Executive Meeting Manager

Reitmr; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 41,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Sonesta International Hotels is seeking an Executive Meeting Manager to drive conference business from local and national markets. You will maximize sales, develop target markets, and coordinate conference and social group activities, serving as the primary liaison between client and hotel staff to exceed expectations.

The role requires at least one year of sales experience, a hospitality background, and fluent English, with potential travel and weekend work.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year sales experience in a similar operation.
• Fluent English required; additional languages preferred.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, with customer-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Solicit, negotiate and confirm new and repeat business to maximize revenues.
• Plan and coordinate function details with clients (space, times, equipment, menus, billing).
• Prepare and execute sales/catering contracts and event orders.
• Develop and implement sales strategies based on market trends.
• Maintain accurate records and client communications.
• Attend trainings, trade shows and industry events to maintain visibility.

Skills

Sales experience

Communication skills

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college or college degree preferred

Hospitality management degree preferred

Job description

We're People People. Are you?

We're Sonesta International Hotels-the 8th largest hotel company in the U.S. (and growing fast ).

With a dynamic mix of full-service and focused hotels across major cities, our diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties means we're everywhere our guests need us to be.

But here's the thing-we're not just in the business of hotels, we're in the business of people. We bring service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and create experiences that genuinely connect-delivering quality, value, and memorable stays across 1,000+ properties in eight countries (and counting).

What this role is all about

The Executive Meeting Manager is responsible for generating conference business from a local or national market, the maximization of sales, development of potential markets and sound administration of assigned responsibilities through sensible delegation and personal attention to detail. In addition, this role is also responsible for the planning and the coordination of all of their own conference and social groups' related activities. This position will act as the primary liaison between the client and the staff of the hotel, with the focus on meeting and exceeding client expectations with every interaction to ensure that our clients leave happy.

What you'll be doing

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Solicit, negotiate and confirm new and repeat business through various efforts (lead follow up, telemarketing, direct mail, referrals, internet prospecting, etc.) to maximize revenues to meet/exceed goals.
• Plan, up-sell and coordinate function details with clients to include but not limited to space requirements, meeting times, equipment, menus, billing, etc.
• Prepare and execute sales/catering contracts, event orders, group resumes to ensure quality product delivery and customer satisfactions.
• Create and distribute effective internal and external communication (written and verbal).
• Develop and implement creative sales strategy by analyzing historical, current and future hotel/market/account trends.
• Develop and continually enhance relationships with key corporate, business and travel industry accounts.
• Maintain accurate, legible records and files consistent with established automated or manual sales system.
• Participate in training, trade shows, field trips and community, industry and professional organizations to maintain high visibility in support of the achievement of sales and revenue goals.
• Perform special projects and other responsibilities as assigned and participate in task forces and committees as requested.
• Interact with outside contacts: Guests - to ensure their total satisfaction
• Other contacts as needed (Professional organizations, community groups)
• Attend and participate in all hotel and/or departmental meetings, training sessions and other information meetings.
• Regular attendance in conformance with hotels standards is essential to the successful performance of this position.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• May serve as "lobby ambassador" as required.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent vocational training certificate required. Some college or college degree preferred.
• A minimum of one year Sales experience in a similar operation.
• Prior experience within a four star hotel brand preferred.
• Degree in hospitality management preferred.
• Must speak fluent English. Other languages preferred.

This job requires ability to perform the following:

• Frequently standing up or moving within and outside of the facility
• Carrying or lifting items weighing up to 25 pounds
• Handling objects
• Communication skills are utilized a significant amount of time when interacting with others; demonstrated ability to interact with guests, employees and third parties that reflects highly on the hotel, the brand and the Company.
• Ability to utilize computer software and hardware required. Ability to easily maneuver on computer keyboard required.
• Reading and writing abilities are utilized often when completing paperwork and management reports, interpreting results, giving and receiving instructions, and training
• Mathematical skills, including basic math, budgeting, profit/loss concepts, percentages, and variances are utilized frequently.
• Problem solving, reasoning, motivating, and organizational abilities are used often.
• Ability to travel to attend workshops, tradeshows, conventions, etc.
• May require a valid Driver's License.
• May be required to work nights, weekends, and/or holidays.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Anticipated Pay Range & Additional Job Information

$30.00 - $32.00 Base pay offered may vary depending on various factors including but not limited to job related knowledge, skills and job specific experience/overall experience.

How we reward you

At Sonesta, we know showing up