Director Sales and Events

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the Sales and Events department to its fullest potential, ensuring current and future business needs are met.
• Own all accounts in your area of remit and actively maintain relationships with key local customers.
• Ensure effective processes are in place for the recruitment, induction, training, and development of all sales & events Team Members.
• Set and monitor effective targets for sales & events Team Members and manage team performance.
• Target new business opportunities for the hotel.
• Manage key internal and external stakeholders.
• Create and implement effective planning in line with the commercial strategy.
• Manage negotiations and contracting through Delphi, Lanyon, Cvent, and RFP processes.
• Support the team in converting key opportunities as required.
• Network with the M&L and Graduate Sales Team & Global Accounts Managers to increase awareness of the hotel's needs and objectives and drive inbound business.
• Participate in sales initiatives such as client workshops, roadshows, trade missions, and tradeshows as required.
• Ensure the team arranges all details of events, including room set-ups, staging, lighting, audiovisual, traffic flow, menus, décor, entertainment, group room blocks, and VIP services.
• Review demand calendar and pricing, establishing actions to fill gaps in need periods.
• Monitor budget and drive upsell products and services.
• Negotiate food and beverage prices, function space, and hotel services within approved departmental booking guidelines.
• Create and implement sales plans that drive measurable incremental occupancy, increase average rates, and increase volume, food and beverage, and banquet sales.
• Ensure all bookings and account management activity is recorded in Delphi.

What We Are Looking For:

• Strong Hotel Sales and Events experience at Director level (minimum of 3 years is a must).
• Ability to use and train Opera and Delphi.
• 5 years of management experience in recruiting, training, and developing people.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Experience in delivering strategies and working with targets.
• Strong experience in hospitality forecasting, pricing, and inventory control.
• Strong analytical skills to understand key business indicators and competitive trends.
• Strong customer relationship management skills and ability to negotiate.
• Knowledge of revenue management and account profitability, and RFP.
• Proficient in using CRM and MS Office software applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
• This is an on-property role - 5 days a week.

The Perks:

• Company discount on rooms plus free night stays each year.
• Generous recommend a friend scheme.
• Access to discounts and cashback through a huge range of retailers and service providers via our online benefits portal.
• Access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Program.
• Discounts on hotel food & beverage.
• Recognition incentives.
• Team Member events.
• Complimentary meal on duty in the Team Member canteen.
• Parking for cars, mopeds, scooters, and bicycles.