Job Ref: NOR1127
Branch: Mercure Northampton
Location: Northampton Town Centre Hotel, Northampton
Salary/Benefits: Competitive Salary
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Hours per week: 40
Posted date: 10/11/2024
Closing date: 12/12/2024
Following the success of our £1.2million refurbishment, the 'Mercure Northampton' is excited to be recruiting for a senior sales manager that will support the growth of the business in 2025 and beyond. The hotel is the only 4* property within the centre of Northampton, and includes 146 bedrooms, 12 meeting events rooms with the largest capacity of 600 people.
As we head into 2025 further development is underway to extend the current facilities allowing the hotel to be the market leader within Northampton. The 'Mercure Northampton' is a franchise of Accor and the ideal candidate would have a previous working relationship with a larger hotel chain, but not essential.
Profile Primary Objective of the Position:
As the Senior Sales Manager you will have a strong understanding of local and national key account management and will be a strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial spirit. You will develop a strong sales culture within the business, with a focus on generating revenue through proactive sales, key local and national contacts, within and outside the group, as well as agent relationships.
Responsibilities/Objectives:
You will leverage your strategic thinking, entrepreneurial spirit, and strong understanding of the hospitality industry to develop and execute effective sales plans. Your role will involve building and maintaining relationships with key local, national, and corporate clients, as well as driving sales through various channels. Ensuring that all sales tools available are used to drive demand at the hotels. Working with the company commercial teams and relevant brand to drive revenue.
Tasks, Duties, Responsibilities:
* Works with hotel teams, key senior stakeholders and General/Hotel Managers.
* Develop a strategic sales plan for the hotel(s) for bedrooms, meeting space and other hotel services.
* Work closely with the hotel team to ensure that all business plans are followed, and targets are delivered.
* Activity seek out and develop new business relationships through prospecting, networking and industry events.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with corporate clients, travel agencies, event planners, and other key stakeholders.
* Build strategic partnerships and foster growth in B2B, B2C, Leisure, MICE, and local Markets for all hotels.
* Maintain a detailed prospect account book via the CRM tool to support each hotel to nurture potential business opportunities.
* Build strong relationship with the brand support teams and keep an open dialogue.
* Regularly review key market segment and identify trends and opportunities.
* Work closely with the ecommerce Teams to ensure that all hotel systems are maximised, including TARS, Cvent, ANAIs, Hotel Revenue and other relevant platforms.
* Review and action all brand sales and revenue communication (Accor Commercial Accelerator or similar) and ensuring sale and marketing action are completed.
* To work closely with Accor Revenue and the hotel General Manager on rates and rate requirements e.g. LRA/NLRA, Dynamic pricing, group pricing.
* Respond to inquiries, negotiate contracts and close sales in a timely and professional manner.
* Collaborate create promotional materials, campaigns and packages to drive sales and increase visibility.
* Conduct market research and analysis to stay updated on industry trends, competitor activities, and customer preferences.
* Prepare regular sales reports and forecasts to track performance against goals and identify areas for improvement.
* Represent the hotel at key visits, trade shows, industry events, and networking functions to promote the property and generate leads.
* Stay informed on hotel products, services and pricing to provide accurate information to clients and address their needs effectively.
* Regularly review pricing strategies and business costs, including GDS costs, to maintain competitiveness and profitability.
* Analyse guest feedback and collaborate with hotel/general managers to identify sales focused strategies for improving guest satisfaction.
* Support, and if needed organise, and/or attend scheduled sales department, executive committee, and related meetings.
* Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the company directors and general/hotel managers.
* Adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies related to sales activities.
Experience and Qualifications:
* Proven experience in sales management within the hospitality industry, preferably with experience in hotel sales.
* Strong understanding of the local market and key industry players.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients and internal stakeholders.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
* Proficiency in using sales tools and CRM systems.
* Strong technical skills in Microsoft Office, PMS systems, third party extranet sites.
Human Resources Management:
* Ensure adherence to all applicable HR procedures.
Mercure Northampton is a modern town centre hotel located within the town centre, which is ideal for both business and leisure guests.
Mercure Northampton hotel is a modern town centre hotel within easy access of the main rail and road links. The town centre is within walking distance and Northampton train station only a 10-minute walk away.
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