Events Sales Executive - London Marriott Hotel Canary Wharf

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for the hotel’s Event Sales, this position reactively sells the hotel, managing the sales phase of incoming group and catering enquiries through to contract stage. 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.

CORE WORK ACTIVITIES

• Responsible for the reactive sales of group bedroom and catering enquiries from start to contract handover.
• Enquiries will be mostly corporate, with a few exceptions. Communication channels include telephone, e-mail or 3rd party intermediary sites and in person.
• 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 and ensures a smooth handover to the Events Team
• Inputs enquiries into the relevant booking systems and ensures data integrity
• Ensures accurate forecasting of event and group revenue
• 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
• Conducts site visits to showcase hotel
• Conducts post-event calls to obtain feedback on product quality and service levels and secure repeat business
• 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
• Engages with hotel Operations Team to ensure client expectations can be met and exceeded
• Executes exemplary customer service according to company’s standards to ensure customer satisfaction in the sales phase
• Carries out tasks as assigned by the Director of Event management or any other sales leaders.

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 Event Management
• 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

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

OTHER

• A full-time, onsite-based role, at London Marriott Canary Wharf Hotel & Executive Apartments
• Performs other related tasks as assigned by management.
• Complies with Marriott International Hotels Limited policies and procedures.

• Working hours as required to do your job but normally not less than 40 hours per week.

  EDUCATION & 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

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.

Marriott Hotels strive to elevate the art of hospitality, innovating at every opportunity while keeping the comfort of the oh-so-familiar all around the globe. As a host with Marriott Hotels, you will help keep the promise of “Wonderful Hospitality. Always.” by delivering thoughtful, heartfelt, forward-thinking service that upholds and builds upon this living legacy. With the name that’s synonymous with hospitality the world over, we are proud to welcome you to explore a career with Marriott Hotels. In joining Marriott Hotels, you join a portfolio of brands with Marriott International. Be where you can do your best work, begin your purpose, belong to an amazing global team, and become the best version of you.

JW Marriott is part of Marriott International's luxury portfolio and consists of more than 100 beautiful properties in gateway cities and distinctive resort locations around the world. JW believes our associates come first. Because if you’re happy, our guests will be happy. JW Marriott associates are confident, innovative, genuine, intuitive, and carry on the legacy of the brand’s namesake and company founder, J.Willard Marriott. Our hotels offer a work experience unlike any other, where you’ll be part of a community and enjoy true camaraderie with a diverse group of co-workers. JW creates opportunities for training, development, recognition and most importantly, a place where you can pursue your passions in a luxury environment with a focus on holistic well-being. Treating guests exceptionally starts with the way we take care of our associates. That’s The JW Treatment™. In joining JW Marriott, you join a portfolio of brands with Marriott International. Be where you can do your best work,​ begin your purpose,  belong to an amazing global​ team, and  become the best version of you.