Group and Events Manager

Job Description

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

KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. To assist the Cluster Director of Groups & Events in the preparation of the yearly catering revenue & expense budget.
2. To actively support the Groups and Events’ financial and administrative activities to ensure that yearly revenue budgets are surpassed.
3. To upsell confirmed groups and events with higher menu and other auxiliary revenues to help surpass catering budget.
4. To prepare accurate administration reports submitted on time to the Cluster Director of Groups & Events.
5. To use properly Opera Sales and Catering System for maximum performance.

OPERATIONAL

1. 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.
2. To respond to all inquiries within 24 hours and to follow up to ensure the client has received the information and clarify questions.
3. To ensure proper group handover is received from Rooms Sales for flawless execution.
4. 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.
5. To follow up on lost business and bring information about them to the knowledge of the department superior.
6. To be aware of all market trends and share it with the team so that a collective action can be implemented.
7. To attend international and local trade shows, roadshows and business trips to build and maintain strong relationships with clients.
8. To maintain an efficient customer database system (OPERA), this is essential in generating sales activities report.
9. To update customers with the latest developments in the hotel and inform hotel management of all changes in the customer profile.
10. To seek out and target new customers, new sales opportunities and initiate action plan to secure new business for the Hotel.
11. To assist Credit Department in following up all outstanding balances of accounts in a timely manner.
12. To build and maintain good relations with all Accor Regional and Global Sales Offices.
13. To be aware of all fire, health, safety, emergency and security procedures in the hotel.
14. 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.
15. To adhere to the Department and Hotel’s standard operating procedures (SOPs).
16. To ensure strict confidentiality of information in the Department and Hotel.
17. To carry out duties, projects and other assignments as required by Cluster Director of Groups & Events.

Qualifications

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

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

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

1. Minimum 2 years experience in a sales position, preferably at an international 5 star.
2. Strong knowledge of Opera Sales & Catering & Microsoft Office.
3. Understands the local culture and has worked in the region.
4. Fluency in English, written and spoken.
5. Fluency in Arabic, written & spoken is an advantage.