Sonesta International Hotels Corporation

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Executive Meeting Manager (Marketing)



Job Description Summary

The principal role of this position is to generate revenues in the “meetings” market by handling all small meeting inquiries, prospecting, and soliciting both new and repeat clients. To be the primary liaison with the hotel operations team and provide consistent feedback with key departments to ensure client success.

Some of the duties associated with this position are:

• Respond to leads and solicit past business
• Develop proposals, contracts, and BEO's
• Handle site inspections for prospective clients
• Be available on site for client arrivals, meetings,and events
• Aggressively pursue new accounts on a weekly basis
• Actively participate in industry-related organizations
The Executive Meetings Manager (EMM), position will handle all small meeting bookings using up to 35 rooms on peak night, in all market segments except Tour & Travel. Will handle sales and services function via telephone and email along with traditional methods such as fax and US Mail. Aggressive mentality and multitasking are key to daily routine. Ability to honor tight deadlines is a must while soliciting group business for the hotel. Maximize profits of the hotel through creative and selective selling. Work closely with the Sales, Catering, AV, Banquets, Front Office and Food/Beverage departments to handle all client or event needs from the beginning to the end including but not limited to guestroom accommodations, amenities, VIP arrangements, rooming list, arrival/departure patterns, payment methods, vendors, organization of shipment, transportation, on/off site activities, transportation, menus and all other F/B needs, AV requirements, etc., and any additional tasks as deemed necessary by the Assistant Director of Sales.

Job Description

Special Qualifications, Education or Licenses:

  • High school diploma or equivalent vocational training certificate.
  • 1-3 years' experience in Hospitality and or Hospitality Sales with proven track record of dealing with convention clients and/or booking and servicing business.
  • Strong background in selling and/or servicing groups needing Rooms or Rooms and Catering.  Knowledge of Front Office, Meeting Rooms, A/V and some knowledge of sales techniques is a plus.
  • Experience in dealing with ALL market segments.
  • Ability to maintain consistent verbal and written communication with clients.
  • Must be able to work effectively with Rooms Operations and Banquet Services.
  • Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Working knowledge of Delphi and BEO's ideal.
  • Must have reliable transportation and possess a valid driver's license.
  • This position is bonus-eligible.

Desirable

  • College degree.
  • Knowledge in a second language.
  • Certification in CPR and First Aid.
  • Previous guest relations training and experience

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Ability to:

  • Perform job functions with attention to detail, speed and accuracy.
  • Prioritize, organize and follow up.
  • Be a clear thinker, remaining calm in resolving problems using good judgment.
  • Follow directions thoroughly.
  • Understand guests' needs.
  • Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
  • Adhere to Royal Sonesta Hotel Houston grooming standards.
  • Uphold and exemplify G.U.E.S.T. People Standards
  • Work cohesively with co-workers as part of a team.
  • Work with minimal supervision.
  • Maintain confidentiality of guest and associates' information and pertinent hotel data.
  • Ascertain departmental training needs and provide such training.
  • Direct development and performance of staff; follow up with corrections when needed.
  • Work well under pressure of organizing and attaining production schedules and Timelines.
  • Give credit and highlight others' success.

2.  Maintain complete knowledge of and comply with all departmental, divisional, and hotel policies, procedures, and standards.

3.  Be familiar with all Hotel services/features and local attractions/activities to respond to guest inquiries accurately.

4.  Meet or exceed the assigned monthly booking quota in the assigned market.

5.  Assist in achieving or exceeding budgeted goals in sales, profit and occupancy for the total hotel operation.

6. Maintain positive working relationships with the Houston Convention and Visitor's Bureau and the Convention Center staff, as well as all lead sources.

7. Qualification and solicitation of existing and new accounts through:

  • Personal visits

    Telephone calls

    Written correspondence

    Participation in promotional events

    Participation in industry and community events, as well as trade shows

  • ​Promptly respond (within 24 hours) to all inquiries, prospects, and tentative or definite business. Interact with customers during meetings or conventions on the property through
  • Personal welcome
  • Exit interview for referrals
  • Participation in pre and post-convention meetings

10.  Regular contact with future definite meetings.

11.  Be able to enter and retrieve all appropriate information from the Delphi System.

12.  Maximize occupancy and average rate of the hotel through creative and selective selling.

13.  Accurately report the month-end, year-to-date room night, and revenue accounts to Corporate Executive members, for revenue increasing opportunities and possible action plans.

14. Maintain accurate Delphi computer information on all new and ongoing leads and accounts, including solicitation efforts.

15.  Any other duties reasonably assigned by the supervisor.

Additional Job Description

Benefits

Sonesta recognizes that benefits play a vital role in helping ensure the health and financial security of employees and their families. We offer a variety of benefits to our employees including:

  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Account with Company Match
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
  • Paid Vacation and Sick Days
  • Sonesta Hotel Discounts
  • Educational Assistance
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Various Employee Perks and Discounts

Upon submitting your application, please ensure you complete a full application in addition to attaching a resume. Incomplete applications received will not be considered. 

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