Graduate Hotels is seeking an experienced Assistant Director of Sales to join Graduate by Hilton Cambridge and its brilliant team of hospitality enthusiasts!
The 148-bedroom Graduate Cambridge hotel is part of the Graduate Hotels collection inspired by the prestigious University of Cambridge and its surrounding town. Set right on the River Cam, in the heart of Cambridge's historic centre. The hotel feels like an extension of the university, with nods to college architecture.
THE ROLE
As a Assistant Director of Sales, you will provide strategic leadership in proactive sales planning, execution, and team development to optimize revenue opportunities across corporate, group, leisure, and other key market segments. Work closely with the Director of Sales and Events, General Manager, and Revenue team to align sales strategies, retain business, and drive revenue growth across all segments.
YOUR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
* Develop and execute proactive sales strategies in collaboration with the Director of Sales & Events and Revenue Manager to ensure alignment with initiatives and overall business objectives, driving targeted sales efforts across all market segments, recognizing high performance, and addressing areas for improvement.
* Manage ongoing sales performance analysis to maximise revenue growth.
* Lead and manage the proactive sales team to its fullest potential ensuring both current and future needs of the business are met. Work with the General Manager, Revenue and RDOS to continuously align and devise sales strategies and activities to retain and grow the business and maximize revenue in all sales segments.
* Foster a proactive sales culture by collaborating with the Director of Sales and Events, implementing incentives, recognizing high performance, and addressing areas for improvement.
* Own all accounts in their area of remit & actively maintain relationships with those key local customers.
* Coach and mentor the sales team, ensuring performance targets are met through regular meetings, trainings and performance reviews.
* Target new business opportunities for the hotel and expand global and local corporate accounts through targeted research, relationship-building, and proactive sales efforts.
* Manage key internal and external stakeholders.
* Create and implement effective planning in line with commercial strategy.
* Manage negotiations and contracting through Delphi, Lanyon, Cvent and RFP processes.
* Play an active part in supporting the team to convert key opportunities as and when required. Promote and play an active part in networking with the M&L and Graduate Sales Team & Global Accounts Managers to increase awareness for the hotel needs and objectives and drive inbound business.
* Review demand calendar and pricing and establish actions to fill the gaps in need periods.
* Monitor budget and drive upsell products and services.
* Create and implement sales plans alongside Director of Sales and Events that drive measurable incremental occupancy, increase average rates, increase volume, food and beverage and banquet sales.
* Lead, develop, and manage the proactive sales team, including recruitment, training, and ongoing professional development.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR FROM YOU
* Strong Hotel Sales experience at Management level ( a minumum of 2 years is a must).
* Ability to use OnQ PMS and Delphi (desirable).
* Excellent communication and presentation skills
* Ability to work across all key stakeholders effectively
* Management experience in recruiting, training, and developing people.
* Experience in delivering strategies and working with targets.
* Experience in hospitality forecasting, pricing, and inventory control.
* Strong analytical skills to understand key business indicators and competitive trends.
* Strong customer relationship management skills and ability to negotiate.
* Knowledge of revenue management and account profitability, and RFP.
* Proficient in using CRM, MS office software applications, including M.S. Office, Excel, PowerPoint etc.
* This is an on-property role - 5 days a week.
THE PERKS
* Hilton Team Member Travel Program: Enjoy discounted hotel stays and food & beverage at Hilton properties worldwide.
* Hilton University: Continuously develop your skills and knowledge through our dedicated learning platform.
* Generous "Recommend a Friend" Scheme: Earn rewards by referring talented individuals to join our team.
* Exclusive Discounts: Access savings and cashback from a wide range of retail and leisure outlets.
* Employee Assistance Program: Get 24/7 support with a dedicated helpline for your well-being.
* Complimentary Meals: Enjoy free meals during your shift at our modern Team Restaurant.
* Recognition and Incentives: Celebrate with your team through recognition programs and exciting incentives.
* Inclusive and Sustainable Initiatives: Actively participate in programs aimed at building a more inclusive and sustainable world, in line with our ECG policy.
* Free Parking: Convenient parking available for cars, mopeds, scooters, and bicycles.
ABOUT GRADUATE HOTELS
Graduate Hotels is a unique collection of handcrafted hotels in the most dynamic university towns around the globe, including Graduate by Hilton Cambridge and The Randolph Hotel in Oxford. We give life to physical spaces through thoughtful design and strong community ties. Graduate Hotels provides students, locals, and visitors alike a place to reflect and celebrate the unique energy of each Graduate community.
As a Graduate Hotels Team Member, you are the one shaping guest experiences. You like to wear multiple hats and consider yourself a local expert, storyteller, team player and creative thinker. Visit us at www.GraduateHotels.com.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
We are committed to recruitment practices that do not discriminate against any job applicant because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership and pregnancy and maternity.
RIGHT TO WORK
In line with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, we do require all applicants to have the eligibility to live and work in the United Kingdom
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