Senior Conference Services Sales Manager

Sonesta Hotels•Denver, CO

21h•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Conference Services Manager will contribute to the leadership of the Sales department under the guidance of the Director of Sales and Marketing. This role is responsible for planning, organizing, and managing the in-house details for large group and convention bookings, including menus and set-up. The position serves as a trusted advisor for internal and external clients, aiming to deliver outstanding guest service and financial profitability. Responsibilities include negotiating meeting/function rooms, rates, and related requirements, ensuring maximization of room and meeting space revenues and profits while delivering a quality product. The role focuses on the execution of all aspects of event planning, from contract signing forward, including VIP needs, amenities, and group resumes. Assistance with the completion of BEOs for groups and local catering is also required. The ideal candidate will be self-driven, possess excellent communication and customer relations skills, and have solid business acumen.

Requirements

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to prioritize and organize work assignments.
Extensive knowledge of hotel and hospitality industry.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
High school degree or equivalent required.
3+ years sales or conference service preferred.
Knowledge of hotel sales and/or catering preferred.

Nice To Haves

Delphi and Opera PMS experience a plus.
College course work in related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintain strong client relations and ensure that convention specifications are communicated and executed for a successful meeting experience.
Monitor and manage room blocks according to contract, utilizing group history reports and client information to maximize hotel revenue.
Work closely with the Director of Rooms (DORM) and Group Coordinator.
Monitor and enforce program deadline dates and work with clients to release meeting space not needed to maximize hotel revenues.
Produce and distribute convention resumes according to departmental standards prior to the first day of main group arrival and communicate any changes and updated information to hotel departments.
Monitor billing and deposit schedules and review billing.
Arrange and lead pre/post-convention meetings.
Review sales contracts and other important information, such as room block, cutoff date, special concessions, and attrition clauses, and validate with the client via turnover letter.
Respond to client questions about the event, including group room blocks, food and beverage, function space, ancillary and vendor services, affiliates/exhibitors, and related billing processes.
Partner with operations departments within the hotel to ensure full participation in servicing accounts.
Follow company direction, process, and expectations.
Ensure all due dates/deadlines are met and perform other duties as assigned.
Monitor and assess service and satisfaction trends, evaluate and address issues, and make improvements accordingly.
Accurately forecast group rooms for assigned groups and affiliate business within a 5% variance.
Develop and maintain knowledge of market trends, competition, and customers.
Participate in monthly banquet and catering forecasting, banquet menu auditing, and systems & process management where needed.
Responsible for individual performance and incremental contribution to Sonesta hotels.
Collaborate with hotel teams to activate shared account events and activities.
Effectively manage time commitments.
Meet and/or exceed guest service score targets.
Learn and understand roles, responsibilities, and business of the clients with whom we partner.
Use appropriate account management tools to effectively track activities, opportunities, and follow-up.
Function as the Voice of the Customer to represent customer insights to hotel management and teams.
Utilize and collaborate with resources across different departments within the hotel as appropriate.
Lead by example and operate with integrity and respect.
Work to achieve goals while overcoming competitive obstacles and planning alternate ways to win.
Show strong passion and commitment about reaching targets.
Celebrate individual and team success.
Maintain a positive, “can do” attitude and a versatile approach to change.
Appreciate the diversity of our team members, guests, vendors, and surrounding community.
Ensure a positive and safe work environment.
May be required to participate in leadership training and/or mentoring in a designated field.