National Account Manager - M&E & Groups

Peoplebank; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wage Stream access to earned pay

Discounts & perks across 1000s of in-h

Refer a Friend – up to £1000

Interest-free loans

On-site mental health support

Gym discounts

Job summary

Thistle Hotels, part of Clermont Hotel Group, seeks an accomplished National Account Manager – Meetings, Events & Groups in Greater London. You will own a portfolio of MEG clients, cultivate senior-level relationships, and drive revenue across multiple hotel properties.

You will analyze client needs, develop strategic account plans, and collaborate with hotel teams, agencies and event planners to convert opportunities into confirmed business.

Qualifications

• Experience in Meetings, Events & Groups sales, national account management or business development
• Strong understanding of the MEG market and how corporate clients, agencies, intermediaries and event planners source and book business
• Proven ability to develop existing accounts and proactively identify and convert new revenue opportunities
• Strong commercial awareness with the confidence to negotiate agreements delivering value
• Interpret account performance, market intelligence and commercial data into actionable steps
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills across levels
• Strong organisation and account planning skills for multiple clients and priorities
• Experience using a CRM system such as Salesforce to manage accounts and pipeline
• Collaborative approach across hotel teams and commercial disciplines
• Confidence presenting our hotels and events proposition externally
• Bold, adaptable and proactive approach to a fast-moving market

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop a designated portfolio of Meetings, Events & Groups accounts, building relationships and increasing revenue across Thistle Hotels
• Own and grow your account portfolio with clear plans that align with commercial strategy and hotel objectives
• Develop multi-level relationships with corporate clients, agencies, intermediaries and event planners
• Understand client needs and future opportunities across the Thistle portfolio
• Identify and convert new MEG business within existing accounts and via new business development
• Generate qualified leads and work with hotel and central teams to convert
• Negotiate commercial agreements and partnerships delivering sustainable value
• Grow share of existing accounts across different hotels and locations
• Review account performance and take action where underperforming
• Collaborate with Sales, Revenue, Marketing and hotel operations for a joined-up approach
• Use Salesforce to maintain account info, activity and pipeline
• Provide regular forecasts on account performance and future revenue potential
• Represent Thistle Hotels at client meetings, presentations and industry events
• Deliver client engagement activities to showcase hotels and spaces
• Support brand education and awareness across your portfolio
• Take ownership of relevant sales projects and campaigns to drive MEG revenue growth

Skills

Meetings & Events sales

National account management

Business development

Relationship-building

Commercial mindset

Account planning

Multi-property experience

CRM expertise

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Clermont Hotel Group offers a rich and diverse portfolio for a range of guest needs, and helps employees forge lasting and successful careers in hospitality. An experienced hospitality company, we offer a warm, guest-centred experience - but we are, at our heart, a people company and strive to connect personally with our guests, partners, investors, and colleagues to create an extraordinary experience for all.

With over 4000 rooms, 100+ event spaces, plus stylish bars and restaurants, our hotels have plenty of space for everyone to meet, sleep, and dine. All kinds of extraordinary, for all kinds of people.

At Thistle Hotels, extraordinary hospitality starts with bringing people together - whether that’s for an important meeting, a memorable event or a group stay in the heart of the city. We’re looking for a commercially minded and relationship-focused National Account Manager - Meetings, Events & Groups to join our Sales team, taking ownership of a portfolio of key accounts and helping us grow revenue and market share across our Thistle Hotels.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who knows the Meetings, Events & Groups market, loves building long-term partnerships and has the commercial instinct to turn relationships into revenue. You’ll work closely with our hotel teams and wider commercial colleagues to uncover opportunities, generate enquiries and ensure Thistle Hotels is front of mind when our clients are looking for their next meeting, event or group stay.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll manage and develop a designated portfolio of Meetings, Events & Groups accounts, building strong relationships and identifying opportunities to increase revenue and market share across our hotels.

