Senior Sales and Events Coordinator in Reading

To be responsible for proactively processing conference and event (non-match day) enquiries for the venue including responsibility for Christmas targets and bookings. Achieving a set conversion level for enquiries. Proactively selling the facilities through various techniques and always aiming to meet customer needs and exceed customer expectations. To consistently ensure the highest standards of accurate and timely customer, staff and management information. To support the Sales Office Manager with reporting and managing the team in his/her absence. Ensure all sales administration is accomplished effectively & accurately in order to provide a seamless handover to the operations team.

GREAT PEOPLE
• Be an active team member sharing ideas and participating in team spirit, and be loyal to and supportive of colleagues including any temporary members of staff
• Achieve performance objectives and set KPI’s specific to role. Participate in regular reviews and appraisals in line with Compass management standards
• Give full co-operation to any colleague requiring assistance in a prompt, caring and helpful manner
• Offer support to Sales and Event coordinators when required
• Develop strong working relationships with key members of national sales team including CRO
• Undertake training and development identified as required in reviews and appraisals
• Attend internal meetings as required

GREAT PEOPLE
• To provide outstanding customer service in-line with sales office procedures and processes
• Process enquiries & proposals, providing best value options to customers while maximising sales opportunities, within agreed response times to all web based, email and phone enquiries accurately and within brand guidelines
• Follow-up enquiries & proposals within agreed timescales and customer preferred method, arrange customer site inspections where applicable in order to close sale
• Provide direct liaison with customer and suppliers ensuring clear communications of each party’s needs and expectations
• Maintain accurate records of enquiry source and report and communicate new business leads to Head of Sales
• Maintain excellent product knowledge at all times
• Record accurately all customer profile and booking information making full use of the appropriate systems
• Be aware and adhere with statutory, legal and company requirements for:
• Health and Safety | Food Hygiene | Licensing Laws | Employments Laws | Fire Regulations | Sales of Goods / Trade Description
• Report all maintenance issues and hazards as in the company health and safety manual
• Demonstrate best working practices in all duties and comply with company manuals

GREAT RESULTS
• Contribute ideas for the Sales and Marketing plan and support the SOM in completing ALL reports in his/her absence
• Support the Sales Office Manager in his/her absence of managing the conference and events team, hosting daily & weekly sales meetings
• Collate and support in pulling weekly CPS report for review with SOM and finance
• Produce and finalise the weekly BEO’s for distribution to the operations team ensuring communication and updates are adhered to.
• Support marketing executive to proactively plan and promote Christmas functions via all methods of communication and sales action plan to achieve revenue target for this key market segment
• Meet required deadlines for RFP’s from central team
• Achieve quarterly KPI’s set to demands of business
• Achieve target score for Sandown Mystery Shopper
• Meet SLA guidelines for enquiry and chase response times
• Revenue Target achieved as agreed quarterly
• Participate in sales promotions and applicable familiarisation trips
• Be aware of competitor activities & industry trends
• Achieve personal goals and objectives identified in reviews and appraisals
• Achieve IPOE

Requirements ESSENTIALS:
• At least 3 years’ experience within a hotel, venue or MICE agency
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Computer literate and confident in MS Excel; Word and Outlook
• Ability to inspire customer trust and confidence
• Ability to deal both on the phone and in electronic communications effectively with clients and venues and to gain support of internal colleagues
• Passionate about hospitality, sales and customer service
• Ability to multi-task, think fast and to deliver solutions to customer requirements
• Possess diplomacy, discretion and impartiality of judgment
• Creative in thinking and approach
• Confidence, enjoys a challenge, a good sense of humour, flexible and forward thinking to anticipate problems before they arise
• Able to communicate at all levels, self started, drive, ambition, ability to work to strict pressured deadlines, creative in thinking and approach, motivated by a passion for quality and great service delivery, A “can-do” attitude, to be an excellent ambassador for venue and Lime Venue Portfolio brand

DESIRABLE
• 5 years’ experience within a hotel, venue or MICE agency
• Knowledge of diary management systems
• Industry awareness