Group, Conference, and Events Sales Manager

Leading the Groups Conference & Events team responsible for selling the conference space converting group business and managing social events. Leads the C&E strategy and ensures that planned targets are achieved. Maintains liaison between the customer and their representatives and the hotel by directing each hotel department as to their specific role in the pre-planning and execution of on-site convention. Maximizes revenues and controls expenses through effective negotiation of prices services and accurate forecasting. Responsible for successful execution of event and customer satisfaction to ensure customer remains loyal and books future business with Al Seef by Hilton Cluster Hotels.

JOB OVERVIEW
The Groups & Conference & Events Manager is responsible for leading the Groups Conference & Events team at Al Seef by Hilton Cluster Hotels. This role focuses on selling conference space converting group business and managing social events. The Manager will implement and oversee the C&E strategy to achieve planned targets maintain customer satisfaction and ensure the successful execution of events. This position serves as a liaison between the customer and hotel departments to ensure seamless pre-planning and execution of events. Additionally the role involves maximizing revenues controlling expenses through effective negotiations and accurate forecasting.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership and Strategy
Lead and manage the Groups Conference & Events team.
Develop and implement the C&E strategy to achieve sales and revenue targets.
Ensure the team is motivated trained and working efficiently towards the set goals.
Sales and Business Development
Proactively sell conference space group business and social events to meet or exceed revenue goals.
Identify new business opportunities and cultivate relationships with potential clients.
Convert leads into confirmed business through effective negotiation and persuasion.

Event Planning and Coordination:
Work closely with clients to understand their needs and expectations.
Coordinate with various hotel departments to ensure all aspects of events are well planned and executed.
Oversee the setup execution and breakdown of events ensuring all details are attended to.
Customer Relationship Management:
Maintain strong relationships with clients ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.
Serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the planning and execution stages.
Address any issues or concerns promptly and effectively to ensure client satisfaction and repeat business.

Financial Management:
Maximize revenues and control expenses through effective negotiation of prices and services.
Accurately forecast revenue and expenses for all events.
Monitor financial performance and take corrective actions as needed to meet budgetary goals.

Qualifications:
Bachelors degree in Hospitality Management Business Administration or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in event planning sales or a related field preferably within the hospitality industry.
Proven track record of achieving sales targets and managing successful events.
Strong leadership and team management skills.
Excellent negotiation communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Proficient in MS Office and event management software.
Flexible with working hours including weekends and evenings as required by event schedules.

Work Environment:
Fast-paced and dynamic environment within a prestigious hotel setting.
Requires flexibility to work beyond standard hours during peak event times.

STANDARD & DEPARTMENTAL ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
Achieving an optimal economic result
Guaranteeing a smooth and service oriented events sequence
Drawing up presentations documents for the C&E area in cooperation with the Commercial Director

Drawing up guidelines and sequences for the following areas:
-C&E Sales Strategies
-Offer Contract
-OnQ
-Follow up / Decision Date
-Abbreviation
-Timescales
-Filing system
-Repeat booking System
-Reports
-Function Sheet & Alteration

CUSTOMER SERVICE & SALES
Checking adherence to the deposit liability and cancellation guidelines
Carrying out hotel tours
Holding events negotiations and reservations agreements for Groups
Drawing up offers and contracts
Adherence to the deposit guidelines
Blocking and booking of room quotas and management of the same with Group Reservations

COMMUNICATION WITH OTHER DEPARTMENTS
Smooth coordination of rooms by intensive communication with Group Reservations and Individual Reservations.
Welcoming and saying goodbye to guests at events.
Management of events
Check invoices for correctness and responsibility for their payment on time.
Adherence to all the HILTON sales guidelines and timescales for the C&E area and if necessary consultation with the Commercial Director when drawing up special price.

REPORTING and ANALYSIS:
Prepare regular reports on sales event performance and financial results.
Analyze market trends and competitor activities to adjust strategies accordingly.
Provide insights and recommendations to senior management to drive continuous improvement.
Daily check of follow up and Decision Date Listen.
Draw up and distribute all necessary reports.
Draw up Function Sheets and menu cards if necessary and distribute them
Hold / participate in banqueting meetings
Participation in the Sales Meeting
Hold / Participate in the Communication Meeting

BUDGET
Accurate and complete entry of all necessary data into Fidelio Sales & Catering.
Participation in and support for Sales & Marketing activities
Draw up statistics on request by the Commercial Director
Draw up statistics for average occupancy of the events rooms and conversion rates

PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
Draw up the budget BRM and forecast
Training and support for C&E Executives
Participation in Sales activities as Sales Blitz Roadshows trade fairs and exhibitions in so far as permitted by the C&E area.
Independent management of C&E Key Accounts and their updating
Hold job interviews for C&E Sales staff if required
Draw up job descriptions for C&E Sales staff
Coordinate the work schedule and holiday schedule.

EOE/AA/Disabled/Veterans

A Group Conference and Events Sales Manager serving Hilton brands is always working on behalf of our Guests and working with other Team Members. To successfully fill this role you should maintain the attitude behaviours skills and values that follow:

• Demonstrated previous managerial or supervisory experience in a Reservations and/or Conference and Events Sales function in the hotel/leisure sector
• Strong leadership skills to effectively manage and motivate the team to achieve high levels of performance and exceed targets
• Strong analytical skills to understand key business indicators and competitive trends and develop approaches to these challenges
• Excellent selling capability and an ability and desire to coach selling techniques to their team
• Excellent organisational and planning skills
• Accountable and resilient
• Ability to work under pressure
• Flexibility to respond to a range of different work situations

It would be advantageous in this position for you to demonstrate the following capabilities and distinctions:

• Knowledge of the hotel property management systems
• Previous experience in the same or similar role

Hilton is the leading global hospitality company spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For nearly a century Hilton has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations service amenities and value. Hilton is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Our vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality unites us as a team to create remarkable hospitality experiences around the world every day. And our amazing Team Members are at the heart of it all!