client meetings, pre-event planning sessions, and post-event evaluations.

Develop client appreciation initiatives and maintain strong networks within the local and regional MICE market.