At a Glance
- Tasks: Promote and sell private hire experiences while delivering exceptional guest service.
- Company: Join City Cruises, part of the global Hornblower Group, known for unforgettable experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus incentives, and hybrid working options after training.
- Other info: Flexible hours, exciting events, and opportunities for personal growth await you!
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team creating memorable events on the Thames.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in sales, excellent communication skills, and a passion for hospitality.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
City Cruises London UK, Cherry Garden Pier, London, London, City of, United Kingdom
Job Description
Posted Wednesday 29 July 2026 at 02:00
Hornblower Group is a global leader in experience and transportation.
Spanning a 100-year history, Hornblower Group’s portfolio of international offerings includes water- and land-based experiences and ferry and transportation services.
City Experiences, Hornblower Group’s premier experience division, offers dining and sightseeing cruises and walking and food tours through the City Cruises, Walks, and Devour brands.
City Ferry, part of Hornblower Group’s Ferry and Transportation Division, is the largest private operator of high-speed passenger and vehicle ferries in the United States, carrying more than 10 million passengers annually and operating services including NYC Ferry, Puerto Rico Ferry, and other regional ferry systems
Hornblower Group’s subsidiaries include Hornblower Marine, which provides vessel outhaul and maintenance services at Bridgeport Boatworks in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Seaward Services, Inc., a full-service shipping, waterfrontlogisticsand management company that specializes in the operation and maintenance of government and commercial vessels.
Additionally, Anchor Operating System, LLC, a Hornblower Group subsidiary and independent entity, provides reservation, ticketingand website integration services for clients in the transportation, tourismand entertainment industries.
Today, Hornblower Group’s global portfolio covers over 10 countries, over 50 U.
S. cities and serves more than 20 million guests annually.
Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Hornblower Group’sadditionalcorporate officesresidein San Francisco, California; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; London, United Kingdom; New York, New York; Dublin, Ireland; and across Ontario, Canada.
For more information, visithornblowercorp. com.
This is a full time, fixed term position until the end of November 2026 paying £30,000 p/a plus bonus incentive.
Hybrid working available after training period completed.
Position Summary
City Cruises UK is part of the City Experiences division of the Hornblower Group, a global leader in world-class experiences and transportation services.
We operate public dining and sightseeing cruises as well as private charters for corporate events, birthday parties, weddings, or other special occasions across London and York.
Known internally as the Charter Sales and Event Delivery Executive – supports our mission to create amazing experiences for our guests by delivering a professional, polite and proactive service.
As a member of our Charter Sales team, you will actively promote and sell our private hire experiences.
You will be passionate about delivering the very best experience for our guests whilst achieving targets and assisting with the growth of this team.
- The ability to interact with guests and internal team members is essential
- Provide exceptional hospitality to guests and coworkers as prescribed in our RESPECT service system
- Provide a smooth and professional sales process that befits the City Cruises UK brand.
- Work closely with the Charter Sales Manager to achieve budgeted sales revenue and profit levels for Direct and Trade boat charters, including boat hire and food and beverage sales
- Assist in the development of key relationships with 3rd party agents, corporate clients and business partners
- To attend monthly sales meetings to discuss revenue vs budget
- Work with Charter Sales and Manager Head of Events in the development of new products on the charter range and look to develop combined package offerings
- Coordinate all guest requests and ensure guest requirements are communicated to the on board event delivery teams
- To meet, on a rotational basis, with the Event delivery team to ensure events run smoothly.
- Assist in the launch of new products
- Assist in the database build of a CRM system, to build enquiries and database to provide a detailed mailing list
- Host viewings and familiarisation visits as required
- Attend charter events when required and 4 per year minimum to provide feedback in product improvement.
- Raise Purchase Orders for charter products
- Attend events representing the brand and to build relationships to grow business
- Assist on additional research as required.
- Assist with booking Piers and third party vendors.
- Additional duties as may reasonably be required
Requirements & Qualifications
- Proven sales experience (minimum 2 years) in an events/travel environment
- Demonstrable experience in end to end events sales and delivery for both corporate and private events including budget tracking
- Excellent Negotiation Skills – to negotiate a suitable product package with the customer
- Confident communicator with the ability to quickly build rapport with clients both on the telephone and face to face
- Customer services experience both face to face and via telephone
- Highly organised with proven ability to deliver to tight deadlines
- Excellent attention to detail
- Aligns behaviours with company values
- Flexible "can do" attitude with the ability to react calmly in pressurised situations
- Availability to work outside of normal office hours including weekends to ensure delivery of events
- Excellent computer software skills (Microsoft Office suite), including diary and database management systems
- Be competent working with new technology and databases
- Confident in provision of management statistics in Managers absence Desirable though non-essential
- Certificates in Events Management
- Boat or Thames River knowledge
- All employees must commit to upholding our RESPECT values. They are as follows:
- Respect We will value, appreciate and respect each other. We will foster diversity and inclusivity.
- Environment We will Respect our planet. We will conserve, protect, and educate. We will practice environmental stewardship.
- Safety #1 We will think and work safely. We will follow safety standards and instructions. We will create a safe and secure workplace.
- Professionalism We will conduct ourselves professionally. We will take responsibility for our actions. We #will own the problem until it is solved.
- Exceed We will continuously improve. We will exceed standards and expectations.
- Communication We will be open and honest. We will choose a respectful approach. We will share information with others effectively.
- Teamwork We will exist to serve others. We will anticipate the needs of others. We will have fun and practice "enthusiastic friendliness".
As an equal opportunities’ employer, we are committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and do not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.
We aspire to create a diverse and inclusive environment. Candidates for employment or promotion will be assessed objectively against the requirements for the position.
- City Cruises London UK, Cherry Garden Pier, London, London, City of, United Kingdom
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Event Sales Executive employer: Hornblower
Hornblower is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises teamwork and exceptional customer service. Located in the heart of Greater London, employees benefit from flexible working hours, opportunities for personal growth, and the chance to engage with diverse guests, making every day rewarding and meaningful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Event Sales Executive
✨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 Hornblower. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Hornblower
Don't be shy about reaching out to Hornblower 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 Event Sales Executive
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 Hornblower 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 Hornblower
✨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!
