At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead reservations and drive sales for our vibrant restaurant group.
- Company: Join a dynamic restaurant group known for exceptional hospitality experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team that values guest engagement and commercial success.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in reservations management with strong sales and communication skills.
- Other info: Experience with booking platforms like OpenTable is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are a dynamic and expanding restaurant group, known for delivering exceptional hospitality experiences across our diverse portfolio of venues, from vibrant volume restaurants to a stand-alone fine dining destination restaurant. As we continue to grow, we are looking for a passionate and driven Group National Events and Reservations Manager to drive proactive sales and help us reach new heights in guest engagement and commercial performance.
This is a dual-focused role that combines reservations leadership with a proactive sales approach. You will manage all aspects of individual, group, and private dining bookings across multiple venues while actively seeking out new business opportunities from corporate partnerships to private event leads.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the Reservations team across all venues with clear targets and support
- Manage all booking communications: phone, email, and digital platforms
- Handle high-value group bookings and private dining enquiries from initial lead to confirmation
- Proactively identify and convert new business opportunities, including corporate and event clients
- Develop and maintain relationships with key accounts, event planners, and local businesses
- Drive sales strategy in partnership with marketing and operations teams
- Oversee booking platform management (OpenTable, SevenRooms, Triple Seat, TheFork)
- Train, develop, and motivate the Reservations Executives
- Analyse booking data and trends to optimise revenue and guest experience
- Support departmental budgeting and reporting
- Minimum 2 years' experience in a Reservations Manager or Senior Reservations Executive role
- Proven track record of team management and multi-site or high-volume restaurant experience
- Strong sales instincts with experience in lead generation and client conversion
- Comfortable networking and pitching to potential clients and partners
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Organised, commercially minded, and target-driven
- Experience with OpenTable, SevenRooms, Triple Seat, and TheFork platforms
- Passionate about hospitality and delivering outstanding service
Group National Events and Reservations Manager employer: Big Easy
Contact Detail:
Big Easy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group National Events and Reservations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the booking platforms mentioned in the job description, such as OpenTable and SevenRooms. Having hands-on experience or knowledge about these systems will give you an edge during interviews, showing that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 2
Network within the hospitality industry, especially with event planners and corporate clients. Attend local events or join relevant online groups to build connections that could lead to potential business opportunities, which is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in managing reservations and leading teams. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven sales and improved guest engagement in past roles, as this will demonstrate your capability for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends in the hospitality industry, particularly around events and dining experiences. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also show your passion for the sector and your commitment to delivering exceptional service.
We think you need these skills to ace Group National Events and Reservations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in reservations management and sales. Emphasise your achievements in team leadership and any specific platforms you've worked with, such as OpenTable or SevenRooms.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for hospitality and your proactive sales approach. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully driven sales or improved guest experiences in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills in communication, organisation, and data analysis. These are crucial for the role, so provide examples of how you've used these skills to achieve results in past positions.
Showcase Your Industry Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of the restaurant industry and current trends in guest engagement. This could include mentioning any innovative strategies you've implemented or observed that could benefit the company.
How to prepare for a job interview at Big Easy
✨Showcase Your Sales Skills
Since the role requires a proactive sales approach, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in lead generation and client conversion. Share specific examples of how you've successfully identified and converted new business opportunities.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership
Highlight your experience in managing teams, especially in high-volume environments. Discuss how you motivate and develop your team members, as this will be crucial for leading the Reservations team across multiple venues.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Booking Platforms
Make sure you know the ins and outs of platforms like OpenTable, SevenRooms, Triple Seat, and TheFork. Be ready to explain how you've used these tools in the past to optimise bookings and enhance guest experiences.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle high-value group bookings. Think of scenarios where you've successfully managed complex reservations or turned around a challenging situation to ensure guest satisfaction.