ABOUT THE NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Founded in 1917, the National Hockey League (NHL®) is the premier professional ice hockey league in the world, and is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada.
With more than 1500 employees across the US and Canada, the NHL is a global sports and entertainment organization committed to building healthy and vibrant communities using the sport of hockey.
At the NHL, we are looking for dynamic, energetic and impactful individuals who are committed to doing the same by sharing in our philosophy that Hockey is for Everyone – and inclusion belongs on the ice, in the locker rooms, boardrooms and stands.
WHAT WE EXPECT OF YOU
SUMMARY
The Manager, Hotels & Hospitality will have the primary responsibilities of hotel research, selection, negotiations, contracting, inventory management, and reporting. This role will manage the planning efforts of NHL events, meetings, and special projects, with an emphasis on hotel operations and hospitality. The Manager will facilitate hotel operations and/or catering functions for large-scale events such as the NHL Winter Classic, NHL Stadium Series and various other tentpole events, in addition to contributing to various departmental meetings and miscellaneous events.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Management of unique event elements and logistics including, but not limited to:
- Building strong relationships and working closely with hotels, hotel brands and hotel national sales contacts
- Negotiating hotel contracts based on specific event needs, with focus on attrition, food and beverage minimums, function space, etc.
- Monitoring and managing hotel/lodging contracts to ensure that events receive services as negotiated and terms are appropriately managed (e.g. attrition, rooming list deadlines, special requests, room blocks, etc.)
- Overseeing attendee hotel reservations and communications
- Creating customized event attendee websites using internal guest management system
- Supporting VIP guests including fulfillment of special requests
- Managing menu selections and ordering process for select event venues including hotels, arenas, stadiums, and more
- Securing required vendors for events including but not limited to venues, caterers, decorators, A/V suppliers, etc.
- Reviewing post-event invoices and completing financial reconciliations
- Facilitating the set-up and coordination of on-site offices and diverse hospitality events
- Providing support to other Events Department staff, who may be in communication with member clubs, arenas, host cities, vendors, and other NHL operational departments
- Collaborating frequently to review efficiency of department processes, and subsequently working with the team to identify areas of improvement
- Assisting in the development, documentation and implementation of specific event procedures and systems
- Site inspections of procured hotels and future potential hotels, as well as familiarity with city
- Other departmental-related duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge Areas/Experience
Required
- Minimum of four (4) years of hotel event management experience
- Experience in hotel contract negotiation, hotel operations and room block management
- Ability to work well in a high-profile, high-pressure, and deadline-oriented environment
- Highly organized individual who can work independently when needed, but also regularly contributes to the team as a whole
- Capacity to assist on multiple different projects at once, with the ability to prioritize tasks
- Communicates effectively with internal and external clients
- Energetic self-starter who is excited to learn on the fly and work in a team-oriented setting
Preferred
- Prior experience with guest management software/platforms preferred
Education/Certifications
Required Skills
- Strong computer skills required (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Eager to problem solve and offer creative solutions
- Exhibits excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Available to work outside normal business hours (evenings, weekends) as needed
- Frequent travel expected
CORE COMPETENCIES
These core competencies reflect the underlying values that are necessary to represent the National Hockey League:
- Accountability
- Adaptability
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Inclusion
- Professionalism
- Teamwork & Collaboration
The NHL offers U.S. regular, full-time employees:
Time to Recharge: Utilize our generous Paid Time Off (PTO) to focus on your well-being and ensure a healthy work/life balance. PTO includes paid holidays, vacation, personal and sick days, plus an extra day off for your birthday.
Ability to Focus on your Health: Along with competitive salaries, the NHL offers comprehensive health benefits to employees and their eligible dependents effective on their first day with us – there is no waiting period. The NHL subsidizes a large portion of the health benefits costs, therefore your cost for medical, dental and vision coverage is minimal.
We also offer our employees and members of their household access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support mental, physical, and financial health. In addition, employees have access to a digital wellness resource designed to improve health and happiness through courses in sleep, movement, and focus. These services are confidential and at no-cost to our employees.
Childcare Leave: Because your family is the NHL family, employees are offered comprehensive Childcare Leave to welcome your new addition. The primary caregiver to the child is entitled to up to 12 weeks of paid Childcare Leave, at full pay, following the birth, adoption, or placement of a child.
Employees that are not the primary caregiver to the child are entitled to up to 6 weeks of paid Childcare Leave, at full pay, which must be taken within the first 6 months following the birth, adoption, or placement of a child.
Confidence in your Retirement Goals: Participate in the NHL’s Savings Plan which includes a 401K (pre-tax and Roth options) plus non-elective (employer) contributions to keep your retirement goals on track.
A Hybrid Work Schedule: The NHL recognizes the value of flexibility in work locations/schedules to help our employees balance work/life priorities. Hybrid work schedules are available for a majority of our roles.
Our New Headquarters: Our new, state of the art, offices are located at One Manhattan West in Hudson Yards. When you’re in the office, you can conduct meetings in one of our high-tech conference rooms, have lunch with a view or play in the game room. Employees can also enjoy New York’s newest neighborhood that is home to more than 100 shops, culinary experiences, and public artwork.
A Savings for Commuting: Participate in the NHL’s pre-tax commuter benefit plan which helps offset the financial cost of traveling to and from our office.
NHL Partner Rates: Unlock exclusive pricing from our Partners that include savings on travel, consumer goods and services, plus the NHL Store.
Life at the NHL: In your first few days, you meet with your new teammates and the HR Team. You have the opportunity to learn more about the NHL and our workplace culture. Employees are invited to play hockey during our Tuesday Night Skate at Chelsea Piers, join our Employee Resource Groups and more. You are a part of our team and we encourage you to be your authentic self, adding to our dynamic workplace culture.
SALARY RANGE:
$75-85K
Actual base pay for a successful candidate will be determined based on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to: experience/training, market demands, and geographic location.
When applying, please be sure to include a cover letter with your salary expectations for this role. We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity, however only qualified candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. NO EMAILS OR PHONE CALLS PLEASE.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
