Group Sales Manager

Group Sales Manager

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
NOVOTEL

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive group sales for corporate, leisure, and tour segments at Novotel & ibis London ExCeL.
  • Company: Join Accor, a global leader in hospitality with a focus on personal growth.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, performance bonuses, private medical insurance, and complimentary hotel stays.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for training and career development.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in the hospitality industry while building strong client relationships.
  • Qualifications: Experience in group sales or hotel management, excellent communication, and leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Why work for Accor? We are far more than a worldwide leader. We welcome you as you are and you can find a job and brand that matches your personality. We support you to grow and learn every day, making sure that work brings purpose to your life, so that during your journey with us, you can continue to explore Accor’s limitless possibilities. By joining Accor, every chapter of your story is yours to write and together we can imagine tomorrow's hospitality.

Job Description Role Overview

The Group Sales Manager is responsible for driving all group bedroom sales across corporate, leisure, and tour series segments for Novotel & ibis London ExCeL. This role holds full accountability for the end-to-end group sales process, from prospecting and contracting through to delivery and post-event relationship management. The position focuses on maximizing occupancy, revenue, and market share through proactive sales strategies, strong stakeholder engagement, and effective coordination with operational departments. The Group Sales Manager will manage group business, ensuring commercial performance targets are achieved while maintaining high levels of client satisfaction and brand standards.

Key Responsibilities

  • Drive all group bedroom sales across corporate, leisure, and tour operator segments.
  • Prospect, solicit, and secure new group business through strategic action planning, market research, and targeted sales initiatives.
  • Manage the full sales lifecycle from initial enquiry through contracting, execution, and post-event follow-up.
  • Achieve or exceed monthly, quarterly, and annual group revenue and occupancy & ADR targets.
  • Identify and develop new business opportunities while maintaining and growing existing accounts.
  • Actively sell hotel bedrooms and related services in line with revenue management strategies and business mix objectives.
  • Negotiate rates, terms, and conditions within established commercial guidelines to optimize revenue and profitability.
  • Monitor group pace, pickup, and conversion to ensure optimal performance against budget and forecast.

Account Management & Client Relations

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with corporate clients, travel management companies, tour operators, and key accounts.
  • Conduct regular client meetings, sales calls, and networking activities to strengthen partnerships and drive repeat business.
  • Represent the hotel at trade shows, industry events, and sales missions as required.
  • Collaborate closely with Accor Global Sales Offices (GSOs), regional sales teams, and sister properties to maximize revenue opportunities.
  • Analyse market trends, competitor activity, and demand patterns to identify new opportunities and mitigate risks.
  • Develop and implement targeted sales action plans for key market segments.
  • Work closely with Revenue Management to optimize pricing, inventory control, and group displacement decisions.
  • Contribute to annual budgeting, forecasting, and sales planning processes.

Operations & Coordination

  • Coordinate closely with Reservations, Front Office, Revenue, and Meeting & Events teams to ensure seamless execution of group bookings.
  • Ensure all contractual details, rooming lists, and operational requirements are communicated accurately and in a timely manner.
  • Maintain detailed and accurate records of accounts, contacts, and sales activities within Opera Cloud systems.
  • Monitor group arrivals, stay patterns, and departures to ensure service delivery meets client expectations.
  • Resolve client issues promptly and professionally to maintain satisfaction and protect revenue.

Administration & Reporting

  • Prepare and present weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual sales performance reports.
  • Track key performance indicators including:
  • Group revenue
  • Room nights production
  • Conversion ratio
  • Average Daily Rate (ADR)
  • Market segment performance
  • Maintain accurate documentation, contracts, and compliance with company policies and audit requirements.
  • Leadership & Team Contribution

    • Act as a collaborative team player, supporting colleagues and ensuring business continuity during team absences.
    • Mentor and support sales team members where applicable.
    • Promote a positive sales culture focused on accountability, performance, and guest satisfaction.
    • Uphold all company policies, procedures, and health & safety standards.
    • Perform other reasonable duties as assigned by the General Manager.

