Assistant Director of Event Sales in London

Company Description

Raffles Hotels & Resorts is a legendary brand, steeped in history and loved by generations past, present and future. Raffles, at distinguished landmark addresses around the world, is the vibrant heart of its destination, curating experiences that are culturally enriching, intellectually stimulating and always respectful of local communities, heritage and the environment.

About Raffles London: Raffles London at The OWO on London’s Whitehall unites the allure and heritage of Raffles with one of the world’s most historic addresses. This fine Grade II* listed Edwardian building has been transformed with 120 rooms and suites along with a collection of 85 exceptional branded residences. Within The OWO destination, there are a total of nine restaurants and three bars, including one by our signature chef Mauro Colagreco. The Guerlain spa and Pillar Wellness offer the latest in wellbeing, and a 600 seated-capacity grand ballroom, The Whitehall, is perfect for all kinds of special occasions and events.

Job Description

Scope Of Position: To sell and plan high profile corporate and social events at Raffles London and to deliver exceptional service whilst doing so. To assist with leading the Events Department, training and coaching the team and taking on managerial tasks as required. To develop new business, and to contribute to projects to strengthen the positioning of the events department as required.

Responsibilities:

• To sell and plan events, including taking initial enquiries, preparing proposals, sending contracts, negotiating pricing, preparing event orders, planning and executing events to the highest level and in-line with Raffles London standards.
• To be present at the event, to provide a smooth link for the client to the operations team and to support in the seamless running of the event for the client.
• To build up a portfolio of regular clients and to encourage repeat business.
• To develop new events business and to take proactive action to do so.
• To conduct site visits and entertain guests.
• To prepare forecast reports, review P&L reports and to deputise at management meetings if needed, taking relevant action where required.
• To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of event trends and think innovatively to create and offer new and exciting event experiences at Raffles London.
• Additional responsibilities in absence of line manager or senior employee.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned including working in a different department or restaurant than usually assigned.

Health and Safety:

• 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, by strict adherence to existing laws, statutes and applicable ordinances, and by anticipating possible and probable hazards and conditions and either correcting them or pre-planning a defence against them.
• Stimulate and encourage a general awareness of Health and Safety in relation to all tasks and activities undertaken in the department.

Qualifications:

Essential:

• Recent experience in event management in a similar role.
• Strong understanding of revenue management and guidelines to maximise event profit.
• Market knowledge of competitors and event industry trends.
• A proven track record and ability to provide high levels of service under pressure.
• Exceptional communication and customer service skills, both written and spoken.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to multi-task while maintaining an immaculate and professional appearance.
• An understanding and willingness to contribute to a 24h operational schedule when required.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of Delphi fdc and salesforce and Opera PMS.
• Previous experience within a luxury hotel environment working with LQA, Forbes 5* or equivalent standards.

Additional Information:

Employee Benefits: Join our team and enjoy a range of exclusive colleague perks, including complimentary upgrades, extended stays, discounted stays across Fairmont & Raffles properties, special dining and wellness discounts, and added luxuries to enhance your experience. We believe in taking care of our team, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded with exceptional benefits.

• 28 days holiday including bank holidays plus a day extra for every year of your service up to 5 years (35 Days).
• Staff meals whilst on duty.
• Free dry cleaning for uniform.
• Employer pension contribution of 3%.
• Enhanced sick pay.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.
• Life Assurance 1x salary.
• Employee assistance program, including virtual GP and financial advice.
• Season ticket loans and cycle to work scheme.
• Colleague gifting to celebrate special occasions.
• Paid days off to move house or give back time to a charity of your choice.
• Internal learning and development programmes tailored to you.
• Fun-filled events, whether that’s a pub quiz, team run or festive party.
• Employee benefit card offering discounted rates of up to 30% at Accor worldwide and Raffles London F&B outlets.
• Worldwide development opportunities across Accor’s extensive brand portfolio.

Our Values:

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

Diversity & Inclusion: Raffles is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diverse talent thrives. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join our team.

About the Application Process: At Raffles, we want to bring out your highest potential. Shortly after applying, you will receive an email from our partner AssessFirst prompting you to create a profile and complete a questionnaire. This is a mandatory step for your candidacy to be considered as it enables us to explore your compatibility with this role and our culture of luxury excellence.

We aim to respond to every application promptly; however, if you do not hear from us within 2 weeks, please assume your application has not been successful at this time.

Summary: Type: Full-time, Function: Other, Experience level: Mid-Senior Level, Industry: Hospitality