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 Slough 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 benefit from strategic leadership and the opportunity to shape the future of the reservations department. Located in a dynamic urban environment, City Relay offers a collaborative atmosphere, competitive compensation, and the chance to engage with industry leaders at networking events, ensuring a rewarding career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Reservations Manager in Slough
✨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!
✨Network at Food Festivals
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!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like City Relay. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to City Relay
Don't be shy about reaching out to City Relay 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 Reservations Manager in Slough
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 City Relay 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 City Relay
✨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!
