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:

Bachelor’s 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.

What are we looking for?

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
  
  
  

What will it be like to work for Hilton?

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!

Work Locations

Canopy by Hilton Al Seef – Dubai

Schedule

Full-time

Brand

Canopy by Hilton

Job

Sales

---