Conference and Group Sales Assistant

Medirest Signature; Manchester; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading promotional organization in Manchester is seeking a Conference and Group Sales Assistant to support the hosting of conferences. Your role will include managing client relationships, providing venue services, and conducting event research. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills and at least one year of experience in sales or customer service. Flexible and agile working arrangements are promoted.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year experience in sales or customer service, preferably in the conference sector.
• Dynamic self-starter able to work independently and within a team.
• Professional attitude and image.

Responsibilities

• Support the venue location service and accommodation booking service.
• Manage a small portfolio of clients with conference requirements.
• Conduct event research to support forecasts.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Customer service experience

Negotiation skills

Ability to work under pressure

Basic IT skills

Numerical skills

Job description

Marketing Manchester has an exciting new opportunity for a Conference and Group Sales Assistant to promote and position Manchester as the UK’s leading national and international conference destination by supporting the successful hosting of conferences in Manchester.

Marketing Manchester promotes Greater Manchester nationally and internationally as a place to visit, invest, meet, and study. Our work is an essential component to successfully raise the profile of the city-region as the gateway to the North and improve global perceptions and city ranking. Marketing Manchester also supports MIDAS, Greater Manchester’s inward investment agency, in the delivery of promotion focusing on priority sectors and campaigns including digital, innovation, and green.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the venue location service (VLS) & accommodation booking service (ABS) sales strategy by delivering an efficient, effective, client-focused service and activity plan.
• Operate a VLS service for association, corporate, and ad-hoc events including preparation of proposals and using the VLS system to manage enquiries and conversions.
• Manage a small portfolio of clients with conference and accommodation requirements.
• Conduct event research including delegate numbers, room nights, and revenue figures to support forecasts.
• Maintain accurate data in operating systems, adhering to information security policies.
• Liaise with partners to source and secure rates and contractual agreements beneficial for all parties.
• Maximize commission revenue for the Manchester Convention Bureau team.
• Maintain high-standard relationships with partners to support conference delivery and secure best rates.
• Build product knowledge of accommodation and venue providers within membership to assist organizers and delegates.
• Undertake post-event evaluations, reporting, and analysis of feedback.
• Generate new ABS and VLS leads through research, industry event attendance, and networking.
• Perform general administrative and sales duties, including responding to enquiries.
• Perform other duties as assigned by line managers or SMT.

About you:

• Dynamic self-starter able to work independently and within a team.
• Good organizer, capable of managing multiple activities with a team-oriented approach.
• Professional attitude and image.
• Comfortable working in an agile environment.

Skills Required:

• Strong communication skills for relationship development.
• Customer service and sales experience.
• Negotiation and financial skills are desirable.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Basic IT and numerical skills.
• At least 1 year experience in sales or customer service, preferably within the conference and events sector.
• Knowledge of the conference sector and partnership working with industry, academia, and venues.

We prioritize safeguarding and follow Safer Recruitment Procedures, including a DBS check at no cost to the candidate. We offer a guaranteed interview to applicants meeting essential criteria who have a disability or are from diverse ethnic backgrounds. For accessibility or reasonable adjustments, contact [e-mail] or call 0161 237 4447.

We support the Ban the Box campaign, removing conviction questions from initial applications. We promote flexible and agile working arrangements and encourage discussing these during interviews. All colleagues will work in line with the Health & Safety at Work Act and our Health & Safety Policy.