Leigh-Anne Thombs

Experience

• 

  Hilton

  Jul 2002 - now

  Managing the Event Planning Team to deliver results and effective and efficient event planning, whilst developing relationships to earn repeat and expanded businessResponsible for :Maximise revenues and spend per head opportunities from all EventsManage the department's day-to-day operations and activitiesReview business plans, identify gaps and ensure proactive efforts to fill capacity and meet set targetsContribute to the selling strategy of the hotel, and manage the departments' adherence to achieving that strategyUnderstand the competitive market place and implement approaches to ensure the hotel stays ahead in the local marketEnsure the highest standards of Event Management are in place including building relationships with new/existing customers in order to secure rollover businessEnsure the Event Planners are developed effectively and generate a culture of high quality standards for relationship building, customer service, selling techniques, and billing and processing contractsBuild strong relationships with customers, Guests and Team Members in order to gain full understanding of their needs and work to serve them effectivelyAssist in the recruiting, managing, training and developing of the TeamProactively review and evaluate existing processes, identifying and implementing new and innovative ways of working, ensuring maximum efficiency and effectiveness at all times Show less Represent the GM/DO throughout the hotel, one of Europes largest conference and event hotels, 1054 bedrooms, meetings upto 3000, dining upto 2000, 42 meeting rooms, 2 bars, 2 restaurants. Focusing on operations & areas of maximum guest impact. Responding to guest queries/complaints effectively, finding and implementing solutions and amending in house policies where necessary. Dealing with local authorities onsite, ensuring H&S issues are in line with Hilton policies and delivered by our teams. Creating relationships and supporting all HOD’s to achieve hotels goals and maintain Hilton brand standards. Monitoring SALT (guest loyalty tracker) and initiating new ideas on how to further improve our service offerings. Extensively involved working with our FOH team during our multi million pound lobby refurb, supported with the smooth transition of the new lobby opening, assisting with the recruitment and development of our FOH house team. Leading the hotels daily communications meetings, distributing relevant info to departmental heads and challenging the status quo. Show less Hotel Pre-Opening team during July 2012 Olympics, situated next to the iconic Wembley Stadium and arena. 361 bedroom property, 600 capacity ballroom, Sky Bar, Icons bar and 280 seat hotel restaurant. Management of high profile events and assisting the busy outlets during match/events day. Roster and payroll for a team of 20, focusing on development of team individuals, analysing of beverage cost and accountable for monthly stock take. Department of the year during the first year of opening, pursued succession of team individuals. Show less Catering lead on events up to 1300 pax in the UK’s largest convention hotel outside London and one of Hiltons Largest in Europe. Diverse and demanding events, with a team of up to 200 team members and supervisors to manage, retain and mentor. Known for exceptional attention to detail, creativity, planning and strong manager of people. Seconded twice to Hilton Brighton Metropole to assist with Labour Conference, 3000 delegates over two days, 150+ fringe meetings and high profile MP's. Finalist in MARCHE Awards & Solihull chamber of commerce.recommending change and reviewing working practices to ensure maximum guest satisfaction. A leader of change and reinvention of culture.Implementing SOP's, training & procedures to set up a new department in opening hotel Proven record of creative & innovative ideas to enhance guest experience with themed breaksSuccessful implementation of a new training scheme for a team of over 200 C&E team Show less

  • Sales Manager

    Aug 2023 - now

  • GCE Sales - Golf, Groups, Conference & Events

    Feb 2022 - Aug 2023

  • GCE Planning Manager

    Mar 2016 - Feb 2022

  • Deputy Hotel Manager

    Jul 2014 - Mar 2016

  • Assistant Hotel Operations Manager

    Jul 2013 - Jul 2014

  • Assistant Conference & Events Manager

    Jul 2012 - Jul 2013

  • Conference & Events Floor Manager

    Oct 2009 - Jul 2012

  • C&E Team Leader

    Sept 2006 - Oct 2009

  • C&E/F&B Assistant

    Jul 2002 - Sept 2006