About Company
Nestled on the edge of the world-renowned Kruger National Park in Phalaborwa, Limpopo, Hans Merensky Hotel & Spa offers an unparalleled blend of luxury, natural beauty, and exceptional hospitality. As a premier destination for leisure and business, we boast an 18-hole championship golf course, an award-winning spa, and a variety of sophisticated venues perfect for conferences, elegant weddings, and memorable special events. Our commitment to creating extraordinary experiences for our guests is at the heart of everything we do. We pride ourselves on our vibrant atmosphere, dedicated team, and our ability to host events that leave a lasting impression, consistently reflecting the unique charm, serene elegance, and professional standards expected from a leading South African hospitality brand. Joining our network means becoming part of a legacy of excellence and a community that values creativity and impeccable service.
Job Description
Are you a highly creative, meticulously detail-oriented, and dynamic Event Planner with an unwavering passion for bringing visions to life? Hans Merensky Hotel & Spa is actively seeking a talented Freelance Event Planner to join our extended network of professionals on a flexible, project-by-project contract basis. This is an exciting and unique opportunity for an individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment, cherishes the autonomy of freelance work, and is eager to collaborate with a prestigious hospitality brand known for its exceptional service and stunning location.
In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in conceptualizing, designing, planning, and flawlessly executing a diverse range of events. This includes everything from high-profile corporate conferences and strategic business meetings to enchanting weddings, milestone celebrations, themed gala dinners, and intimate private gatherings, all held at our exquisite venue. We are looking for an experienced professional who can seamlessly manage all facets of event planning, from initial client consultation and innovative concept development to stringent budget management, meticulous vendor coordination, impeccable on-site execution, and comprehensive post-event analysis. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, a keen eye for aesthetics and detail, and a proven track record of consistently delivering successful, impactful, and truly memorable events that exceed client expectations. While the nature of this freelance role offers significant flexibility in terms of work schedule and the ability to conduct much of the planning and administrative tasks remotely, a critical portion of the coordination and on-site execution will undeniably require your physical presence at our Phalaborwa location. This ensures seamless operations, meticulous quality control, and direct client satisfaction. If you are deeply passionate about crafting extraordinary experiences, possess a robust portfolio of successful events, and are ready to contribute your expertise to a leading hospitality destination, we enthusiastically invite you to explore this unique freelance opportunity with Hans Merensky Hotel & Spa.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate intimately with clients to thoroughly understand event objectives, desired themes, specific requirements, and budgetary constraints.
- Develop comprehensive event proposals, including detailed timelines, realistic budgets, innovative venue layouts, and a curated selection of vendor recommendations.
- Skillfully source, negotiate terms with, and effectively manage a diverse portfolio of vendors, encompassing caterers, decorators, entertainment acts, and crucial technical support teams.
- Oversee all intricate logistical aspects of event planning, including securing necessary permits, managing contractual agreements, ensuring robust security, and coordinating efficient staffing solutions.
- Rigorously manage event budgets, meticulously track all expenses, and proactively ensure overall profitability for each project.
- Conduct thorough site visits and pre-event walkthroughs to guarantee all venue specifications and precise client needs are met without compromise.
- Provide diligent on-site supervision and expert coordination during events to ensure exceptionally smooth execution and proactively address any unforeseen issues with swift resolution.
- Develop and implement strategic marketing and promotional strategies for events where applicable, to maximize attendance and engagement.
- Conduct comprehensive post-event evaluations, diligently gather client and attendee feedback, and analyze outcomes to identify key areas for continuous improvement and innovation.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, emerging best practices, and new technologies in event management to keep our offerings cutting-edge.
Required Skills
- Minimum of 3 years of professional, hands-on experience in event planning or management.
- Demonstrated ability to efficiently manage multiple diverse projects simultaneously under stringent deadlines.
- Exceptional organizational capabilities and superior time management skills.
- Strong negotiation acumen and proven vendor management abilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with strong presentation capabilities.
- Proficiency in event management software (e.g., Eventbrite, Cvent) and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Creative flair, an innovative approach to event design, and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as a collaborative member of a team.
- Valid driver's license and own reliable transportation for local travel.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Marketing, Communications, or a closely related field.
- Relevant certification in Event Management (e.g., CMP – Certified Meeting Professional).
- Extensive experience with events specifically within the hospitality or luxury tourism sector.
- In-depth knowledge of local suppliers, venues, and cultural nuances within the Limpopo region.
- Ability to communicate fluently in additional South African languages (e.g., Sepedi, Tsonga).
Perks & Benefits
- Highly flexible working hours and the autonomy to manage your own project schedule.
- Exceptional opportunity to collaborate with a prestigious and well-established hotel and spa brand.
- Exposure to a diverse and exciting range of event types and high-profile clients.
- Significant networking opportunities within the vibrant hospitality and event industry.
- Creative freedom to design and execute unique, impactful, and memorable events.
- Competitive project-based remuneration, reflecting your expertise and project scope.
- Potential for long-term collaboration and recurring projects based on performance.
How to Apply
If you are a highly motivated, seasoned, and experienced freelance Event Planner looking for an exciting opportunity to showcase your exceptional talents and contribute to unforgettable experiences, we warmly encourage you to apply! Please submit your comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV), a compelling cover letter highlighting your most relevant experience and a strong portfolio of past events, along with your proposed project rates, to the email address provided below. We eagerly look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how your unique expertise can contribute to creating extraordinary and lasting memories at Hans Merensky Hotel & Spa.