    Qualifications

    Essential Qualifications

    • Previous experience in a group sales or hotel sales management role.
    • Must have the Right to Work in the UK.
    • Excellent written and spoken communication abilities.
    • Strong leadership and team management skills.
    • Proficiency with hotel property management systems, preferably Opera Cloud or similar CRM platforms.
    • Strong analytical and reporting skills with proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data interpretation.
    • Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building capabilities across multiple client segments.

    Additional Information

    What’s in it for you:

    • 10% Annual Performance Bonus
    • Private Medical Insurance
    • A Discount Card to be used in Accor Hotels Worldwide
    • Complimentary stays in UK hotel (Bonus Breaks Vouchers - subject to availability and T&C)
    • Training & Development
    • Additional holidays with service
    • Employee Advisory Service
    • ... And much more!

    Diversity & Inclusion

    Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: We are an inclusive company and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent.

    Data Processing & Privacy

    Information on the processing of personal data: When you submit an application to Accor, trading as Essendi UK LTD, the company processes some of your personal data to consider and manage your application. We may also process data supplied to us by third parties, for example one or more of your former employers or a third-party supplier of personality questionnaires. Please note that your answers to any questionnaire will not lead to an automated decision. In our capacity as data controller, we ensure that we comply with all legislation relating to the protection of personal data (in particular the retained EU law version of the General Data Protection Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2016/679) and the Data Protection Act 2018). Information relating to the processing of candidates' personal data and to the exercise of their rights of access, opposition, rectification and deletion is available in our Employee Privacy Policy.

    Group Sales Manager employer: NOVOTEL

    Accor is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant work culture where individuality is celebrated and personal growth is prioritised. As a Group Sales Manager at Novotel & ibis London ExCeL, you will benefit from comprehensive training, a supportive team environment, and unique perks such as complimentary hotel stays and a performance bonus, all while contributing to a forward-thinking hospitality brand that values innovation and client satisfaction.
    NOVOTEL

    Contact Detail:

    NOVOTEL Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Group Sales Manager

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Attend industry events, trade shows, and local meet-ups to connect with potential clients and other professionals. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Be proactive in your approach! Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you; reach out to companies directly. A well-timed email or call can make all the difference in landing that dream role.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Showcase your personality! When you get the chance to meet hiring managers, let your authentic self shine through. Companies like Accor value individuality, so don’t be afraid to express what makes you unique.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Accor family.

    We think you need these skills to ace Group Sales Manager

    Group Sales Management
    Stakeholder Engagement
    Market Research
    Sales Strategy Development
    Negotiation Skills
    Client Relationship Management
    Event Coordination
    Revenue Management
    Data Analysis
    Reporting Skills
    Team Leadership
    Communication Skills
    Proficiency in Opera Cloud or similar CRM
    Problem-Solving Skills
    Attention to Detail

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Group Sales Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in group sales and how it aligns with Accor's values and goals. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!

    Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use numbers and specific examples to demonstrate how you've driven sales or improved client relationships in previous roles. This helps us see the impact you can make at Accor.

    Be Authentic: We love authenticity! Let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for hospitality and how you dare to challenge the status quo. This is your chance to show us who you really are!

    Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes straight to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company culture there!

    How to prepare for a job interview at NOVOTEL

    ✨Know Your Stuff

    Before the interview, dive deep into Accor's values and mission. Understand their approach to hospitality and how they support personal growth. This will help you align your answers with what they stand for, showing that you're not just looking for any job, but a place where you can truly thrive.

    ✨Showcase Your Sales Savvy

    Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your success in group sales. Whether it’s a successful negotiation or a creative strategy that boosted occupancy rates, be ready to discuss how you can bring that same energy to the Group Sales Manager role.

    ✨Build Rapport

    Interviews are as much about personality as they are about skills. Make an effort to connect with your interviewers. Ask them about their experiences at Accor and share your enthusiasm for the role. A genuine connection can set you apart from other candidates.

    ✨Ask Smart Questions

    Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about their sales strategies, team dynamics, or how they measure success in the Group Sales Manager position. This shows that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.

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