Groups, Conference and Events Sales Manager
Hilton Belfast is centrally located next to Belfast Lanyon Place Train Station, providing excellent access to main motorways and airports. The hotel features a dedicated meetings floor with up to 10 rooms and 9,905 square feet of versatile event space, including the Lagan Suite, which accommodates up to 450 delegates. We offer 202 bedrooms and suites, an Executive Lounge, Riverside Restaurant, Bar No.4, and 24-hour room service. The experienced events team ensures smooth operation of events of all sizes.
Role Description
This is a full-time on-site role located in Belfast. The Groups, Conference, and Events Sales Manager will be responsible for managing and executing events from inception to completion. Day-to-day tasks include liaising with clients, planning event details, budgeting, and ensuring excellent customer service. The role requires coordinating with the events team, overseeing event setup, and managing any issues that arise during events to ensure maximum client satisfaction.
You will be responsible for, but not limited to, performing the following key responsibilities:
Business Growth & Strategy:
1. Drive profitability by generating future and repeat business.
2. Analyze business plans, identify opportunities, and proactively fill capacity to meet targets.
3. Contribute to the hotel’s selling strategy and ensure team alignment.
4. Lead, train, and develop the Booking Services Team, creating a culture of excellence in customer service, sales, and relationship building.
5. Support team progression through effective succession planning and performance management.
Customer & Relationship Focus:
1. Build and nurture strong relationships with guests, customers, and team members to understand and meet their needs.
Event & Budget Management:
1. Prepare proposals, negotiate contracts, and manage event budgets to maximize profitability.
2. Assist in forecasting revenue and setting pricing strategies for group bookings and events.
3. Ensure adherence to financial policies, monitor cost control, and provide detailed reports for strategic decision-making.
Market Awareness & Collaboration:
1. Stay ahead of the competition by implementing strategies based on market trends and industry advancements.
2. Work closely with internal teams to create compelling marketing materials and technical documentation.
To thrive in this role, you’ll need the following skills and qualifications:
Industry Expertise:
1. Strong knowledge of the hospitality sector, with a focus on group sales, events, and catering.
Revenue Optimization:
1. Experience with pricing strategies, forecasting, and yield management to maximize event and group sales revenue.
Contract Negotiation:
1. Skilled in negotiating contract terms to secure profitable business while meeting client needs.
Event Software Proficiency:
1. Familiar with event management tools (e.g., Delphi or similar systems) to streamline operations.
Relationship Building & Sales:
1. Ability to identify potential clients, build lasting relationships, and convert leads into confirmed bookings.
Event Execution:
1. Capable of managing multiple events simultaneously, ensuring flawless execution with attention to detail.
Problem-Solving & Decision-Making:
1. Strong decision-making skills to resolve challenges and meet client expectations quickly.
2. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to engage with clients, stakeholders, and teams effectively.
Budget Management:
1. Experience preparing event budgets, controlling costs, and ensuring profitability.
Adaptability & Pressure Management:
1. Ability to work under pressure, adapt to changing client needs, and handle last-minute adjustments.
2. Skilled at coordinating with various departments (Sales, Banquets, Culinary, AV, etc.) for seamless event execution.
Benefits:
* Worldwide employee discounts at Hilton Hotels through Go Hilton program;
* Hotel discounts across all Axiom Hospitality hotels – colleague rates and up to 50% discount on F&B;
* 28 days holiday, including bank holidays, increasing yearly to 33 days;
* Discounts across retail, restaurants, events and more through our benefits & rewards portal;
* Access to our Employee Assistance Line to support your Mental Health and Wellbeing;
* Use of Wagestream Financial Wellbeing platform, allowing instant access to your pay;
* Yearly complimentary Axiom Xcape stayover after one year of service;
* A growing team with great training, progression, and promotion opportunities;
* Rewards for referring a friend: referral bonus for recommending a new team member starts at £250 per successful hire;
* Free meals while on shift;
* Length of service awards, ranging from 1 year to 3, 5, 10 and 20-year rewards and more!
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Management and Manufacturing
Industries: Hospitality
#J-18808-Ljbffr