Sales & Events Planning Manager

**Job Title: Sales & Event Planning Manager

Location: 50/50 split between Twycross Zoo and RAF Cosford

Salary: Up to £38,000 per annum

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent**
As Sales Event Planning Manager you will be responsible driving event sales and coordinating all aspects of conference, event, and wedding bookings for the venue(s), ensuring all details are accurate, sales opportunities are maximized, and customer service is always of the highest standard. A proactive approach to maximizing all events, meeting, conferences, dinners, weddings and social occasions. The role will require thorough working knowledge of all key market segments and key clients within each venue location, ensuring conversion rates are optimized and financial targets achieved. Knowledge of networking groups in and around the region is essential as is undertaking proactive appointments and customer site visits. The position will be responsible for producing the annual sales plan, creating fun and innovative packages to achieve each venue budget. Responsible for ensuring all event details are collated in a timely manner, event orders and supporting documents are detailed and accurate and distribution to Operations Team is consistent and within the agreed timelines as well as ensuring that invoices are raised, and payments received in line with company payment terms. The role is a 50:50 split between reactive and proactive sales for both venues.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the delivery of the C&E sales & marketing strategy for each venue through proactive appointments and research.
• Identifying opportunities for C&E sales growth and working collaboratively with the teams to implement
• Communicating and building a solid relationship with internal client and external customers to aid future retention and business.
• Maintaining CRM system (Salesforce Delphi) to company standards ensuring all customer profiles and booking information is accurately recorded and all packages/items/menus are up to date.
• Knowledge of sales activity and promotions of competitors and always take a proactive approach to doing things differently to be ahead of the competition.
• Reactive sales activities including handling enquiries & producing proposals, providing best options first time to customers, within agreed response times.
• Diary management including internal client bookings, communication of maintenance plans etc
• Proactively following up enquiries & proposals, arranging and conducting customer show rounds as required
• Taking responsibility of upselling strategy and achieving agreed upselling sales targets
• Overseeing the production, distribution, and communication of accurate and detailed event orders; liaising with operations team for successful delivery of event; leading weekly BEO meeting
• Actively encouraging and using customer feedback to gain repeat bookings as well as building action plans for continuous improvement.
• Ensuring payments are received in line with company payment terms, SAP/Delphi process is accurately followed and if applicable debt is managed efficiently and effectively.
• Being compliant all aspects of profit protection
• All event costs are accurately recorded and communicated to General Manager and any procurement is made via the approved suppliers and channels.
• All events T&Cs are adhered to, and appropriate documentation is received.
• Leading event planning meetings with set agenda and actions
• Attending weekly sales forecast calls and sales review meetings, when required
• Producing promotional and marketing collateral for seasonal packages including contribution to theming ideas and package inclusions, i.e. Christmas
• Keeping website, online directories, and where applicable social media channels up to date with current packages, images and seasonal offers
• Participating in local networking events, relevant fam trips and showcases
• Being commercially aware to make informed decisions that contribute to profitability expectations.

The Ideal Candidate

• Must have a minimum of 3 years' experience in hospitality sales.
• Be able to establish positive working relationships and communicate effectively at all levels.
• Must show initiative, commitment, drive, and ambition to deliver and be a confident decision maker.
• Self-motivated with a strong desire to strive for continuous improvement and focus in the achievement of sales targets
• Experienced in achieving KPIs and developing business strategy to achieve growth expectations.
• Solid understanding of database management and be competent in Microsoft suite
• Demonstrate a thorough approach to work and show great attention to detail.
• Have excellent customer service skills.
• Be an effective team player.
• A generally outgoing personality with an entrepreneurial personality with the drive to succeed.

Benefits
We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Free meals
• Onsite free car parking
• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

About Us
Part of Compass Group UK&I, Restaurant Associates provides brilliant hospitality through our food, drink and services. We work with our partners and collaborate with our clients to achieve great things together. Every day, our teams of passionate hospitality professionals strive for excellence in delivering employee dining and hospitality to some of the UK's leading workplace as well as inspiring exceptional experiences in iconic cultural and heritage destinations.

Job Reference: com/0909/ / /R/SU #RAVenues

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength