Sales Manager - Groups and Events

Job description / Role

We are far more than a worldwide leader. We are more than 240 000 women and men who share something unique. Each and every day we host the world. We care for millions of people. We are all moved by curiosity. We love blending cultures. We are proud of our differences
Yes, we lead the way. But we want to go further, with audacity, with imagination, with passion

Raffles the Palm

Raffles the Palm Dubai is on the western crescent of Palm Jumeirah, the world's largest manmade island and archipelago. This luxurious five-star hotel with 391 spacious rooms, suites and villas is embellished with hand-crafted Italian touches and offset by carefully selected amenities to complete the atmosphere of elegance. Guests can enjoy panoramic views, a private beach, state of the art entertainment and recreational facilities, including specialist boutiques, a VIP movie theatre, signature and private restaurants complemented by exquisite banqueting and conference spaces.

When visiting Raffles, guests will discover the individual personality and story offered by the hotel. At the essence of every Raffles is the delivery of thoughtful, personal and discreet service to well-travelled guests. Raffles Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning, luxury international hotel company with a history dating back to 1887 with the opening of Raffles Hotel, Singapore. The portfolio currently comprises eleven luxurious properties, from secluded resorts to city hotels in key locations around the world.

The Position

Responsible for contributing to revenue generation of Catering Events and execution of Conference and Events handed over by Sales. Responsible for adhering to the management standards and quality guidelines in the Department set by the Director of Groups & Events.

KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

FINANCIAL

- To assist the Director of Groups & Events in the preparation of the yearly catering revenue & expense budget.
- To actively support the Groups and Events' financial and administrative activities to ensure that yearly revenue budgets are surpassed.
- To assist the Director of Groups & Events with accuracy of catering revenue forecasting with most updated market information.
- To upsell confirmed groups and events with higher menu and other auxiliary revenues to help surpass catering budget.

ADMINISTRATIVE

- To actively contribute to the Department's financial and administrative activities to ensure that yearly catering revenue budgets are surpassed.
- To prepare accurate administration reports submitted on time to the Cluster Director of Groups & Events.
- To use properly Opera Sales and Catering System for maximum performance.

OPERATIONAL

- To conduct sales calls with the team and set up appointments for personal sales calls, telemarketing and site inspections to all existing and potential accounts.
- To respond to all inquiries within 24 hours and to follow up to ensure the client has received the information and clarify questions.
- To ensure proper group handover is received from Rooms Sales for flawless execution.
- To ensure all relevant departments are updated of groups and events in the hotel, making sure resumes and BEOs are sent and group meetings are done in a timely manner.
- To follow up on lost business and bring information about them to the knowledge of the department superior.
- To be aware of all market trends and share it to team so that a collective action can be implemented.
- To attend international and local trade shows, roadshows and business trips to build and maintain strong relationship with clients.
- To maintain an efficient customer database system (OPERA), this is essential in generating sales activities report.
- To update customers with the latest developments in the hotel and inform hotel management of all changes in the customer profile.
- To seek out and target new customers, new sales opportunities and initiate action plan to secure new business for the Hotel.
- To assist Credit Department in following up all outstanding balances of accounts in a timely manner.
- To build and maintain good relations with all Accor Regional and Global Sales Offices.
- To be aware of all fire, health, safety, emergency and security procedures in the hotel.
- To keep the Cluster Director of Groups & Events promptly and fully informed of all challenges or concerns so that corrective action can be taken on time.
- To adhere to the Department and Hotel's standard operating procedures (SOP's)
- To ensure strict confidentiality of information in the Department and Hotel.
- To carry out duties, projects and other assignments as required by Cluster Director of Groups & Events.

Requirements

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

- Good understanding of luxury market
- Good understanding of all hotel departments
- Knowledge of sales skills and revenue management
- Must have strong interpersonal skills with attention to details
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Strategic thinking combined with the ability to move strategy to action
- Problem solving skills
- Self-motivated, creative and confident, with a highly energetic personality
- Creative, independent and manages stress gracefully
- Ability to meet deadlines consistently
- Proactive and taking initiative
- Must be organized and ability to work and follow systems and procedures
- Must be adaptable to change of strategy, ideas, systems etc.
- Must be guest service oriented
- Proficiency in organizational planning with the ability to multi-task

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

- Minimum 2 years experience in a sales position, preferably at an international 5 star hotel
- Degree/Diploma in Hotel Management / Business Administration
- Strong knowledge of Opera Sales & Catering & Microsoft Office
- Understands the local culture and have worked in the region
- Fluency in English, written and spoken
- Fluency in Arabic, written & spoken is an advantage

About the Company

A caring employer providing respect, training and career development for our employees. An attractive employer offering more than 100 professions across the 5 continents.

We are much more than a world leader. We are 250,000 hoteliers with the same shared passion for welcoming. We take care of millions of guests in our 4,300 addresses and on our digital platforms. As an operator and franchisor (HotelServices), owner and investor (HotelInvest), we invest all our energy into making "Feel Welcome" resonate as the finest hotel promise.

From luxury to economy and in every corner of the globe, AccorHotels'​ more than 20 brands meet all the needs of business and leisure travelers seeking comfort, attention and high-quality services.