Conference and Banqueting Manager

Andras Hotels; Belfast; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hotel group in Belfast is seeking an experienced Conference & Banqueting Manager to oversee their event operations. The successful candidate will lead a team, manage large-scale events, ensure compliance with health and safety standards, and take ownership of financial performance. This role offers a competitive hourly rate and a range of employee benefits including discounted hotel rates, health insurance, and opportunities for career development.

Benefits

Health care cash plan

Enhanced pension scheme

Discounted hotel rates

Employee appreciation events

Cycle-to-work scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head of Department or equivalent senior leader in a busy event operation.
• Demonstrable management of large-scale events for up to 900 delegates.
• Strong leadership ability with multi-skilled teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop the conference and banqueting team.
• Deliver exceptional conference and banqueting experiences.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Skills

People leadership

Financial acumen

Event management

Health and safety knowledge

Education

Formal qualifications in hospitality or business management

Job description

About Us

Andras Hotels is Northern Ireland’s largest hotel group with nine hotels in Belfast, Coleraine and Portrush, two apartment complexes, a café bar and a health club and spa. We are rapidly expanding our portfolio and we are dedicated to promoting tourism and hospitality across the country. We develop our people through our Andras Academy, the industry well‑being and development promise, and we are proud to be signed up to Green Tourism.

What is the job?

We are seeking an experienced, highly organised, and commercially focused CONFERENCE & BANQUETING MANAGER to lead one of the most critical operational areas at Crowne Plaza Belfast.

With 21 purpose‑built meetings and events spaces accommodating up to 900 delegates or 630 dinner guests, conference and banqueting is a cornerstone of the hotel’s success and reputation.

Hours & Pay

Hours: 40 hours per week

Pay: £17.75‑£19.00 per hour, depending on experience

What We Offer

• Discounted hotel rates across thousands of hotels worldwide for employees, family and friends
• Health care cash plan
• Diamond membership of Kingsbridge Hospital Group
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and sick pay
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme
• Recruit‑a‑friend scheme
• Employee appreciation and social events
• Employee of the month award
• £20 for completion of FLOW training
• Increased annual leave with service
• Discount at Bodyscape, Calypso spa, PureGym, and other facilities
• Communication and advice on health and wellbeing
• Andras Academy training and development programmes
• Global hotel brand experience and incentive schemes
• Employee assistance programme (EAP) and wellbeing app
• Perks and discounts on travel, shopping, and more

About The Role

Main Duties and Responsibilities

People

• Lead, manage, and develop the conference and banqueting management team and operational colleagues across meetings, events, and banqueting delivery.
• Recruit, train, and retain a high‑performing team capable of delivering large‑scale, complex events to consistently high standards.
• Set clear expectations, performance standards, and accountability across all levels of the department.
• Foster a positive, professional, and service‑focused culture aligned with Crowne Plaza and Andras Hotels values.
• Manage employee relations issues effectively and in line with company policies and employment legislation.

Guest Experience

• Deliver exceptional conference and banqueting experiences for corporate, association, social, and wedding clients.
• Ensure seamless planning, communication, and execution of events from enquiry through to delivery and post‑event follow‑up.
• Maintain full compliance with Crowne Plaza and IHG brand standards for meetings and events.
• Proactively manage client feedback, addressing issues promptly and using insights to drive continuous improvement.
• Work closely with Sales, Food & Beverage, Kitchen, Front Office, and AV partners to ensure flawless event execution.

Responsible Business

• Ensure full compliance with health and safety, fire safety, food safety, and licensing legislation across all meetings and events.
• Lead risk assessments and operational planning for large‑scale events, ensuring guest and colleague safety at all times.
• Support sustainability initiatives, including waste reduction, energy efficiency, and responsible event practices.
• Ensure all third‑party suppliers and contractors operate in compliance with hotel and legal standards.
• Promote a safe, inclusive, and compliant working environment.

