Hotel Meeting & Events Sales Manager

We are excited to be recruiting for an experienced, enthusiastic and open-minded Meeting & Events Sales Manager or Sales Executive who will assume responsibility for managing and developing the meetings segment. Additionally, to support the Director of Sales with the groups business attached to meeting business.

Job Overview & Responsibilities

Achieve and exceed budgeted revenues and sales goals, whilst assisting in the maximisation of profitability. To also effectively manage time and resource to establish face to face visits, telesales and mailings that will:

· Research and develop new business and client/contact database.

· Drive and win new business for the hotel from assigned industry and geographical target areas.

· Protect and increase existing client revenue sales.

· Present recommendations for promotional rates, sales and social media initiatives.

· Have a great knowledge of the London business travel market and the opportunities.

· Pro-actively manage and build relationships with key customers, local conference venues and industry bodies.

· Experience and an in-depth understanding of the meetings and events RFP process and the key negotiation skills that are required.

· To search historic and current records to establish sales leads for business development, consulting with both Conference & Banqueting and Reservations departments.

· Plan and host appropriate familiarisation trips and client show rounds for targeted conference clients.

· Attend trade fairs and represent hotel at industry related events.

· To complete monthly sales activities as outlined in the Sales Action Plan.

· To provide competitor intelligence/market intelligence and contribute to all sales meetings.

Benefits, What we offer:

· Competitive salary.

· Meals on duty.

· Company funded healthcare plan.

· Access to GP helpline, Virtual Doctor, and Legal advice helpline.

· Access to Perkbox.

· Employee discounts across IHG hotels.

· The opportunity to be part of a fantastic team and working for a Brand defining Hotel.

· 28 Annual Holidays (including Bank Holiday).

· Pension Scheme.

Personal Specification

· Previous sales experience in a 4-star hotel environment.

· A successful history in pro - active selling / Understanding of the sales process from prospecting research to re-contracting.

· Excellent personal presentation.

· Highly organised and efficient.

· Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal).

· Good understanding of the London hotel market.

· Superb attention to detail and driven by delivering exceptional standards.

· Experience of Exhibitions / Trade Shows / Sales Trips.

· Must be prepared to travel within the UK and abroad.

· Computer literate in Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

· Previous knowledge of Sales Force and Opera is essential.

· Understanding of the GDS System.