Group & Event Sales Manager

Description

Our Group & Event Sales Manager is responsible for driving hotel revenue by aggressively soliciting, booking, and planning group, meeting, and catering functions while maximizing banquet space to meet or exceed sales goals. This hybrid role meets planned revenue objectives for occupancy and average daily rate while simultaneously providing critical administrative support to the Director of Sales. The manager assists in all areas of sales according to IHM and Brand standards to achieve a professional rapport within the local business community.

This position may require flexible scheduling availability.

Requirements

The Group & Event Sales Manager is the ultimate "hands-on" cross-functional team member, actively involved on a daily basis in securing, qualifying, and following up on leads, managing administrative operations, and physically executing specific booked business.

Guest Relations Management

• Be readily available and approachable for all guests, serving as the dedicated point of contact for clients during the entirety of their events.
• Take a proactive approach when dealing with guest’s concerns.
• Always extend professionalism and courtesy to guests.
• Become involved in community and/or government affairs to ensure effective marketing of the hotel.

Sales & Marketing Management

• Know key accounts and actively sell room nights and event spaces through cold calls, direct sales, cultivating leads, and outside sales calls.
• Develop, execute, and assist in marketing strategies based on demand segments to capture maximum revenue and maximize use of banquet space.
• Know why competitors are successful in each demand segment and directly market/sell against the competition.
• Maintain vendor and client information where necessary.

Event Execution & Catering Operations

• Work with clients in detail to execute contracts, including meeting client expectations in regard to space requirements, times, equipment, menus, and themes/decorations.
• Supervise and manually assist in the set-up of function rooms to include placement of linens, silver, plate wear and glassware according to event order specifications.
• Visually inspect function rooms and equipment prior to functions for cleanliness, proper inventory, and set up.
• Verbally communicate, in a calm, positive demeanor, during the course of the function with the kitchen, service, beverage, and engineering staff, as well as the guest host to ensure timely execution of events and adherence to safety standards.
• Supervise clean-up of function room and actively participate in the proper breakdown and storage of equipment.

Administrative Duties & Coordination

• Perform essential clerical duties for the Director of Sales, including answering phones, typing correspondence and reports, data entry, and filing.
• Detail out all Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and accurately create and manage client rooming lists.
• Continuously utilize sales force automation programs for entering potential client data, maintaining accounts, and planning and executing sales activities.
• Collaborate with front desk teams to ensure the details of group and special corporate directives are executed properly.
• Prepare required reports for the management team.
• Any other duties assigned by Supervisor.

Job Qualifications:

• Prior hotel or sales experience, with a minimum of 2 years’ experience in a related employment field or position.
• Highly motivated team player with strong initiative and a desire for achievement.
• Thorough knowledge of the practices and procedures of the catering, food & beverage and hospitality professions.
• Excellent communication, computer, and presentation skills.
• Must work well in stressful high-pressure situations and maintain composure and objectivity under pressure.
• Must be available for evenings and weekends for business reasons including attending business/social functions, working and staffing events, and oversight of sales & catering client bookings.
• Ability to analyze and investigate current activities or information involving readily available data and indicating logical conclusions.
• Must possess communication skills in terms of the ability to negotiate, convince, sell and influence professionals and/or hotel guests.
• Valid Driver's License required

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit or walk for an extended period of time. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Training:

Island Hospitality is committed to employee development and displays that commitment with a formalized training and development program providing a clear path for any employee with a desire and aptitude to thrive in the hospitality business. As team members join Island Hospitality from other organizations they too can build on that prior experience and find further growth opportunities within our company by utilizing the tools and resources offered.

Team Member Wellness Program: How We Thank You For All You Bring To The Team

Rewarding Benefits Package:

• Healthcare including Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance 
• HSA & FSA plans available! 
• Dependent care FSA
• Identity Theft Protection Insurance Commuter benefits including transit & parking 
• Pet Insurance 
• PTO and Payroll Incentives for Annual Wellness Exams
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Wellness Subscriptions including access to gyms, financial planning, counseling, and legal services 
• Paid Sick and Vacation Time
• Family Leave
• 401(k) Retirement plan - IHM Matches 100% up to 3% of your salary and an extra 50% on the next 2% of your salary. 401(k) is fully vested upon the first contribution

Rewarding Hard Work:

• Incentive based bonus program
• Free room nights at our hotels and employee discounts within your hotel brand
• Discounts for friends and family within your hotel brand 
• Team Member recognition and bonus
• Discounted tickets to theme parks, musicals, movies, and more through Tickets at Work 
• Career Growth through our in-house training program with a path personalized to your desired goals
• Referral bonus program to ANY of our locations

Equal Opportunity Employer

Island Hospitality uses E-Verify to confirm work authorization in all municipalities where it is required by law.