Event Sales Executive

POSITION SUMMARY

You will be the dedicated contact for the client throughout the planning phase, ensuring that the clients’ expectations are exceeded, while also upselling to maximise revenue. The role will work closely with Sales & Revenue departments as well as the hotel’s Operations Departments to ensure a high standard of service delivery resulting in strengthened customer relations and loyalty.

Experience 

• Previous experience of working in a hotel sales & events environment would be advantageous but not essential
• Previous experience of SFA/Web, Opera would be advantageous but not essential

DAY TO DAY RESPONSIBILTIES

• Point of contact for customers from contract turnover through the event/group planning phase. 
• Manages all details of event/group planning including food and beverage, meeting specifications, audio visual, room block, deposit follow up, and VIP requests. Ensures data integrity across the various booking systems
• Ensure all changes to the events / groups are processed and documented. Finds solutions or makes alternative suggestions to client requests and requirement changes
• Upsells during event planning to increase revenue 
• Prepares relevant event documentation for the client 
• Ensures accurate forecasting of event and group revenue
• Communicates event/group details to the Operation Departments through relevant documentation and weekly meetings. Engages with hotel Operations Team to ensure client expectations will be met and exceeded
• Holds pre-convention meetings when needed
• Conducts client site inspections to showcase the hotel
• Greets customer at start of event on property and remains available to customer during the course of the event
• Conducts post-event calls to obtain feedback on product quality, service levels and secure repeat business. Sends Event Satisfaction Surveys to capture feedback and effectively respond to any guest challenges
• Ensures that all enquiries received via the telephone meet the required Test Call standard
• Communicates with the accounts department regarding credit checks to ensure correct payment is set up for all groups 
• Prepares post-event documents including commission accruals
• Responsible for the reactive sales of social enquiries, specialist sales enquiries and group Restaurant/Bar bookings from enquiry through event planning. Communication channels include telephone, e-mail or 3rd party intermediary sites
• Qualifies business opportunities by understanding customer needs and recommends the appropriate features and services of hotel to exceed customer expectations; sells according to the business and operational strategy of the hotel
• Creates quotations and proposals based on customer requirements, conducts regular follow-up calls to identify changing needs, converts enquiries into confirmed bookings, issues contracts
• Inputs enquiries into the relevant booking systems and ensures data integrity
• Builds long-term partnerships with new and repeat business customers and builds loyalty to the hotel and company
• Identifies potential opportunities for the wider business and turns over to the proactive Sales Team
• When required supports the reactive sales team respond to corporate group and event enquiries
• Strives to meet measurable targets and goals, as assigned for individual and team
• Carries out tasks as assigned by the Senior Event Manager

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Adapts to changing market conditions
• Understands local market including competitors' strengths and weaknesses
• Understands event satisfaction results to ensure continuous improvement 
• Collaborates with Sales Team to ensure effective diary management of function rooms
• Collaborates with Revenue Team to ensure effective management of bedroom enquiries and completes accurate projections
• Ensures balance scorecard criteria is met
• Works on additional projects set by the Director of Events
• Works collaboratively with on- and off-property sales channels to optimise sales process for client
• Attends hotel events as required to develop key relationships with internal stakeholders.
• Performs other related tasks as assigned by management
• Performs other related tasks as assigned by management.
• Complies with Marriott International Hotels Limited policies and procedures.

Skills and Knowledge

• Strong communication skills (verbal, listening, writing) and a high standard of English is essential 
• Confident communication style across different channels (telephone, e-mail, intermediary websites etc.)
• Confident sales and planning skills; ability to negotiate; strong problem-solving skills, and ability to seek solutions
• Strong organisation and time management skills in a fast-paced environment
• Good with administration, processes and has a high level of attention to detail
• Adaptable to change and evolving processes
• Builds relationships easily
• Team player
• Effective interpersonal skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Related Work Experience: At least 1 year of related work experience.

Supervisory Experience: No supervisory experience. 

License or Certification: None 

At Marriott International, we are dedicated to being an equal opportunity employer, welcoming all and providing access to opportunity. We actively foster an environment where the unique backgrounds of our associates are valued and celebrated. Our greatest strength lies in the rich blend of culture, talent, and experiences of our associates. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, including disability, veteran status, or other basis protected by applicable law.