Group Sales Executive

Sofitel Riyadh Hotel & Convention Center: A Symphony of French Elegance and Saudi Arabian Warmth
The Sofitel Riyadh is dedicated to providing a five-star experience characterized by luxury, elegance, and impeccable service. The hotel's commitment to personalized attention ensures that each guest's stay is not just comfortable but memorable. Blending urban sophistication with refined opulence, the Sofitel Riyadh creates an atmosphere where every detail is thoughtfully curated to offer a unique and unforgettable experience.

As the Group Sales Executive at Sofitel Riyadh, you will be responsible for managing group sales for high-potential accounts. Your role will involve identifying new business opportunities, developing relationships with key decision-makers, and securing group bookings and events from these industries. As part of the pre-opening team, you will play an integral role in establishing Sofitel Riyadh as a top destination for corporate clients and group stays, contributing to the hotel's revenue targets and brand reputation.

Key Responsibilities:

· Develop Group Sales in Key Sectors: Identify and target potential group business from key sectors such as banking, pharmaceuticals, consultancies, and FMCGs. Focus on generating room bookings, corporate events, and meetings that align with Sofitel’s luxury standards.

· Build and Maintain Client Relationships: Establish and nurture long-term relationships with senior decision-makers in target industries to secure group bookings and foster repeat business.

· Sales Strategy Execution: Support the Director of Sales in implementing group sales strategies specifically tailored to the banking, pharma, consultancy, and FMCG sectors. Align your approach with the hotel’s overall sales objectives.

· Negotiate and Close Deals: Lead negotiations with corporate clients to secure favorable group rates and event packages, ensuring mutually beneficial agreements while maintaining profitability.

· Pre-opening Contributions: Assist with pre-opening activities, including building client databases, establishing relationships with key stakeholders, and supporting sales campaigns to raise awareness of the new Sofitel Riyadh.

· Coordinate Group Events: Work closely with the events and operations teams to ensure the seamless execution of group events, corporate meetings, and conferences. Ensure that all aspects of the group’s stay or event exceed client expectations.

· Market Research: Conduct ongoing research to stay informed about market trends, competitor activities, and potential opportunities within the banking, pharma, consultancy, and FMCG sectors.

· Sales Reporting & Forecasting: Prepare regular sales reports, forecasts, and performance metrics for senior management. Track and analyze group sales performance to adjust strategies as needed.

· Represent Sofitel at Industry Events: Attend industry trade shows, corporate networking events, and client meetings to promote Sofitel Riyadh as a top choice for group stays and events within your target sectors.

· Client Management: Handle key accounts from initial inquiry through to post-event follow-up, ensuring an exceptional guest experience throughout the sales and event cycle.

· Experience: Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in group sales or corporate sales within the hospitality industry. Experience in handling corporate clients from the banking, pharmaceutical, consultancy, or FMCG sectors is highly desirable.

· Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Sales, Hospitality Management, or a related field.

· Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of the corporate group sales landscape in Riyadh, especially with experience in banking, pharma, consultancy, and FMCG industries.

· Language Skills: Fluency in English & Arabic is required.

· Skills: Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills. Proficiency in CRM systems and sales management tools. Strong organizational and multitasking abilities to handle multiple clients and projects simultaneously.

· Personal Traits: A proactive and results-driven individual with a strong sense of responsibility and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. The ability to adapt quickly in a pre-opening environment is essential.