MICE Sales Manager

Company DescriptionJob DescriptionBased out of Cape Town or Johannesburg, with dual reporting to the Directors of Sales and Marketing of Pullman Hotel Cape Town City Centre and Safari Court Hotel Managed by Accor- Namibia(Mercure Hotel & Movenpick Hotel and Resort), the position is primarily responsible for proactively soliciting and handling MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, conferences and exhibitions) sales opportunities. The manager must provide outstanding customer service, promote the hotel brands and ensure sales growth. Ensures business is turned over properly and in a timely fashion for proper service delivery. Assists in leading all day-to-day activities related to sales with a focus on building long-term, value-based customer relationships that enable achievement of sales objectives.Develop a flexible sales strategy to reflect the achievement of hotel budget commitment and which responds to local market conditionsTake a proactive sales approach and in line with strategy, adapt sales solutions to meet client needs and expectationsEnsure online meeting partner websites are regularly updated and managed including photos, descriptions, and promotionsCompetitor analysis to be completed and recorded on a regular basis including: Promotions, pricing, availability, test calls and conference boardsAssess competitor brand standards and best practicesResponding to client enquiries and contacting clients to determine their meeting and event needsProvide quotations for conference and events proposals covering venue, function, menu and accommodation costs ensuring revenue is maximisedDrive sales strategy to ensure conversion targets are achieved and monitor success on a weekly basis, including understanding of the business to manage forecastingAll aspects of event coordination including but not limited to being the point of liaison for the client for all their event needs, creating event orders, invoicing, and to ensure the event details are effectively communicated to the client and internal departmentsProactively source new business (telemarketing/sales calls)Liaise with the operations team to ensure high quality, impeccable service and experience is providedTo be a key contact for the head office sales team – ensuring enquiries and RFP’s received are replied to in a timely mannerManage a pre-determined number of key accounts/key prospects and other active accounts to ensure maximum yield in line with hotel budgetary objectives and additional aspects of account management Create and pursue innovative ideas for revenue generation ensuring that all opportunities are researched fully and presented to the Director of Sales and Marketing where appropriateProactively prospect the defined geographical area for new business within the defined customer segment achieving a pre-set target of telesales and face-to-face sales calls on a weekly/monthly basisTo understand and demonstrate product knowledge of specific requirements and types of business sought including timely planning of soft spot promotions and to be aware of the peaks & troughs of the hotels’ business patternsProduce monthly sales reports for the Director of Sales and Marketing at close of every monthTo participate in trade shows and workshops as requiredTo host site inspections and familiarization trips as neededTo work closely with the Director of Sales and Marketing & the Director of Revenue/ Revenue Manager to ensure that the hotel is seen as professional and competitive within the market while it’s long-term positioning is respected and maintainedQualificationsSuccess in the role will be determined through evaluation by demonstrating the following minimum qualifications:Minimum Matric qualification. Post Matric commercial qualification will be an added advantageKnowledge of OPERA (desirable)Strong administration and coordination skills, especially in regards to deadline.Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office essentialHotel experience or hospitality training in Conference & Events/Sales & Marketing highly regardedThe ability to find solutions in every situation, excellent attention to detail and great customer service skillsExcellent communication skills and professional telephone mannerA friendly, outgoing personality and a high standard of personal presentationMinimum 5 years in the Travel/ Hospitality Industry with experience in MICEExcellent command of spoken and written EnglishExcellent Organizational and administration skillsProject management skillsNegotiation skillsCreative and out of the box thinkingSolid level of Maturity and professionalism to manage a program on the ground with the customerExcellent domestic, regional, and international travel experienceExcellent understanding of MICE trends and tech used in MICE