Groups, Conference and Events Sales Manager - Franchise

Hilton Worldwide, Inc.; Belfast; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Groups, Conference and Events Sales Manager to lead their Booking Services Team. In this pivotal role, you will drive client engagement, manage event budgets, and develop effective sales strategies to ensure profitability. Your strong background in the hospitality industry will empower you to build lasting relationships with clients while overseeing seamless event execution. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a thriving hotel environment, where your leadership can make a significant impact on business growth and customer satisfaction. Join a forward-thinking company that values your expertise and offers rewarding career progression.

Benefits

Worldwide employee discounts at Hilton Hotels

Hotel discounts across Axiom Hospitality hotels

28 days holiday, increasing to 33 days

Discounts on retail and events

Access to Employee Assistance Line

Wagestream Financial Wellbeing platform

Complimentary Axiom Xcape stayover

Training and promotion opportunities

Referral bonus for new hires

Free meals while on shift

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of hospitality, group sales, and events management.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Booking Services Team to convert client inquiries into bookings.
• Develop and manage event budgets while ensuring profitability.
• Build strong relationships with customers and team members.

Skills

Hospitality industry knowledge

Group sales expertise

Events management

Catering services knowledge

Negotiation techniques

Communication skills

Cost control

Problem-solving

Relationship building

Multi-event management

Tools

Event management software (e.g., Delphi)

Job description

Job Requirements

The Groups, Conference and Events Sales Manager oversees the Booking Services Team to ensure active conversion of client enquiries in meetings and reservations. Specifically, you will be responsible for performing the following tasks to the highest standards;

You will be responsible for, but not limited to, performing the following tasks to the highest standards:

1. Adhere to Axioms Demand Generation Centre of Excellence, which outlines the full KPI’s aligned with the role.
2. Develop future and repeat business contributing to the profitability of the hotel.
3. Review the business plans, identify gaps and ensure proactive efforts to fill capacity and meet set targets.
4. Contribute to the selling strategy of the hotel, and manage the departments' adherence to achieving that strategy.
5. Understand the competitive market place and implement approaches to ensure the Hotel stays ahead in the local market.
6. Ensure Booking Services Team Members are developed effectively and generate a culture of high quality standards for relationship building, customer service, selling techniques, and billing and processing contracts.
7. Build strong relationships with customers, Guests and Team Members in order to gain full understanding of their needs and work to serve them effectively.
8. Manage and develop the Booking Services Team to ensure career progression and effective succession planning within the hotel and company.
9. Manage team performance review in compliance with company policies and procedures.
10. Recruit, manage, train and develop the Booking Services Team.
11. Prepare proposals, negotiate contracts and plan key events.
12. Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring cost control while maximizing profit margins.
13. Assist in forecasting revenue and setting pricing strategies for events and group bookings.
14. Ensure compliance with financial policies and company accounting standards.
15. Provide financial reports and insights to management for strategic decision-making.
16. Assist in understanding and communicating the technical aspects and features of the company's products or services to clients and team members.
17. Stay updated on industry advancements and competitor offerings to maintain a competitive edge in the market.
18. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop technical documentation, sales collateral, and marketing materials.

Work Experience

To successfully perform in this role, you must have the following skills and qualifications:

1. Strong knowledge of the hospitality industry, particularly in group sales, events management, and catering services.
2. Understanding of pricing strategies, forecasting, and yield management to optimise event and group sales revenue.
3. Knowledge of contract terms, conditions, and negotiation techniques to secure business while ensuring profitability.
4. Experience with event management software (e.g., Delphi similar systems).
5. Strong ability to identify potential clients, build relationships, and convert leads into confirmed bookings.
6. Ability to manage multiple events simultaneously, ensuring attention to detail and smooth execution.
7. Ability to quickly resolve challenges and make informed decisions to meet client expectations.
8. Excellent verbal and written communication skills to engage with clients, stakeholders, and team members effectively.
9. Ability to prepare event budgets, control costs, and ensure profitability.
10. Ability to work under pressure, adapt to changing client needs, and handle last-minute event adjustments.
11. Ability to coordinate with different departments (Sales, Banquets, Culinary, AV, etc.) for seamless event execution.

Benefits

• Worldwide employee discounts at Hilton Hotels through Go Hilton program;
• Hotel discounts across all Axiom Hospitality hotels – colleague rates and up to 50% discount on F&B;
• 28 days holiday, including bank holidays, increasing yearly to 33 days;
• Discounts across retail, restaurants, events and more through our benefits & rewards portal;
• Access to our Employee Assistance Line to support your Mental Health and Wellbeing;
• Use of Wagestream Financial Wellbeing platform, allowing instant access to your pay;
• Yearly complimentary Axiom Xcape stayover after one year of service;
• A growing team with great training, progression, and promotion opportunities;
• Rewards for referring a friend: referral bonus for recommending a new team member starts at £250 per successful hire;
• Free meals while on shift;
• Length of service awards, ranging from 1 year to 3, 5, 10 and 20-year rewards and more!

Disclaimer

This job posting is for a position at a hotel that is owned and operated by an independent franchisee. The franchisee controls all aspects of the hotel’s employment practices, including recruiting, hiring, salary, benefits and compensation decisions, and the collection and processing of the personal data that you provide on this website. If you accept this position, you will be employed by a franchisee and not by Hilton. You will not be eligible from compensation or benefits from Hilton. You will be eligible for compensation or benefits only as may be provided to you by the independent franchisee.