• Owning and growing your Meetings, Events & Groups account portfolio, developing clear account plans that support both our wider commercial strategy and individual hotel objectives
• Building meaningful, multi-level relationships with key corporate clients, agencies, intermediaries, event planners and other relevant partners
• Developing a deep understanding of your clients – how they buy, what influences their decisions and where future opportunities exist across the Thistle portfolio
• Identifying and converting new Meetings, Events & Groups business, both within existing accounts and through proactive new business development
• Generating qualified leads and opportunities for our hotels and working closely with hotel and central teams to support conversion
• Negotiating commercial agreements and preferred partnerships that deliver sustainable value for both our clients and our hotels
• Growing our share of existing accounts by identifying opportunities across different hotels, locations and types of business
• Reviewing account production and performance, identifying areas of opportunity and taking action where accounts are underperforming
• Working closely with hotel Sales and Meetings & Events teams to ensure account opportunities are activated effectively at property level
• Using Salesforce consistently to maintain accurate account information, record activity, manage opportunities and provide visibility of future business
• Monitoring Meetings, Events & Groups trends, competitor activity and changing customer behaviour, sharing relevant market intelligence with our hotels and commercial teams
• Providing regular forecasts and reporting on account performance, pipeline, opportunities and future revenue potential
• Representing Thistle Hotels at client meetings, presentations, networking events, trade shows, exhibitions and relevant industry events
• Planning and delivering client engagement activity including presentations, showcases, familiarisation visits and other opportunities to bring our hotels and event spaces to life
• Supporting brand education and awareness across your portfolio, ensuring clients understand the breadth of our hotels, meeting spaces and group offering
• Working collaboratively across Sales, Revenue, Marketing and hotel operations to create a joined-up approach to our Meetings, Events & Groups customers
• Taking ownership of relevant sales projects and campaigns that support Meetings, Events & Groups revenue growth

You’ll combine strong relationship-building skills with a real commercial mindset. You’ll be equally comfortable developing established partnerships, opening doors with new clients and working with our hotels to turn opportunities into confirmed business.

What you'll bring

• Experience in Meetings, Events & Groups sales, national account management or business development, ideally within a multi-property hotel or hospitality environment
• A strong understanding of the Meetings, Events & Groups market and how corporate clients, agencies, intermediaries and event planners source and book business
• A proven ability to develop existing accounts and proactively identify and convert new revenue opportunities
• Strong commercial awareness, with the confidence to negotiate agreements and identify opportunities that deliver value for both the client and the business
• The ability to interpret account performance, market intelligence and commercial data and turn it into meaningful action
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with the confidence to engage clients and stakeholders at different levels
• Strong organisation and account planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple clients, opportunities and priorities
• Experience using a CRM system such as Salesforce to manage accounts, activity and pipeline
• A collaborative approach – you’ll enjoy working with hotel teams and colleagues across different commercial disciplines
• Confidence presenting our hotels and event proposition to clients and representing Thistle Hotels externally
• A bold, adaptable and real approach – comfortable responding to a fast-moving market, challenging the status quo and spotting opportunities others might miss

Most importantly, you’ll be a people person. Someone who understands that great Meetings, Events & Groups sales isn’t simply about filling meeting rooms or bedrooms - it’s about understanding what our clients are trying to achieve and connecting them with the right hotel, space and experience.

What you’ll get in return

As well as all the things you'd expect from us, such as great staff areas to recharge in, wholesome meals on duty, pension and healthcare schemes, we’ll take care of you at every step of your journey so that you can take care of our guests.

In fact, we’re so committed to this that our ‘People Promise’ sets out how you can expect us to support you at every step of your application and your career with us. Whether that’s your career development and progression, your physical, mental or financial wellbeing, and recognising (and rewarding!) a job well done.

Career Development & Growth - We’re here to support your journey, whatever that may look like. Our award-winning Academy will help you navigate your tailored career pathway with the tools and development designed for you to grow and to unlock your unique potential.

Financial Wellbeing – You work hard, so we’ll always help your money work hard for you! Some of the great things you can take advantage of include:

• Wage Stream – You’ll be paid monthly, but have access to your earned salary before payday should you need it
• Discounts & Perks – Savings on 1000’s of retailers, dining, hotel stays, and much more for you and those close to you
• Refer a Friend – Earn up to £1000 when friends join our team
• Interest-Free Loans – Season ticket loans to make commuting easier

Mental & Physical Well-being - We’re here to support your well-being, whenever and wherever you need it.

• On-Site Mental Health First Aiders
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Line – Free, confidential advice
• Be Well Platform – Our Online fitness and wellness resources
• Gym Discounts & Cycle to Work Scheme

Recognition & Community – We’re proud of everything we achieve, so we always celebrate our extraordinary team and culture.

• ‘Wonderful People’ Awards – Monthly, quarterly, and annual recognition
• Social & Seasonal Events – Fun, inclusive celebrations
• People Council – A platform for every voice
• Paid Volunteering Days – Give back to causes close to you

At Clermont Hotel Group everyone is welcome. We are committed to having an inclusive and diverse workplace and strongly encourage people from all backgrounds, identities and experiences to apply for roles with us.