At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Events & Groups team in managing and delivering exceptional events.
- Company: Join the newly renovated Mercure & Ibis London Earls Court hotel.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 holiday days, employee discounts, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth and development within a friendly working environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team creating unforgettable experiences for guests.
- Qualifications: Previous team management experience and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Mercure & Ibis London Earls Court hotel is a newly renovated property in Southwest London. The property is a large conferencing & group hotel comprising a total of 508 keys, across two distinct brands within Accor, Mercure & Ibis. The London Suite is the main ballroom for all types of events, extremely versatile and plays a pivotal role in the property's overall performance. The London Suite is divisible into nine separate meeting rooms, which when combined can be one of the largest pillar-free spaces in London for events up to 1,200 guests.
Our promise is caring and impeccable service. We nurture real passion for service and achievement beyond limits. Our mission is to make the impossible possible to realise your dreams.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Assistant Events & Groups Manager supports the Senior Events & Groups Manager in the day-to-day management, supervision and development of the Events & Groups team. This role acts as a key support between the Senior Manager and the Events & Groups Executives/Coordinators, helping to ensure enquiries are handled efficiently, proposals are issued on time, business is converted and contracted correctly, and all event planning information is communicated accurately to the hotel operations team. Previous team management experience preferred.
The Assistant Events & Groups Manager will help coach and support the Events & Groups team, acting as a point of guidance for daily questions, workload prioritisation, standards, systems and customer service delivery. They will lead by example in enquiry handling, conversion, planning, upselling and attention to detail.
The role requires strong organisational skills, commercial awareness, excellent communication and a proactive approach to supporting both the team and the client journey from initial enquiry through to post-event follow-up. They will assist the Director of Sales & Marketing to energise and drive the team with closing days, demand generation weeks and other sales initiatives.
Duties:
- Deputise as Groups and Events Manager in the absence of the Senior Groups and Events Manager.
- Support the day-to-day supervision, coaching and development of the Events & Groups team, ensuring enquiries are distributed, prioritised, followed up and converted effectively.
- Review turned-down enquiries and identify opportunities to create alternative offers, including different dates, flexible packages, adjusted room hire, minimum spend options, bedroom allocations or revised catering proposals.
- Review cancelled and lost business opportunities, identifying alternative solutions, future opportunities and conversion strategies to maximise revenue and retention.
- Contact clients to re-open the conversation and explore future event opportunities at the property.
- Work with the Senior Events & Groups Manager and Commercial Office Manager to identify need periods, black-out dates, quiet dates and tactical opportunities where the Events & Groups team can proactively generate demand.
- Support proactive sales activity by reaching out to past clients, agents and event organisers with relevant offers, seasonal packages, availability updates and new event opportunities.
- Review lost business reports and identify trends, competitor feedback, pricing objections or date flexibility that could help improve future conversion.
- Amend, create and design templates for the team to utilise when quoting and responding back to clients.
- Handle own portfolio of events and group enquiries, including taking initial enquiries, preparing proposals, negotiating rates, issuing contracts, collecting deposits and coordinating pre-event details.
- Support the Senior Events & Groups Manager with complex or high-value enquiries, VIP events, large groups, multi-day events, city-wide demand, sporting events, awards dinners, buyouts and other key opportunities.
- Assist with the checking and distribution of BEOs to ensure all operational departments receive accurate and timely event information.
- Attend, support and (where required) lead BEO meetings in the absence of the Senior Events & Groups Manager.
- Ensure BEOs are completed to a high standard, with accurate details relating to timings, room setup, catering, AV, accommodation, billing, special requests and client expectations.
- Work closely with hotel operations, including F&B, kitchen, front office, reservations, finance and housekeeping, to ensure smooth event and group delivery.
- Support the team in identifying upselling opportunities across bedrooms, meeting rooms, catering, AV, private dining, packages, upgrades and additional hotel services.
- Help maximise revenue by supporting conversion, cross-selling, upselling and repeat business opportunities.
- Assist in maintaining and improving e-proposals, standard proposal templates, menus, packages and sales collateral used by the Events & Groups team.
- Support the management of financial processes, including deposits, payment schedules, PM accounts, billing instructions and client credit requirements.
- Support with the creation and amendment of Delphi reporting to ensure accurate records.
- Maintain accurate records in Delphi and other hotel systems, ensuring all activities, notes, contracts, BEOs and financial information are updated correctly.
- Assist with monthly credit meetings and support the team in ensuring outstanding balances, deposits and payment schedules are followed up correctly.
- Help track team performance against monthly, quarterly and yearly targets relating to catering revenue, room hire, group room nights and total event revenue.
- Provide coaching and guidance to the Events & Groups team, supporting training, best practice sharing and continuous improvement.
- Ensure all client communication is professional, timely and aligned with hotel standards.
- Build strong client relationships and deliver excellent customer service throughout the full event and group journey: enquiry, proposal, contract, planning, event delivery and post-event follow-up.
- Handle client challenges or operational issues professionally, escalating to the Senior Events & Groups Manager when required.
- Support regular team meetings, business-on-the-books reviews, performance discussions and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support the maintenance of Accor brand standards and departmental procedures across enquiry handling, event planning, event delivery and post-event feedback processes.
Additional Information
PERKS FOR YOU
- Competitive salary
- Entitle of 28 holiday days (bank holidays included)
- Employee benefit card offering discounted rates in Accor Hotels worldwide
- Develop your talent through learning programs by the Academy Accor
- Free Bonus Breaks Voucher
- Friends & Family Rates
- Eye Test Vouchers
- Private Healthcare
- Opportunity to grow within your property and across the world
- Friendly working Environment
- Ability to contribute to the local community and make a difference through our Corporate Social Responsibility activities, like Planet 21
Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.
Assistant Groups and Events Manager in London employer: Accor Hotels
The Mercure & Ibis London Earls Court hotel is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for growth within the Accor family, team members are encouraged to thrive in a supportive environment that values service excellence and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Groups and Events Manager in London
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
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Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
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✨Reach Out Directly to Accor Hotels
Don't be shy about reaching out to Accor Hotels directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Groups and Events Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Accor Hotels and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Accor Hotels
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
