Group & Event Sales Manager

Description

Our Group & Event Sales Manager is responsible for driving hotel revenue by aggressively soliciting, booking, and planning group, meeting, and catering functions while maximizing banquet space to meet or exceed sales goals. This hybrid role meets planned revenue objectives for occupancy and average daily rate while simultaneously providing critical administrative support to the Director of Sales. The manager assists in all areas of sales according to IHM and Brand standards to achieve a professional rapport within the local business community.

This position may require flexible scheduling availability.

Requirements

The Group & Event Sales Manager is the ultimate "hands-on" cross-functional team member, actively involved on a daily basis in securing, qualifying, and following up on leads, managing administrative operations, and physically executing specific booked business.

• Be readily available and approachable for all guests, serving as the dedicated point of contact for clients during the entirety of their events.
• Take a proactive approach when dealing with guest’s concerns.
• Always extend professionalism and courtesy to guests.
• Become involved in community and/or government affairs to ensure effective marketing of the hotel.

• Know key accounts and actively sell room nights and event spaces through cold calls, direct sales, cultivating leads, and outside sales calls.
• Develop, execute, and assist in marketing strategies based on demand segments to capture maximum revenue and maximize use of banquet space.
• Know why competitors are successful in each demand segment and directly market/sell against the competition.
• Maintain vendor and client information where necessary.

• Work with clients in detail to execute contracts, including meeting client expectations in regard to space requirements, times, equipment, menus, and themes/decorations.
• Supervise and manually assist in the set-up of function rooms to include placement of linens, silver, plate wear and glassware according to event order specifications.
• Visually inspect function rooms and equipment prior to functions for cleanliness, proper inventory, and set up.
• Verbally communicate, in a calm, positive demeanor, during the course of the function with the kitchen, service, beverage, and engineering staff, as well as the guest host to ensure timely execution of events and adherence to safety standards.
• Supervise clean-up of function room and actively participate in the proper breakdown and storage of equipment.

• Perform essential clerical duties for the Director of Sales, including answering phones, typing correspondence and reports, data entry, and filing.
• Detail out all Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and accurately create and manage client rooming lists.
• Continuously utilize sales force automation programs for entering potential client data, maintaining accounts, and planning and executing sales activities.
• Collaborate with front desk teams to ensure the details of group and special corporate directives are executed properly.
• Prepare required reports for the management team.
• Any other duties assigned by Supervisor.

Job Qualifications:

• Prior hotel or sales experience, with a minimum of 2 years’ experience in a related employment field or position.
• Highly motivated team player with strong initiative and a desire for achievement.
• Thorough knowledge of the practices and procedures of the catering, food & beverage and hospitality professions.
• Excellent communication, computer, and presentation skills.
• Must work well in stressful high-pressure situations and maintain composure and objectivity under pressure.
• Must be available for evenings…