Director of Event - Regent Kuala Lumpur (Pre-opening)

YOUR DAY TO DAY  

People

• Lead and manage the events team's day-to-day activity, ensuring the right staffing levels at all times
• Develop the team and improve performance through coaching and feedback, setting clear performance and development goals
• Train colleagues to ensure compliance with Regent standards, fostering a strong sense of one team across departments
• Promote teamwork and quality service through daily communication and coordination with other departments
• Recommend or initiate HR-related actions as needed
• Build and maintain relationships with external contacts, including guests, vendors, and planners

Financial

• Own the preparation of the events department's annual budget and departmental goals
• Monitor budget and control expenses, with a focus on food, beverage, and labour costs
• Complete forecasts, plans, and productivity reports for the department
• Monitor spend and identify opportunities to optimise sales while minimising waste
• Negotiate sales prices within approved booking guidelines

Guest Experience

• Ensure every client experience is successful and memorable, acting as brand ambassador and key contact throughout the guest journey
• Build long-term relationships with planners and hosts to increase loyalty to the Regent brand
• Consult with meeting planners at the pre-event stage to optimise space, flow, menu, and design for every meeting, event, and wedding
• Oversee agreed event details, including room set-ups, staging, and lighting
• Conduct pre- and post-event meetings with clients and catering colleagues to identify opportunities for improvement
• Meet with meeting planners daily to debrief on events, review consumption, billing, and any exceptions
• Welcome groups and conduct event briefings ahead of each session
• Analyse client satisfaction surveys and act on feedback to improve service
• Conduct banquet and catering facility tours, entertaining clients to enhance their event experience

Responsible Business

• Raise awareness and reputation of the hotel and Regent brand within the local market
• Ensure guest safety remains a priority, with minimal interruptions or issues
• Advise clients on ways to reduce waste, save energy, and minimise environmental impact
• Maintain a safe, secure property, participating in Fire Life Safety activities as required
• Perform other duties as assigned, stepping in wherever needed to get the job done

Accountabilities

• Full leadership of the Events department, including event managers, coordinators, and banqueting operations
• Achievement of events revenue and profitability targets against budget
• Consistent delivery of Regent's brand standards across every meeting, conference, wedding, and banqueting experience
• Strong, lasting relationships with meeting planners, corporate clients, and repeat event hosts

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU  

• To thrive in this role and bring poise and precision to the guest journey, you'll need:
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field
• Minimum 5–7 years' experience in event or banquet management, including at least 2 years in a leadership role, ideally within luxury hospitality
• Strong negotiation, client relationship, and event planning skills
• Proven ability to lead and develop a team
• Fluent English required; other languages an advantage