Executive Meeting Manager

Sonesta Hotels•Washington, DC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Executive Meeting Manager is responsible for generating conference business from a local or national market, maximizing sales, developing potential markets, and sound administration of assigned responsibilities through sensible delegation and personal attention to detail. This role also involves planning and coordinating all conference and social groups’ related activities. The position acts as the primary liaison between the client and the hotel staff, focusing on meeting and exceeding client expectations to ensure client satisfaction. Sonesta International Hotels is the 8th largest hotel company in the U.S., with a diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties across 1000+ properties in eight countries. The company emphasizes service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and connecting experiences, aiming to bring quality, value, and amazing hospitality to every guest.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent vocational training certificate required.
A minimum of one year Sales experience in a similar operation.
Must speak fluent English.
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.

Nice To Haves

Some college or college degree preferred.
Prior experience within a four star hotel brand preferred.
Degree in hospitality management preferred.
Other languages preferred.

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.