Financial

• Take full ownership of the conference and banqueting budget, ensuring revenue, cost control, and profitability targets are achieved.
• Manage payroll, labour deployment, and resource planning to align with business levels and event complexity.
• Monitor and analyse financial performance, forecasts, and KPIs to identify opportunities for growth and efficiency.
• Maximise revenue through effective upselling, space utilisation, yield management, and collaboration with the sales team.

Accountabilities

• Be fully accountable for the performance of the conference and banqueting operation against agreed KPIs, budgets, and IHG brand standards.
• Lead preparation for and delivery of IHG quality audits, health and safety inspections, and internal compliance reviews.
• Provide accurate and timely reporting on departmental performance, challenges, and action plans.
• Take ownership of operational decision‑making within conference and banqueting, escalating issues appropriately and delivering solutions.
• Act as a senior leader within Crowne Plaza Belfast, contributing to cross‑departmental initiatives and wider hotel objectives.

How do I deliver this?

We genuinely care about people, and we show this through living out our promise of True Hospitality each and every day. Its what connects every colleague in all Crowne Plaza hotels.

Crowne Plaza hotel brand delivers True Hospitality in their own way, and at the heart of it all are specific, core service skills.

• True Attitude: being caring, wanting to make a positive difference, and building genuine connections with guests.
• True Confidence: having the knowledge and skills to perform your role, and giving guests the confidence that they can trust you, to help and support them during their stay.
• True Listening: focusing on what your guest is saying, picking up on body language that is often overlooked, and understanding what the guest wants and needs.
• True Responsiveness: is about providing guests with what they need, and doing so in a timely and caring manner.

Required Criteria

• Proven experience as a Head of Department (HOD) or equivalent senior leader within a busy conference and banqueting operation.
• Demonstrable experience managing large‑scale meetings and events, including conferences of up to 900 delegates and banquets of up to 630 guests.
• Strong people leadership experience, with the ability to lead, develop, and motivate large, multi‑skilled teams.
• Proven financial and commercial acumen, including budgeting, cost control, labour management, and revenue optimisation.
• Sound working knowledge of health and safety, fire safety, and operational compliance within a conference and events environment.

Desired Criteria

• Previous experience working within an IHG‑branded hotel or similar international hospitality brand.
• Experience working in a hotel with a strong corporate, association, and social events mix.
• Formal qualifications in hospitality, events management, or business management.
• Experience collaborating closely with sales teams to drive conference and events revenue growth.
• Demonstrated involvement in sustainability or responsible events initiatives.

Skills Needed

Skills are outlined under Required and Desired Criteria sections.

About The Company

Andras House Ltd is a leading property development and hospitality company based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Established in 1981, the company has grown into a highly successful multi‑million pound organisation with an extensive portfolio of office, hotel and leisure developments.

We are proud to be at the forefront of hospitality in Northern Ireland. With seven hotels we are Belfast’s largest hotel group with 1000 bedrooms in the city.

Andras Hotels is proud to be the leading hotel group in Belfast with current awards of Best Hotel in Belfast for Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre, Best Budget Hotel in Ireland for Ibis Belfast City Centre and Best Serviced Apartments for Cordia Serviced Apartments.

Company Culture

Andras Hotels is Northern Ireland’s largest hotel group and we are proud to have been at the forefront of hospitality for the past 30 years.

We subscribe to the Hospitality Employers Charter, which means we are committed to providing training, development, and support to all of our team members.

We offer a range of staff benefits and opportunities to grow your career in our fast‑growing company. Our Andras Academy provides training and development for all team members and we are an equal‑opportunities employer.

Company Benefits

Health insurance, vacation, paid time off, retirement plan and/or pension, office perks, employee development programmes, gym membership or wellness programmes, cycle to work, referral bonus, competitive salary, preferential room rates, family and friends rates, long service recognition, free meals during shifts, free parking or discounted parking, wellbeing scheme, work with charities, social opportunities, employee of the month, employee recognition scheme.

Salary

£17.75 – £19.00 per hour

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Equal Opportunities

We are an Equal Opportunities employer and welcome applications from everyone. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process.

Statements

**The statements in this job description are intended to represent the key duties and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be ALL responsibilities or qualifications of the job.**