Director of Group Sales in London

Company Description: The Raffles London at The OWO operates a 120 room and suites flagship hotel at the iconic Old War Office building along with a collection of 85 exceptional branded residences, including 12 distinct restaurants and bars, a Guerlain spa, and a 600 seated-capacity grand ballroom.

Job Description: Your role will be responsible for leading, managing and developing the group business, selling rooms, events, and banqueting within Raffles London. Ensuring all sales calls and leads are fully followed up and logged in line with the Raffles standards. Building relations and growing recognition of the hotel. Achieving time-sensitive and budget targets.

• Manage a team of two direct reports.
• Provide leadership and performance review, coaching and professional development.
• Be on site to meet and greet clients, work with the events operations and concierge teams to ensure guests' needs are met.

• Responsible for incoming enquiries, from conversion through to a signed contract.
• Work with the Director of Sales & Marketing and the Director of Sales to create and implement a sales strategy in accordance with budget.
• Attend sales missions, networking events, trade shows and exhibitions as required.
• Prospect opportunities through telephone calls, virtual presentations and in-person visits to research, penetrate and develop new accounts.
• Deal with group enquiries and provide excellent customer service during every element of the group enquiry process.
• Identify and lead the account management of key clients to ensure revenue is maximized.
• Recognize opportunities to maximize revenue through upselling, conversion, and drive repeat business.
• Monitor competitor activity in the market and be consistently up to date with schedules, state visits, cultural occasions, and political and economic change.
• Ensure strong internal communication together with the events team.
• Manage the sales system to ensure all information is correct and updated.
• Submit reports to the Director of Sales when required.
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Sales and the Director of Communications on trade marketing pieces and other ad hoc marketing and promotional activities.
• Take time to get to know customers, build lasting relationships and always commit to service excellence.

• Ensuring composure under pressure and providing leadership and guidance to the Team when required.
• Actively encouraging and promoting employees to be creative and innovative.

• Ensure that all potential and real hazards are reported immediately and rectified.
• Be fully conversant with all departmental Fire, Emergency and Bomb procedures.
• Ensure the safety of the persons and the property of all within the premises.

• Previous experience working in the Group market.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a similar role in a luxury environment.
• A proven track record and ability to provide high levels of service under pressure.
• Exceptional communication and customer service skills.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to multi-task.

Additional Information: Why join our Raffles team? You will receive great benefits including staff meals whilst on duty, free dry cleaning for uniform, employer pension contribution, enhanced sick pay, life assurance, employee assistance program, season ticket loans, colleague gifting, paid days off to move house or give back time to charity, internal learning and development programmes, fun-filled events, and worldwide development opportunities across Accor’s extensive brand portfolio.

• Respect: We value the needs, ideas and individuality of others.
• Belonging: We celebrate our differences and support each other.
• Integrity: We build trust through mutual respect and being authentic.
• Empowerment: We have the authority to take initiative and anticipate moments to create unforgettable experiences.
• Excellence: We make genuine connections and cherish every opportunity to make the people around us feel special.