Assistant Groups & Events Sales Manager at Kempinski Hotels

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Groups and Events Sales Manager in the Management of the Department especially in the absence of the Groups and Events Sales Manager.
• Attend meetings and client events in the absence of and / or instead of the Groups and Events Sales Manager.
• 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 Groups & Event Sales Coordinator.
• Ensure a proper handover of the converted business to the Groups & Events Coordinator with all relevant information forwarded.
• Introduce the Groups & Events Coordinator to the client.
• Conduct Exit Interviews with important customer 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.
• Perform any other duties as assigned to them by management.
• Additional responsibilities and tasks can be added at any time according to the needs of the business and of the hotel.

Desired Skills & Qualifications

• University/College level education in a relevant field is required.
• Previous experience in luxury hotels is required.
• 3 years experience in Group & Event , reservations or sales preferred.
• Experience in a similar role and proven track record may be considered in lieu of specialised education.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Knowledge and experience in the use of Opera.
• 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.