Groups & Events Manager (M/F)

Confidential Careers; Lisboa; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

We are looking for a Groups & Events Manager to join a 5-star hotel in Lisbon with a focus on sales and revenue growth. The role requires driving business development, acquiring new clients and coordinating groups and events to ensure successful delivery.

The candidate will own the end-to-end sales process, build relationships with corporate clients and agencies, and lead the commercial strategy to strengthen the hotel's position in Lisbon's corporate and MICE market.

Qualifications

• 3–4 years of professional experience in Groups & Events.
• Strong commercial mindset and sales orientation.
• Experience in sales prospecting, client visits, commercial negotiations and closing sales.
• Ability to develop and manage a client portfolio and establish long‑term business relationships.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and planning skills, with ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office and hotel management systems, particularly Opera, ACI or similar platforms.
• Fluent in Portuguese, English and Spanish. All three languages are essential for this role.

Responsibilities

• Identify, approach and develop new business opportunities across local, national and international markets.
• Conduct sales visits and meetings with companies, corporate clients, agencies, institutions and strategic partners.
• Identify upselling and cross-selling opportunities to maximise revenue.
• Negotiate rates, commercial terms and services to ensure profitability.
• Manage the entire sales process from enquiry through to contract completion.
• Coordinate with hotel departments to ensure operational alignment for events.
• Oversee event set-ups, accommodation arrangements and execution.

Job description

We are looking for a Groups & Events Manager to join a 5-star hotel in Lisbon, with a strong commercial focus and a clear drive for business development, new client acquisition and revenue growth.

We are seeking a proactive, dynamic and commercially minded professional with experience in Groups & Events and a genuine passion for sales. This role requires someone who actively seeks out new business opportunities, develops long-term relationships with corporate clients and agencies, and converts leads into confirmed business while ensuring the successful delivery of every event.

Your Mission

To drive the commercial development, acquisition, management and coordination of groups and events, taking ownership of the entire process — from identifying and prospecting potential clients to negotiating proposals, closing sales and overseeing the successful execution of each event.

The main objective is to generate new business, increase revenue, improve conversion rates and strengthen the hotel's positioning within Lisbon's corporate and MICE market.

Key Responsibilities

1. Business Development & Client Acquisition

• Proactively identify, approach and develop new business opportunities across local, national and international markets.
• Conduct sales visits and meetings with companies, corporate clients, agencies, institutions and strategic partners to promote the hotel's facilities and event services.
• Identify new opportunities within the corporate, association, institutional and MICE segments.
• Build, develop and manage a portfolio of clients, establishing strong and long-lasting commercial relationships.
• Represent the hotel in external sales activities, client meetings, networking events and promotional initiatives.
• Identify upselling and cross-selling opportunities to maximise revenue and business potential.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activity to identify new business opportunities and strengthen the hotel's commercial positioning.
• Manage incoming enquiries and prepare commercial proposals, aiming to respond within 24 hours.
• Develop tailored, competitive proposals aligned with the hotel's commercial strategy and revenue management objectives.
• Proactively follow up on all proposals, maintaining regular contact with prospective clients to maximise conversion rates.
• Negotiate rates, commercial terms and services, ensuring the profitability of each business opportunity.
• Manage the entire sales process, from the initial enquiry through to negotiation, confirmation and contract completion.
• Organise and conduct hotel site inspections, showcasing the facilities and services available for groups and events.
• Monitor sales performance and key commercial indicators, including new business generated, conversion rates and revenue from groups and events.

3. Event Coordination & Operational Management

• Prepare and manage contracts, pro forma invoices and event function sheets.
• Coordinate with all relevant hotel departments to ensure that client requirements are clearly communicated and operationally aligned.
• Participate in regular planning and operational meetings to ensure the smooth delivery of groups and events.
• Oversee event set-ups, accommodation arrangements, contracted services and the overall execution of each event.
• Maintain close communication with clients before, during and after each event, ensuring excellent service and a seamless guest experience.
• Anticipate client needs, manage unexpected situations and implement effective solutions when required.

4. Post-Event Follow-Up & Client Relationship Management

• Review invoicing and ensure the proper financial close-out of each event.
• Collect client feedback and identify opportunities for service improvement and future business.
• Maintain an accurate and up-to-date commercial database, recording leads, enquiries, proposals, client interactions and sales outcomes.
• Develop client loyalty and identify opportunities to secure repeat business.
• Build long‑term commercial relationships that contribute to sustainable revenue growth.

Candidate Profile

• 3–4 years of professional experience in Groups & Events, preferably within a 4- or 5-star hotel environment.
• Strong commercial mindset and sales orientation, with a proven interest in actively acquiring new clients and generating business.
• Experience or demonstrated ability in sales prospecting, client visits, commercial negotiations and closing sales.
• Ability to develop and manage a client portfolio and establish long‑term business relationships.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Ability to perform under pressure, manage unexpected situations and find effective solutions.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office and hotel management systems, particularly Opera, ACI or similar platforms.
• Fluent in Portuguese, English and Spanish. All three languages are essential for this role.
• Proactive, organised, dynamic and results‑oriented, with a strong commitment to client satisfaction and service excellence.

What We Value

We value professionals with initiative, a genuine commercial mindset and the ability to turn contacts into business opportunities. We are looking for someone who enjoys prospecting, building relationships, presenting solutions, negotiating and winning new clients, while maintaining high standards of service and operational excellence.

If you are passionate about hospitality, thrive in a sales‑driven environment and are motivated to play an active role in business growth, this could be the right opportunity for you.