Group Sales & Events Executive

Kempinski Hotels; Fatih; On-site; TRY 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Kempinski Hotels Istanbul is seeking a Group Sales & Events Executive to drive catering and group bookings within the Sales & Marketing division. You will manage residential group requests, coordinate events, and liaise with clients from corporate and travel agency accounts to achieve revenue targets.

The role requires a minimum of two years in a luxury hotel setting, strong Turkish and English communication, and proficiency with Microsoft Office and a PMS system such as Opera.

Qualifications

• Minimum BS or BA Degree preferably in a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a luxury hotel environment within a similar role.
• Excellent oral and written skills both in Turkish and English.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of Property Management Systems (OPERA or similar).

Responsibilities

• Solicit existing and potential customers and follow up established accounts regularly.
• Set up appointments, site inspections, and personal sales calls for corporate accounts and agencies.
• Negotiate offers/contracts for catering and group business.
• Monitor sales results and propose corrective actions.
• Cross-sell Kempinski Hotels regionally and globally.
• Maintain an efficient customer database and prepare sales call reports.
• Assist in promotional activities and events to meet client expectations.

Skills

Turkish nationality

English proficiency

Turkish language

Education

BS/BA degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Opera PMS

Job description

Group Sales & Events Executive

Department: Sales & Marketing

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Turkey - Istanbul

Description

SCOPE

Working within the Sales Department, the Group & Events, Sales Executive is primarily responsible for managing and driving Catering (banquet/events) and Group bookings. The role encompasses handling residential group requests, catering/meeting events, managing corporate and travel agency accounts, achieving budgeted revenue targets, and taking handover files from Group Sales/Catering departments.

Key Responsibilities

• Solicit existing and potential customers and follow up established accounts on regular basis by phone, by correspondence or by personal contact.
• Set up appointments and make personal sales calls, telemarketing and site inspections to all existing and potential accounts from corporate commercial accounts and agencies.
• Follow up on lost business and bring information about them to the knowledge of the department superior.
• Negotiate with all customers and send out offers/contracts regarding catering and group business.
• Follow the sales results and propose corrective actions if needed.
• Explore industry related data, new developments in certain agencies’ structures, new assignments, industrial complexes, new business centers, new projects which all could be interest and benefit of the hotel and to distribute this information to his/her colleagues.
• Entertain decision makers of the Clients in the F & B outlets of the hotel and to take part in promotional activities with them.
• Bring ideas and participate in the preparations of the promotional theme events, other promotional activities and invitation lists.
• Update customers with the latest developments in the hotel and informs hotel management of all changes in the customer profile.
• Take part in sales training programs, trade fairs / shows, sales blitzes and fam trips assigned by the Director of Sales / Senior Director of Sales.
• Keep themselves updated with the latest developments in the hotel including all activities, promotions, rates of the Hotel and the other chain hotels.
• Maintain the existence of an efficient customer database system (OPERA) which will be capable of identifying to report sales calls and other sales activities and to carry out updating exercise in certain periods of time.
• Prepare reports of each sales calls covering information about the company, their comments, requirements, complaints, of their customers etc.
• Cross selling other Kempinski Hotels in the Area and Globally.
• Follow up all inquiries within 24 hours of receipt and to trace and follow up all past, potential and current client files on a regular basis.
• Assist other professional sales team members with overall team efforts to secure business and to produce all events to meet the expressed wishes and expectations of the client.
• Meet and exceed personal monthly, quarterly and/or annual sales goals and to assume partial responsibility for the creation of those goals.
• Determine and implement the procedures and standards of an effective filing system.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Turkish nationality is a must.
• Minimum BS or BA Degree preferably in a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a luxury hotel environment within a similar role.
• Excellent oral and written skills both in Turkish and English.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, (Excel/PowerPoint/Word)
• Knowledge of Property Management Systems
• To fill this position the candidate must have:
  • Planning/organisation
  • Adaptability
  • Flexibility
  • Initiative
  • Negotiation skills
  • Selling skills
  • Innovative ideas
  • Attention to details
  • Problem solving & decision making
• To fill this position the candidate must identify with the Kempinski core values, in addition they should be especially:
  • People Oriented
  • Passionate for European luxury
  • Entrepreneurial
  • Straightforward
  • Patient & friendly
  • Team player
  • Open to new ideas and visions
  • Flexible
  • Can-do attitude at all times