Group Sales Executive (UK)

We are currently recruiting for a Group Sales Executive to join our Sales team at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa., Working within the Sales team, this position is a blended reactive and proactive sales role and has responsibility for maximising Group Rooms and Conference & Banqueting business from a defined local account base.

Working on enquiries to maximize revenue & utilization of meeting space, working to ensure, at a minimum, delivery of budgeted revenues. The Group Sales Executive will manage and convert all business, including contracting, prior to hand over to Event Planning team, in addition to managing group room and function diary inventory. The Group Sales Executive must demonstrate high energy levels & provide consistently high levels of customer service.

Responsibilities
Reactive Sales

• Handle all incoming enquiries to an excellent standard, ensuring timely responses to maximise conversion


• Utilise the telephone to better build relationships with clients to understand meeting & event needs


• Prepare proposals


• Handle site inspections, sometimes in conjunction with Proactive Sales


• Prepare contracts and ensure smooth handover to event planning team


• Actively use Marriott Rewarding Events as appropriate & acquire full knowledgeable understanding of the program


• Efficiently use diary management to maximise revenue in all meeting and event spaces to achieve hotel budgetary goals


Proactive Sales

• Solicit new and existing accounts from the local market to meet/exceed revenue goals through telephone solicitation, external sales calls, site inspections, FAM trips, etc.


• Maintain up-to-date records of company profiles in Opera, outcomes of any sales trips, and detailed logging of all client-related activities and information.


• To organise and take responsibility for any relevant trade fairs, exhibitions and sales trips as a representative of the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, ensuring that that the quality image of the Hotel is portrayed, and that every opportunity is taken to promote the Hotel and Marriott International.


• To understand and be in a position to action any group and events enquiries and ensure accurate follow up with the Group & Events Sales Team.


• Develop, maintain, and share knowledge of market trends, industry insights, competition and customers


• Maintain positive working relationships with local partners and industry associations
  
  Essential Computer Skills -, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential.


• Knowledge and understanding of Opera Sales & Catering & PMS is preferable but not essential


• Previous experience in events required - either in even operations or event planning


• Previous hotel experience is preferable but not essential


• Experience in selling a five-star product is preferred.


• Experience in trade shows and exhibitions is preferred.


• Requires excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Fluent in English.


• Must have a passion for Sales and self-motivated to achieve individual and team targets by maximizing revenue at every opportunity.


• Great Customer Service Skills - Must enjoy guest interaction (phone, email and in person), be able to anticipate guest needs, handle objections and complaints whilst maintaining a positive and professional attitude at all times.


• Must be able to maintain a high level of product and service knowledge in order to present and


• Flexibility towards hours is required and the willingness to travel.
  
  The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa is located in the heart of Edinburgh's financial district and cultural quarter and is one of Scotland's leading 5 star hotels. As the largest 5 star hotel in the city with 269 bedrooms, we also have the biggest banqueting and meeting facilities with a capacity of up to 500, One Square Restaurant and the award winning One Spa , Scotland's leading city centre spa., Marriott International is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people-first culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law.


When you join the Sheraton family, you become a member of its global community. We've been a place to gather and connect since 1937. At Sheraton, associates create a sense of belonging in more than 400 communities around the world. We invite, we welcome, and we connect guests through engaging experiences and thoughtful service. If you're a team player who is excited to deliver a meaningful guest experience, we encourage you to explore your next career opportunity with Sheraton. Join us on our mission to be 'The World's Gathering Place'. In joining Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, you join a portfolio of brands with Marriott International. Be where you can do your best work, begin your purpose, belong to an amazing global team, and become the best version of you.


• A competitive salary plus free meals whilst on duty.


• 28 days holiday each year, including bank holidays, this increases up to a maximum of 33 days (pro rata) after further service


• Worldwide employee and friends & family hotel room rates plus a free overnight stay with Spa access (for you and a plus 1) on the night of your induction


• 50% off all F&B outlets within the hotel and 20% F&B discount in other Marriott hotels!


• Discounts off your supermarket shop, other shopping and experiences through our Marriott Benefit Hub


• 50% off Spa Treatments and £50 gym membership within our One Spa!


• 24/7 and employee healthcare plan with access to Mental Healthcare first aiders


• Refer a friend to work with us and receive a £500 bonus


• Opportunities for career progression and to transfer around the world plus opportunities to get involved in our charitable and community activities


• Many more benefits however most importantly, we'll help you grow, and develop you as an individual