Event Sales Manager

Aimbridge Hospitality - Scottsdale, AZ

Full-time - Mid Level

Scottsdale, AZ

1,001-5,000 employees

Accommodation

About the position

The Executive Meeting Manager plays a crucial role in the hospitality industry by proactively seeking, facilitating, and closing group and catering business opportunities for their assigned hotel(s). This position requires a blend of sales acumen and event management skills, ensuring that all events are executed flawlessly while meeting the hotel's revenue goals. The Executive Meeting Manager is expected to work diligently throughout the day to fulfill their responsibilities, with overtime applicable for OEM associates. This role is pivotal in driving the hotel's success by not only meeting but exceeding sales targets through effective negotiation and relationship-building with clients and corporate partners. In this position, the Executive Meeting Manager will be responsible for developing a comprehensive understanding of the hotel's operations and policies, as well as the competitive landscape within the market. They will monitor market trends and utilize yield management techniques to negotiate room rates and function space commitments, thereby enhancing the hotel's financial performance. The role also involves creating and managing event orders, ensuring that all catering contracts are accurate and reflective of the client's needs. The Executive Meeting Manager will engage in community networking and maintain a strong presence in local organizations to promote the hotel and its offerings. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational and presentation skills, allowing them to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining a high level of professionalism. They will be expected to respond to all leads and requests for proposals (RFPs) promptly, ensuring that the hotel remains competitive in the market. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and decision-making, with a focus on continuous improvement in sales processes and systems. Overall, the Executive Meeting Manager is a key player in driving the hotel's success through effective sales strategies and exceptional event execution.

Responsibilities

• Effectively attain assigned sales and revenue goals as well as solicitation call goals.
• Monitor and evaluate trends within your market segment.
• Adhere to Aimbridge Hospitality's established regulations, company standards, sales standards, and sales metrics.
• Develop a full working knowledge of the operations and policies of the hotel and applicable departments.
• Follow proper event management procedures for event execution, including BEO creation, F&B forecasting, resume communication, and room block management.
• Accurately produce and/or review all catering contracts and/or banquet/catering event orders.
• Listen and read the customer; identify needs and respond accordingly.
• Prospect for new business through individual creativity and innovation; identify potential leads using a variety of means/tools.
• Weigh the value of each piece of business against hotel objectives at daily RevMax meetings.
• Utilize yield management techniques by negotiating room rates and function space commitments to enhance the hotel's financial performance.
• Use Revenue Management resources to help make informed decisions and maximize revenue.
• Understand revenue management principles, analyze trends and patterns in relation to pricing, and discuss impact on hotel occupancy, revenue, and flow-through.
• Understand sales strategies and tactics of competitor hotels; effectively capitalize on hotel's strengths and competitor's weaknesses.
• Look for ways to improve processes and enhance sales systems.
• Respond to all leads and RFPs within 24 hours.
• Maintain accurate and timely internal hotel communication.
• Conduct site inspections, local sales calls, and attend appropriate trade shows and client events.
• Promote the hotel through personal involvement in community and business networking organizations.
• Maintain strong visibility in local community and industry organizations as applicable.
• Attend daily/weekly/monthly meetings and any other functions required by management.
• Perform any other duties as requested by the General Manager or Director of Sales.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent required with at least 1 year of experience as a Sales Manager, Catering Sales Manager, or Sales Coordinator.
• Experience with professional selling skills desired: opening, probing, supporting, closing.
• Experience in internet research and database mining.
• Must possess developed verbal and written communication skills to frequently negotiate, convince, sell, and influence other managerial personnel, hotel guests, and/or corporate clients.
• Must be proficient in general computer knowledge, especially Microsoft Office products.
• Must be able to work independently and simultaneously manage multiple tasks; strong organization and presentation skills are essential.
• Must have a valid driver's license for the applicable state.
• Demonstrates vertical flexibility, uses an analytical approach, portrays a genuine style, and is strategically proactive.
• Skills for problem-solving, analysis, effective decision-making, negotiation, and interpretation of contracts are required.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
• Knowledge of hotel features, benefits, and competing hotels within the market.

Benefits

• Daily Pay
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Income
• Term Life and AD&D Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401k Retirement Plan