Assistant Director of Groups and Events at Kempinski Hotels

JOB DESCRIPTION
Assistant Director of Groups & Events

Responsible for assisting the concentrated sales efforts of the Groups and Events Sales Team and to extend that assistance to other professional sales team members when requested.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist the Director of Groups and Events in the Management of the Department especially in the absence of the Director of Groups and Events.
• Attend meetings and client events in the absence of and / or instead of the Director of Groups and Events. 
• Direct receipt, qualification and coordination of event & group requests (incl. leads, RFPs, etc.) defined by her/his direct supervisor.
• Handle requests according to the relevant standards within a maximum of 5 (business) hours of its receipt.
• Apply the Kempinski MICE SOP’s from Group Enquiry to Contracting. 
• Ensure the ideal and most effective utilization of the Meeting and Conference Rooms.
• Carry out site inspections with potential MICE clients in coordination with the Field Sales department.
• Realize up sell possibilities to meet and surpass Group & Event budget goals.
• Thoroughly input, supervise and maintain the requests in the Opera S&C System according to the data input standards.
• Create activities to ensure ongoing maintenance of bookings.
• Generate proper proposals and contracts.
• Follow up on sent out proposals within 24 hours (1 working day) to ensure the client has received the information and to clarify possible questions and issues.
• Handle the enquiries until conversion to definite bookings including negotiation, contracting, and site inspection before handing over to the Event Manager (or to the Groups & Events Coordinator). 
• Ensure a proper handover of the converted business to the Event Manager / Groups & Events Coordinator with all relevant information forwarded.
• Introduce the Event Manager / Groups & Events Coordinator to the client.
• Conduct Exit Interviews with important customers after their event – asking for future business.
• Cross-sell to other hotels within the Kempinski Group (and GHA).
• Regular competition checks.
• Review monthly results and forecasts to recommend and execute activities required to ensure the hotel increases the market share and maximizes its revenue.
• Properly maintain LOS/CAN and UNC business.
• Further administrative tasks and other possible assigned duties.
• Perform any other duties as assigned to them by management.

Desired Skill and qualifications:

• University/College level education in a relevant field is required.
• At least 4 years experience in a similar position with strong knowledge of the hospitality market.
• Proven experience in Sales and Marketing in the hospitality industry  Groups & Event Sales and Corporate Consortia.
• Previous experience in luxury hotels is required.
• Proven ability to meet or exceed sales targets and drive revenue growth.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Knowledge in a foreign language will be a distinct advantage.
• Presentable, well-spoken individual.
• Pleasant and outgoing personality.
• Fluent speech skills.
• Ability to remain calm and composed under pressure.