Sales Manager - Group & Events

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Raffles the Palm

Raffles the Palm Dubai is on the western crescent of Palm Jumeirah, the world’s largest manmade island and archipelago. This luxurious five-star hotel with 340 spacious rooms, suites and villas is embellished with hand-crafted Italian touches and offset by carefully selected amenities to complete the atmosphere of elegance. Guests can enjoy panoramic views, a private beach, state of the art entertainment and recreational facilities, including specialist boutiques, a VIP movie theatre, signature and private restaurants complemented by exquisite banqueting and conference spaces.

When visiting Raffles, guests will discover the individual personality and story offered by the hotel. At the essence of every Raffles is the delivery of thoughtful, personal and discreet service to well-travelled guests.  Raffles Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning, luxury international hotel company with a history dating back to 1887 with the opening of Raffles Hotel, Singapore.  The portfolio currently comprises nearly twenty luxurious properties, from secluded resorts to city hotels in key locations around the world.

Responsible for contributing to revenue generation and the successful execution of Catering Events and Groups. Ensures full adherence to management standards and quality guidelines within the Department as established by the Director of Sales – Groups and Events.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

Financial:

• Assist the Director of Sales – Groups and Event in preparing the annual Catering and Groups revenue and expense budget.
• Actively support the financial and administrative activities of the Groups & Events team to ensure annual revenue targets are achieved and exceeded.
• Assist in ensuring accurate Catering and Groups revenue forecasting based on the most up-to-date market intelligence.
• Upsell confirmed groups and events by promoting higher-value menus and additional services to maximize revenue and exceed catering budget objectives.

Administrative:

• Prepare accurate administrative reports and submit them in a timely manner to the Director of Sales – Groups and Events.
• Utilize the Opera Sales & Catering system efficiently to maximize performance, ensure data accuracy, and maintain database integrity.

Operational:

• Conduct sales calls with the team and arrange appointments for personal sales visits, telemarketing activities, and site inspections with existing and potential accounts.
• Respond to all inquiries within 24 hours and follow up to ensure receipt of information and clarification of any questions.
• Ensure all relevant departments are informed of upcoming groups and events, with timely distribution of Group resumes and BEOs.
• Follow up on lost business opportunities and report findings to the Department Head.
• Monitor market trends and share insights with the team to support strategic initiatives.
• Attend international and local trade shows, roadshows, and business trips to build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Maintain an efficient and up-to-date customer database in OPERA, ensuring accurate records of client interactions, sales activities, and event details to generate comprehensive sales reports.
• Update clients on the latest hotel developments and inform management of any significant changes in client profiles.
• Identify and target new customers and business opportunities, implementing action plans to secure new business for the hotel.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through regular communication and meetings.
• Represent the company at industry events and conferences to promote services and generate qualified leads.
• Deliver exceptional customer service to ensure client satisfaction and encourage repeat business.
• Collaborate closely with internal departments to plan and execute successful events that meet and exceed client expectations.
• Prepare proposals and contracts for prospective clients in line with hotel standards and policies.
• Monitor sales performance metrics and adjust strategies as needed to achieve revenue objectives.
• Coordinate with vendors and suppliers to ensure timely delivery of goods and services.
• Conduct market research to identify trends and opportunities within the events industry.
• Support the Credit Department in following up on outstanding account balances in a timely manner.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Accor Regional and Global Sales Offices.
• Comply fully with all fire, health, safety, emergency, and security procedures.
• Keep the Director of Sales – Groups and Events fully informed of any challenges or concerns to ensure timely corrective action.
• Adhere strictly to departmental and hotel Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all departmental and hotel information.
• Perform additional duties, projects, and assignments as requested by the Director of Sales - Leisure.

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a sales position, preferably within an international 5-star hotel environment.
• Degree or Diploma in Hotel Management or Business Administration.
• Strong knowledge of Opera Sales & Catering and Microsoft Office.
• Good understanding of the local market with relevant regional experience.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is mandatory.
• Fluency in Arabic (written and spoken) is considered an advantage.
• Strong understanding of the luxury hospitality market.
• Comprehensive knowledge of hotel operations and interdepartmental coordination.
• Solid sales techniques and revenue management knowledge.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with strong attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to translate strategy into actionable results.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated, creative, confident, and highly energetic.
• Ability to work independently and manage stress effectively.
• Consistently meets deadlines.
• Proactive with a strong sense of initiative.
• Highly organized with the ability to follow established systems and procedures.
• Adaptable to changes in strategy, processes, and systems.
• Guest service oriented.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.