At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the reservations team to maximise revenue through direct bookings and corporate client development.
- Company: Join City Relay, a dynamic company focused on innovative property management solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a vibrant work culture.
- Other info: Exciting role with opportunities to attend industry events and network.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving direct bookings and building valuable corporate relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in reservations management and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The Reservations Manager will lead City Relay’s commercial reservations function as a standalone department, having been separated from the Guest Experience team to give it dedicated leadership and strategic focus. The role exists to maximise the revenue City Relay earns from each property under management by increasing the proportion of direct bookings and building a pipeline of corporate and extended-stay clients. This is a commercially driven, outward-facing role. The Reservations Manager owns the full booking journey from enquiry through to confirmation, and is accountable for the revenue quality and channel mix of the portfolio.
Strategic Objectives:
- Increase direct booking share. City Relay earns a direct booking fee on reservations made through its own channels. Growing the proportion of direct bookings relative to OTA bookings directly improves revenue per property and reduces dependency on third-party platforms.
- Build a corporate and extended-stay pipeline. Secure bookings from corporate travellers and relocation clients with lengths of stay exceeding 90 nights. These bookings deliver higher occupancy certainty, lower turnover costs, and stronger gross margins for landlords and for City Relay.
Key Responsibilities:
- Direct Booking Growth: Own and optimise the direct booking channel, including the City Relay website, direct enquiry handling, and repeat guest engagement. Develop and execute campaigns, promotions, and pricing strategies that incentivise guests to book direct rather than through OTAs. Build and maintain a CRM process for past guests and enquirers to drive repeat direct bookings. Work with the operations team to ensure the direct booking experience is seamless from enquiry to check-in.
- Corporate & Extended-Stay Business Development: Identify, prospect, and build relationships with corporate travel managers, relocation agents, insurance providers, and serviced accommodation brokers. Create and maintain a pipeline of corporate leads, tracking activity from first contact through to confirmed booking. Develop competitive rate cards and flexible terms with the revenue manager for stays of 90+ nights that are attractive to corporate clients while protecting City Relay’s margins. Negotiate and close corporate agreements, ensuring terms are documented and handed over cleanly to operations. Attend industry events, networking functions, and relevant trade shows to raise City Relay’s profile in the corporate travel market.
- Reservations Management: Manage all inbound reservation enquiries with a focus on speed, accuracy, and conversion. Coordinate with the property management and housekeeping teams to confirm availability, pricing, and property readiness. Handle booking amendments, cancellations, and special requests professionally and in line with City Relay’s policies. Maintain accurate booking records in the property management system and flag any discrepancies. Manage the workload of the reservations agents and provide coaching, management and training.
Reservations Manager in City of London employer: City Relay
City Relay is an exceptional employer that prioritises both professional growth and a vibrant work culture, making it an ideal place for a Reservations Manager. With a focus on maximising direct bookings and building corporate relationships, employees are empowered to take ownership of their roles while benefiting from comprehensive training and development opportunities. Located in a dynamic urban environment, City Relay offers a collaborative atmosphere where innovation is encouraged, and team members can thrive in their careers.
