Are you an experienced major events professional with the expertise to manage complex accommodation programmes on an international scale?
We're looking for an experienced Major Event Accommodation Programme Manager to join our Events team on a fixed-term basis.
This is a unique opportunity to lead the delivery of a significant international event, overseeing accommodation arrangements for approximately 1,500 delegates, including international dignitaries, VIPs, government representatives and delegation groups.
You'll join a collaborative team delivering a high-profile event, working with leading accommodation providers and key stakeholders to ensure exceptional operational delivery.
About this role
The Major Event Accommodation Programme Manager is responsible for the end-to-end planning, management and delivery of a large-scale accommodation programme across multiple Auckland hotels.
This role combines strategic accommodation planning with hands-on operational management, including hotel contracting, room inventory management, delegate allocations, financial oversight and stakeholder coordination.
Working closely with hotel executives, government agencies, security teams and event stakeholders, you'll manage complex accommodation requirements, anticipate operational risks and ensure all arrangements are delivered to a high standard.
You'll oversee the programme from initial planning and supplier negotiations through to onsite event delivery and final financial reconciliation.
The role requires an experienced professional who can confidently manage commercial relationships, competing priorities and complex logistics while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and service delivery.
Key responsibilities
End-to-end planning, management and delivery of accommodation programme for approximately 1,500 delegates
Hotel contracting and room-block allocations across multiple Auckland hotels
Delegate allocations and room inventory management
Financial oversight, budgeting, forecasting and expenditure monitoring
Stakeholder coordination with hotel executives, government agencies, security teams and event stakeholders
Supplier relationship management and commercial negotiations
Operational risk management and contingency planning
Onsite event delivery and final financial reconciliation
About you
You're an experienced major events, accommodation or hospitality professional with a strong background in managing complex, large-scale accommodation programmes.
You've managed everything from hotel contracting and room-block allocations to supplier relationships, budgets and operational logistics, ensuring seamless delivery across multiple accommodation providers.
You're confident working with senior stakeholders, understand the importance of discretion and professionalism, and have the commercial judgement to manage contractual commitments and financial risks effectively.
You thrive in a fast-paced environment, remain calm under pressure and take a proactive, solutions-focused approach to delivering successful outcomes.
Extensive senior-level experience in major events, accommodation management, conference management, hospitality operations or a related field.
Proven experience managing complex accommodation programmes across multiple hotels or accommodation providers.
Strong knowledge of hotel operations, accommodation contracting, room-block management, inventory allocations and attrition commitments.
Demonstrated experience negotiating supplier agreements and managing commercial relationships.
Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, expenditure monitoring and reconciliation.
Exceptional stakeholder management and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage confidently with senior executives, suppliers and government representatives.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience using accommodation booking systems, event management platforms or comparable operational systems.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong organisational, analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
A high level of professionalism, discretion and attention to detail.
About us
Orbit World Travel is New Zealand's largest locally owned and operated corporate travel management company. We partner with over 1,000 public and private sector clients, delivering sustainable and future-focused travel solutions. We are a Toitū net carbonzero certified organisation, and are also proud to align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), providing travel options that focus on People, Planet, Partnerships and Prosperity.
Benefits
Opportunities for upskilling and further training
Being part of a large-scale NZ event
Access to an employee assistance programme
To apply for the role, please click Apply via the SEEK website.