Pro-active Sales Manager

Pro-active Sales Manager

Full-Time No working from home possible
Accor Hotels

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive new business and grow market share in a dynamic hotel environment.
  • Company: Join the newly renovated Mercure & Ibis London Earls Court hotel.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free meals, discounts, and career growth opportunities.
  • Other info: Opportunity to make a difference through CSR activities and develop your talent globally.
  • Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team making events unforgettable in one of London's largest venues.
  • Qualifications: Experience in hotel sales and a passion for business development.

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 F&B outlets in the property have been created by PARIS SOCIETY. 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.

The Pro‑active Sales Manager is responsible for driving new business and growing market share across corporate, residential MICE, meetings, conferences and group segments. This is a highly proactive role focused on identifying, developing and converting new business opportunities into long‑term, profitable partnerships. The role has a strong emphasis on generating residential MICE business, corporate group demand and event‑led bedroom revenue, while developing strategic relationships with corporate clients, agencies, travel management companies (TMCs), event organisers and key industry partners. The successful candidate will actively contribute to the hotel’s commercial strategy, delivering revenue across bedrooms, meeting and event space, food & beverage and ancillary services.

Key Responsibilities

  • Business Development & Proactive Sales: Proactively generate new business for the hotel, with a clear focus on residential MICE opportunities combining meeting and event space, accommodation, food & beverage and ancillary revenue. Identify, research, qualify and secure new corporate accounts, agencies, TMCs, event organisers, associations and key decision‑makers across domestic and international markets. Target and develop residential MICE opportunities across corporate meetings, conferences, training events, healthcare, pharmaceutical, association, exhibition, incentive, sports and agency‑led business. Build and maintain a strong pipeline of qualified opportunities across residential conferences, meetings, corporate groups, event‑led bedroom blocks and strategic corporate accounts. Reconnect with lost, cancelled and previously declined business to recover future opportunities and maximise revenue.
  • Corporate Account Management: Develop strategic relationships with preferred MICE partners, corporate clients, agencies, TMCs and key bookers to increase market share and long‑term account production. Manage and grow an allocated portfolio of key corporate and agency accounts through structured account plans and regular client engagement. Negotiate preferred corporate agreements and rate programmes aligned with hotel revenue strategies. Support annual corporate RFP processes, preferred hotel programmes and consortia opportunities, ensuring the hotel remains competitively positioned. Strengthen relationships with existing corporate customers while identifying opportunities to increase penetration, revenue and profitability.
  • Meetings, Conferences & Events: Promote the hotel’s extensive conference facilities for meetings, residential conferences, exhibitions, training events, gala dinners, product launches and corporate events. Position the hotel as a leading residential conference venue within West London and the wider London market. Work closely with the Groups & Events team to maximise enquiry conversion and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Maximise revenue opportunities across bedrooms, meeting space, food & beverage, AV services and all ancillary revenue streams.
  • Sales Activity & Market Development: Plan and execute proactive sales activity including: client appointments, sales calls, LinkedIn prospecting, networking events, industry exhibitions, sales missions, hotel show rounds, client entertainment, and market research. Maintain a visible presence within the London corporate and MICE marketplace. Analyse competitor activity and identify opportunities to increase market share through targeted sales initiatives. Understand local demand generators, business trends and market intelligence to influence commercial decisions.
  • Commercial Performance: Deliver agreed monthly and annual revenue targets across: Corporate bedrooms; Residential MICE; Meetings & Events; Group accommodation; and Food & Beverage. Work closely with the Director of Sales & Marketing, Revenue Manager and Groups & Events team to identify need periods, target segments and tactical sales opportunities. Support pricing strategies through effective account management and market intelligence. Produce accurate sales forecasts, pipeline reports and business development plans.
  • Relationship Management: Build long‑term relationships with corporate travel buyers, procurement teams, event planners, agencies and meeting organisers. Conduct regular account reviews and business development meetings. Represent the hotel at trade shows, networking events and client hospitality functions. Deliver engaging hotel presentations and familiarisation visits.
  • Administration & CRM: Maintain accurate account plans, client records, sales activity and pipeline updates within the hotel’s CRM and sales systems. Record proactive sales activity, corporate opportunities, MICE enquiries, TMC production and account performance. Prepare weekly and monthly activity reports, production analysis and revenue forecasts. Ensure all client correspondence, contracts and proposals are completed accurately and professionally.

Qualifications

  • Hotel Sales experience (ideally from a large volume led hotel with large M & E operation)
  • Segments: MICE, Corporate & some Leisure
  • Lanyon/CVENT, Delphi, ANAIS, Opera TMC & MICE distribution platforms
  • Reporting & prior team management
  • Competent financial acumen e.g. P & L / Budget / Forecasts
  • Dynamic, self‑motivated, enthusiastic
  • Dependable and adaptable
  • Commercial mindset
  • Self‑starter, resilient & appetite for business development
  • Strategic and process driven
  • Organised with excellent communication

Additional Information

  • Employee benefit card offering discounted rates at Accor worldwide
  • Free and delicious meal breaks on duty
  • Complimentary stays in UK and North Ireland
  • Friends & Family discounts
  • 50% food discounts in our restaurants
  • Pension Scheme
  • Eye Test Vouchers
  • Staff Uniforms Provided
  • Learning programs through our Academies
  • Opportunity to develop your talent and grow within your property and across the world!
  • Ability to make a difference through our Corporate Social Responsibility activities, like Planet 21

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.

Pro-active Sales Manager employer: Accor Hotels

The Mercure & Ibis London Earls Court hotel is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a focus on proactive sales and business development, team members benefit from comprehensive training programmes, competitive benefits including discounted stays and meals, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through corporate social responsibility initiatives. Located in one of West London's largest conference venues, employees enjoy a dynamic environment that fosters collaboration and innovation.

Accor Hotels

Contact Details:

Accor Hotels Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Pro-active Sales Manager

Leverage Your Network

In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!

Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results

When targeting a full-time role like Pro-active Sales Manager at Accor Hotels, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!

Engage with Sales Communities

Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.

Direct Applications Matter

While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Accor Hotels. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Pro-active Sales Manager. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!

We think you need these skills to ace Pro-active Sales Manager

Business Development
Proactive Sales
Market Research
Client Relationship Management
Negotiation Skills
Event Planning
Revenue Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!

Tailor Your Message for Accor Hotels:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Accor Hotels. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!

Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!

Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!

How to prepare for a job interview at Accor Hotels

Know Your Sales Methodologies

Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Accor Hotels that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.

Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills

Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Accor Hotels that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.

Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios

In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!

Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision

Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Accor Hotels’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.