Corporate Conference and Meeting Sales Manager

Corporate Conference and Meeting Sales Manager

Job description

Responsibilities include generating leads and soliciting new accounts, as well as developing and maintaining relationships with key clients to produce group and conference business for the Wilshire Grand Hotel in West Orange, NJ. The successful candidate will be required to meet or exceed personal and departmental goals through strategic planning, initiation and implementation of proven sales & promotional techniques, and ensuring client loyalty by delivering service excellence in all aspects.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1.    Sell and organize bookings including meeting requirements, guest room requirements, guest rooming lists, food & beverage requirements and audio visual.

2.    Efficiently reserve and utilize function space to maximize revenues and ensure the best customer experience.

3.     Work closely with the Catering and hotel staff to follow up on guest requests and book additional usage of corporate services.

4.    Manage and execute the terms of each contract as agreed upon in the client contract.

5.    Follow departmental policies and procedures. 

6.    Follow up with all internal and external customers for feedback.

7.    Other duties as assigned.

8.    Tailor each event proposal to address the priorities identified by the customer.

9.    Create floor plans for each event with client approval to ensure banquets and clients are in agreement prior to set up.

10. Communicate all details of each event to all departments in a professional, thorough and timely manner, using communication tools and weekly Banquet Event Order (BEO) meetings to review event contracts and ensure last minute changes are communicated with appropriate departments.

11. Ensure all client contact is tracked with catering software.

12. Report to upper Management weekly of any new signed contracts. Forecasting revenue against targets

13. Ensure all contracts are filled out completely, signed and non-refundable deposits taken.

14. Set a positive example for guest relations.

15. Take a hands-on approach to leadership.

16. Be willing to help in all areas of event sales, set-up, execution and clean-up as required to ensure service levels and profitability.

17. Follow up with guests to ensure exceptional service and product quality is maintained.

18.  Ensure staffing requirements for set-up, execution/supervision and clean-up are communicated at BEO meetings.

19. Follow UP with manager regarding any details around service/performance of other staff within the convention Center.

20. Work to present solutions to problems as they arise.

21. Coach convention staff positively on how to be effective and work as a team to exceed customer expectations.

  Job Requirements:

1.      Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university in business, marketing or related major preferred but not required.

2.      2-5 years’ experience in a similar role

3.      Empathy towards customers and colleagues

4.      Pride and attention to detail

5.      Polished personal presentation with Warm, confident and hospitable personality

6.      Communication: Strong listening and interpersonal skills. Must possess good verbal, written and visual communication skills.

7.      Ability to workdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays as necessary.