DESCRIPTION

Kennebunkport Resort Collection is seeking an Area Social & Events Director of Sales. The Area Social & Events Director of Sales is responsible for solicitation, contracting, planning, organizing, and coordination of special events, private functions, and social event attendee accommodations to achieve the commercial objectives at The Kennebunkport Resort Collection. Through effective relationship building they will deliver the highest levels of guest service and organizational leadership resulting in optimized profitability and customer satisfaction. They will be creative, energetic, and knowledgeable professional, and they will be fundamental to the ongoing success of each hotel.

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

• Working knowledge of Delphi.FDC/ Amadeus Sales & Event Management tools.
• Highly motivated individual who can work independently
• Ability to handle confidential information discretely and in the proper manner
• Self-starter, and possess excellent project management skills.
• Proven track record of group/ event tactical planning and execution.
• Proven track record of success.
• Ideal candidate, 5+ years of private events industry sales experience
• Effective decision-making skills
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Strong organizational skills
• May be required to work varying schedules and be able to travel
• Good communication skills (verbal, listening, writing)
• Effective conflict management skills

• Builds and strengthens relationships with existing and new customers to enable future bookings
• To understand and respond to all guest needs and requests in a timely and professional manner
• Develop and execute a direct sales strategy to achieve social event rooms, food and beverage and event hire budgets as directed by the Area Director of Sales
• Maintain well documented, accurate, organized and up to date file management in order to serve client and the employer in the most expedient, organized and knowledgeable manner
• Develops relationships within the community to strengthen and expand customer base for sales opportunities
• Entertain clients and hotel guests on property as directed by the Area Director of Sales
• Manages and develops relationships with key internal and external stakeholders
• Participates in sales calls, phone solicitation/prospecting, market analyses to acquire new business and/or close on business
• Works collaboratively with the sales team to ensure sales efforts are coordinated and not duplicated
• Plan group’s food and beverage events, including assistance with menu and wine selection, decorations, entertainment, and audio visual as needed
• Create and execute accurate banquet event orders that include detailed information on the agenda, menu items, room set up, and billing arrangement
• Meet the client upon arrival and conduct an event review, including the introduction of Department Heads, overview of events, and arrival details
• Communicate last minute changes in group functions to hotel staff, and ensure accurate and satisfactory follow up
• Conduct post conference review with clients including the presentation of banquet checks when applicable
• Review all bills that are sent to the client, ensuring they are accurate and timely in order to maximize return business
• Develop customer profiles and maintain an effective trace system including trace dates and references resulting in superior account service and increased revenues
• Develops strong customer relationships through appropriate client communication and the use of professional, courteous and ethical interpersonal interaction
• Ability to define problems, collect data, solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists
• Ability to interpret and give a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form
• Attend daily, weekly and monthly meetings as directed
• Work with the Directors to generate an accurate monthly forecast of group food and beverage revenue associated with all private events
• Ensure monthly goals are attained to maximize revenue
• Establish themselves as a subject matter expert; serves the property by understanding of the Market, business issues, and concerns to offer better business solutions to the operation
• Supports the company’s service and relationship strategy, driving customer loyalty by delivering service excellence throughout each customer experience
• Communicate both verbally and in writing to provide clear direction to hotel operation leadership and staff
• Comply with attendance rules and be available to work on a regular basis
• Submit weekly activities reports
• Log activities, contacts, and communication in Delphi FDC
• Perform any other job-related duties as assigned