Job Purpose:
The Sales Manager for Weddings and Social Events is responsible for driving revenue through the promotion and booking of weddings, social events and special occasions at the hotel. This role requires strong interpersonal skills, a keen understanding of the events industry and the ability to build lasting relationships with clients while ensuring a seamless and memorable experience for all events hosted at the hotel. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in event sales, particularly within the luxury hospitality market, with a focus on weddings and social events.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement sales strategies to achieve revenue targets for weddings, social events and other special occasions.
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities to increase bookings and maximize event revenue.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, wedding planners, event organizers and other stakeholders.
- Attend industry events, fairs and networking functions to promote the hotel’s event offerings.
- Provide clients with bespoke event proposals and quotations tailored to their needs and preferences.
- Act as the primary point of contact for clients from initial inquiry through to event completion.
- Ensure seamless planning and execution of events, working closely with the hotel's operations team (catering, housekeeping, AV, etc.).
- Assist in the preparation of contracts, including event details, terms and conditions.
- Oversee event logistics, ensuring that all elements, including catering, décor and technical requirements, are executed flawlessly.
- Provide exceptional customer service throughout the client’s journey, ensuring satisfaction at every stage.
- Manage client expectations, ensuring that their vision for the event is brought to life while adhering to hotel policies and capabilities.
- Handle client feedback, address any concerns or complaints, and resolve issues efficiently to maintain high levels of satisfaction and loyalty.
- Collaborate with the marketing team to create promotional materials, online campaigns, and targeted advertising to attract new clients for weddings and social events.
- Work closely with the events team, including banquet operations, food and beverage and housekeeping, to ensure the successful delivery of each event.
- Train and mentor junior team members and assist in building a strong, results-driven sales team.
- Monitor sales performance and report on progress toward revenue targets.
- Track and analyze event bookings, cancellations, and trends to provide insights for future sales strategies.
- Prepare and manage departmental budgets and ensure profitability.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Marketing, or a related field (preferred).
- Minimum of 2 to 3 years of experience in a sales role within the luxury hotel or events industry, with a strong focus on weddings and social events.
- In-depth knowledge of the UAE market, particularly in the hospitality sectors.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
- Fluency in English (additional languages are a plus).
- Strong understanding of event trends, wedding styles, and social event planning.