Assistant Sales Manager - MICE

POSITION PURPOSE

In conjunction with the Associate Director of Sales, this position is responsible for maximizing Rooms / Apartments / F&B / Conference and Banqueting. Proactively uncovering new prospects for the Hotel and maximizing conversion of business in line with the Hotels’ budgetary goals. To organize all hotel events and group arrivals with a seamless operation. Assure to provide all customers with a consistent, intuitive, and high-level of service according to the Marriott groups & events standards throughout the pre-event, event and post-event phases.

This position also oversees the event planning executive and event planning coordinator activities as well as requires a high degree of self-motivation and the ability to work unsupervised using own initiative.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• This position is responsible for the converting of Groups/Events business from the local & International Markets
• Proactively manage prospects in the pre-determined Markets and other active accounts to ensure maximum yield in line with budgetary objectives.
• Maintain valid call objectives and relevant action plans for each key account / key prospect and ensure all follow up is executed in a timely manner.
• Take personal responsibility to ensure that Standards are maintained, and that the system is utilized to its full capacity.
• Maintain up-to-date activity and rate information for each account. To understand and be in a position to action any group and events enquiries and ensure accurate hand over and follow up to the Events Team.
• To attend when required networking events as a representative of Sheraton Grand Hotel, Dubai ensuring that the quality image of the organization is portrayed, and that every opportunity is taken to promote the Hotel.
• To take personal responsibility for understanding the Sales Plan of the Hotel and the required budgetary guidelines, to enable empowered decisions in all rate negotiations.
• To actively direct, guide & support the EBC Team and assist them to carry out their roles effectively.
• Communicating client requirements in a timely and accurate manner to all internal departments as required, ensuring delivery of superior guest service.
• To take responsibility for the compilation and execution of weekly, monthly, and quarterly sales action plans as agreed with the Director of Sales & Marketing.
• To arrange and manage familiarization trips and educational in line with business needs.
• Maintain knowledge of your pre-determined markets, competition, and customers.
• To source new groups & events business from the local DMCs and international Mice agents and GSO organizations.
• To work closely with the Corporate and Leisure sales teams to ensure that Business meetings group leads are sourced from the local corporate accounts.
• To work closely with the event management companies locally to secure large events and to achieve the banqueting budget/target of the hotel.
• Conduct system reviews & audit on a weekly basis to make sure the business blocks are up to date and supported with necessary documentation.
• Maintain and share daily EBC’s activity report with the team along with weekly & monthly reporting on the state of the business to the DOSM.
• Creating Banquet Event Orders and conducting BEO meetings with the departments’ heads involved.
• Guidance and support throughout the event.
• Being knowledgeable about products and services.
• Handle the billing process; billing reviews with the guest and finalize billing accuracy with accounting.
• Takes total ownership and responsibilities for the successful production of group events assigned.
• Continuous communication with the operational team.
• Working effectively with 3rd party vendors.
• Organizing the group rooms’ side of the event.
• Guidance of client throughout the event. As the expert partner with the guest and be a consultant.
• Up-sell last minute items accurately.
• Conduct pre- and post-event meetings.
• Show around in connection with in-house functions.
• Coordinate all activities involving the pre- and post-event process.
• Communicate challenging situations accurately to responsible departments.
• Handle guest complaints in a professional manner and come up with solutions.
• Leading part of the team reporting to you, developing, supporting, training, and coaching them.
• Providing constructive feedback between clients and internal colleagues and vice versa.
• Responsibility of working on individual projects besides the organization of events.
• To make sure the Event Satisfaction Surveys are sent in a timely manner and meet the ESS goals set to the hotel from Event Planning, ITR, event execution and billing ratings.

SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Minimum of 1 year of experience as Assistant Sales Manager - MICE in hotel industry
• Superior analytical skills required.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

We do expect that you do have the experiences/ behaviors below. You:

• Have the ability to effectively communicate with other departments;
• Embrace and value operational guidelines and brand standards;
• Possess superior analytical skills;
• Have the ability to plan and prioritize in order to achieve deadlines;
• Have the awareness of maximizing the returns to all stakeholders;
• Are adaptable to the ideas of different cultures, settings and situations;
• Enjoy working in a team setting;
• Do build lasting relationships with internal and external customers;
• Have immaculate personal presentation (e.g. grooming and conversational ability);
• Demonstrate effective problem solving skills and analysis of issues and trends, in order to develop and apply appropriate strategies;
• Have knowledge of hotel computer systems and other IT related applications;
• Uphold ethical business practices.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree required; additional education in sales and marketing fields preferred.

PSYCHICAL CONDITION REQUIRED FOR YOUR ROLE

• This job often requires sitting behind a computer for extended periods of time;
• This job often requires standing or walking for extended periods of time;
• This job often requires bending, reaching or lifting;
• This job requires operating computers and computerized equipment.

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

• This job may require you to work on holidays and/ or weekends;
• This job may require you to work a shift other than a day shift, including first, second, and swing or overnight shift;
• This job often requires extended hours beyond a typical work week;
• This job requires you to conform to a conservative, formal grooming, attire and jewelry policy that will be monitored on a regular basis and may be addressed as seen fit by your manager;
• Sheraton Grand Hotel has a very strong commitment to safety and requires that you follow safety procedures closely;
• Our hotel has a no-tolerance policy regarding unlawful discrimination and harassment, and requires that you follow our anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies.