Senior Event Planner

About the role

As a Senior Event Planner at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, you will play a key role in delivering seamless and memorable events from initial handover through to post-event follow-up. Working closely with clients and internal stakeholders, you will manage all aspects of event planning, including logistics, vendor coordination, and operational execution. You will be responsible for preparing event documentation, coordinating with Sales and operational departments, and ensuring a consistently high level of service throughout every stage of the event lifecycle. This role manages a diverse range of events, from intimate meetings of fewer than 20 attendees through to complex exhibitions and multi-day conferences of up to 750 delegates. You will also identify opportunities to maximize revenue through strategic upselling and event enhancements while ensuring an exceptional client experience that drives repeat business. In the absence of the Director of Event Planning, you will provide support and leadership as required.

Key responsibilities

• Meet with clients following the sales handover to fully understand event objectives, budgets, and requirements
• Lead pre-event, operational, and post-event meetings for assigned groups
• Manage all event documentation and communicate requirements across hotel departments
• Coordinate meeting spaces, catering requirements, accommodation blocks, and logistical arrangements
• Anticipate operational challenges and proactively develop solutions
• Oversee the client journey from handover through to post-event follow-up
• Collaborate with culinary, sales, operations, and third-party suppliers to deliver successful events
• Identify opportunities to upsell products and services throughout the event planning process
• Manage event-related revenue and profitability
• Maintain a visible and professional presence throughout events

About you

• Minimum 2 years' experience in event management, hospitality, conference planning, or a related field
• A Diploma, Associate Degree, or Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Event Management, or a related discipline preferred
• Strong organisational and project management skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
• Strong financial acumen and attention to detail
• The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word, Opera PMS, and event management systems is highly desirable

Benefits

• Unlimited career development and growth opportunities within Marriott International
• Associate accommodation rates and food & beverage discounts across Marriott properties worldwide
• Recognition and reward programs
• Industry-leading training and development opportunities
• Well-being and mindfulness initiatives that support a healthy work-life balance
• A collaborative and supportive team culture where associates are valued and empowered to succeed

About us

JW Marriott is part of Marriott International's luxury portfolio, with more than 100 stunning hotels and resorts located in gateway cities and inspiring destinations around the world. At JW Marriott, we believe our associates come first. When our associates thrive, our guests do too. Through The JW Treatment™, we foster a culture of care, well-being, development, recognition, and belonging.