Team Leader - Conference Operations

Circles is seeking a dedicated and service-focused Team Leader, Conference Operations to help deliver an exceptional hospitality experience at a prestigious global life sciences company in Plainsboro, New Jersey. This role plays a key part in ensuring that conference rooms and event spaces are set up to the highest standards and that every visitor feels welcomed and supported.

As Team Leader, you will guide a team while also actively participating in daily operations to ensure continuity of service. From managing meeting logistics and room readiness to supporting event setup and guest services, you’ll be hands-on in creating a smooth, professional environment across a large onsite location.

We’re looking for someone who combines people leadership with a roll-up-your-sleeves approach to service. Strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to consistently high standards are essential. If you have experience in hospitality, events, or workplace services and enjoy both leading and contributing alongside your team, this is a great opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a high-touch, client-facing environment.

 The ideal candidate brings at least 5 years of relevant experience and thrives in a fast-paced, client-focused environment. This role is based onsite in Plainsboro, New Jersey.

This is a full-time, 100% on-site position, and the compensation for this role is $70,720.00 - $74,880.00 per year.

 Job Responsibilities: 

People Management & Team Development

• Manage and support a team of 5+ hospitality professionals, providing day-to-day leadership, performance oversight, and ongoing coaching to uphold Circles’ service standards and values.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, training, and scheduling, ensuring appropriate staffing levels for seamless operations across all locations.
• Provide direct coverage when needed, proactively addressing gaps due to PTO, call-outs, or increased demand.
• Foster a positive team culture rooted in engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement, using regular check-ins, mentorship, and clear performance expectations.
• Facilitate both initial and ongoing training sessions, maintain up-to-date training content, and create individualized development plans to support career growth.
• Monitor and review daily team performance, ensuring accurate documentation in CRM tools and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Deliver consistent, constructive feedback and performance reviews to motivate team members and align with operational goals.

Client & Stakeholder Communication

• Serve as the primary onsite point of contact for escalations, feedback, and high-level client interactions, maintaining professionalism and responsiveness at all times.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and the Account Director to identify service gaps, recommend improvements, and strengthen Circles' position as a trusted strategic partner.
• Proactively manage client expectations by communicating timelines, setting priorities, and offering solutions to capacity challenges or service disruptions.
• Represent Circles at various functions and meetings, effectively balancing stakeholder needs with operational feasibility and team bandwidth.
• Use data and reporting insights to evaluate performance, track trends, and propose actionable service enhancements.
• Actively monitor incoming requests in Planon, complete tasks on time, close tickets accurately, and track service outcomes.

Conference Operations & Hospitality Support

• Oversee daily conference operations, ensuring meeting rooms and event spaces are prepared to the highest standards: clean, functional, and guest-ready.
• Execute room setups and resets, including furniture arrangements, equipment placement, whiteboard cleaning, and supply replenishment.
• Support stakeholder communication for special events and high-profile meetings across locations like Lakeview and Rooftop Terrace, providing hands-on logistical assistance.
• Partner with onsite vendor to manage AV readiness, wire organization, and retrieval of equipment.
• Offer day-of event support by addressing last-minute host needs, maintaining space presentation, and flexing shifts as required.
• Liaise with catering teams to deliver, set up, and restock food and beverage items, ensuring consistent service throughout the day.
• Report facility-related issues, assist with furniture deployment when needed, and maintain organized storage areas and inventory.
• Stay flexible and available before and after standard hours to support fluctuating conference schedules.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies 

• Strong leadership skills with experience in managing and developing large, diverse teams, driving performance, and fostering a culture of excellence. 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, manage client relationships, and deliver exceptional guest and employee experiences. 

• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and lead in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Experience in operational excellence, vendor management, and service innovation. 

• Ability to quickly adapt to and implement new technologies that support workplace hospitality, guest services, and operational enhancements. 

• Professional appearance and demeanor, with a deep passion for hospitality and delivering five-star service experiences. Strong commitment to maintaining high standards. 

• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities, evolving hospitality service strategies, and the ability to work across multiple locations and environments as required. 

• Minimum of 5 years of hospitality or customer service management experience, preferably in luxury hotels, high-end corporate environments, or workplace hospitality settings.
• Proven ability to lead teams in fast-paced environments while maintaining high service standards.
• Comfortable with physical aspects of the role, including the ability to lift and move heavy items (up to 50 lbs) and work on your feet for extended periods of time. Must be able to move quickly and efficiently across large spaces throughout the day.
• Strong technical aptitude with the ability to quickly learn and implement new software platforms to streamline operations, track requests, and enhance service delivery.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required. Experience with desk booking platforms, workplace management systems, and CRM tools is a strong plus.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with clients, team members, and stakeholders.

• Medical, dental, vision Insurance starting the first day of the month after hire
• Long term and short-term disability insurance paid for by Circles
• 401k with match
• Life insurance paid for by Circles
• Unlimited PTO
• Paid holidays
• Access to discount programs
• 30 day paid sabbatical
• HSA/FSA account eligibility
• Access to Employee Assistance Program