Commercial Analyst

Discover the warm hospitality of Sofitel Dubai The Palm, a luxurious 5-star beachfront resort nested on the East Crescent of the renowned Palm Jumeirah.

Nestled amongst lush greenery on the idyllic shores of the Arabian Gulf, Sofitel Dubai The Palm offers a tropical and relaxing sanctuary, only a short distance away from the vibrant, buzzing metropolis of Dubai.

With touches of French elegance interlaced throughout the resort, we invite guests to enjoy an environment “Where life lives” and indulge in excellence.

The resort comprises of 360 contemporary guest rooms and suites, 182 serviced apartments, 4 ultra-luxury villas, Sofitel Spa with L’ Occitane, Fitness Centre, Kids Club and offers a large variety of dining options with 7 restaurants, 5 bars, and lounges.

The Commercial Analyst performs analysis and applies a logical, structured, and disciplined approach to translate key financial and commercial aspects into actionable insights.  (S)he interprets and synthesizes data, exercises professional scepticism to challenge data, and identifies meaningful insights to develop recommendations.

Pricing:

• Perform A/B testing and price elasticity reports, validating price optimization and promotion simulations results.
• Constant review price positioning vs. competitors by market segment.
• Monitors IDeaS price and forecast recommendations and suggest actions based on monthly and yearly strategies.
• Support corporate, group, long stay and leisure segment pricing analysis – group & catering pricing tool, group displacement analysis to be completed for each larger group, leisure pricing for monthly promotions and regular tactical offers.

Reporting:

• Support in preparing for the weekly revenue meetings.
• Work closely with Director of Revenue and Director of Sales & Marketing in preparing weekly/monthly reports including forecast for all revenue streams (F&B and Spa).
• Support Digital Marketing team with performance analysis of online campaigns, help identify future need periods to ensure digital marketing spend is focused to drive optimal business mix.

Analysis:

• Ad-hoc duties and tasks as directed by the Director of Revenue or Director of Sales & Marketing that assist and support hotel revenue performance.
• Utilize business intelligence tools (Axis BI, Demand 360, STR, Opera Reporting, etc.) to identify relevant trends, risks and price affecting consideration.
• Champion special projects relating to market research and competitor activities.

Data Integrity:

• Works closely with Reservations Manager in making sure data input integrity, quality assurance standards and rate codes are up to date.
• Using tools provided (Opera, Ideas, InTouchData, TARS Tool) maintain, update and share information in the areas required, market segments analysis and demographic.
• Monitor data entry quality of group and catering blocks and ensure irregularities are fixed by the events team.
• Conduct OTA audits to ensure rate parity throughout our online channels.

Revenue Culture and training:

• Develop and implement on the job- revenue culture and excel training for the team.

DAILY DUTIES:

• Updates daily Pickup report.
• Controls room availability.
• Controls group blocks.
• Monitor performance of leisure promotions and update availability chart, recommend pricing updates 90/180/365 days out.
• Updates reports to monitor impact of promotional programs.
• Updates and maintain all 3rd party web sites on a daily basis.
• Updates and maintenance of GDS (via CRS) & Opera system.
• Monitors specific tasks assigned related to IDeaS.
• Monitors upselling program and flag not eligible transactions.
• Monitors partner allocation and notify in case of breach.
• Monitor parity issues and find the source to solve them.
• Work hand-and-hand with Reservations manager and Director of rooms to monitor overbooking policy and adjust according to market mix, daily movements, and historical wash and lead times.
• Apply spot check on reservations and front office data inputs and transactions, rectify and provide proper training on mistakes.
• Ensure correct market segmentation and rate codes of gained business.

MEETINGS:

•  Attending: weekly Revenue reservations, groups, leisure and pricing meetings.
• Supporting: Budget and Forecast meeting.
• Conference Calls: Monthly Revenue Managers Conference calls.

REPORTS:

• Daily/Weekly pickup Reports
• OTA Insight Report
•  Market Share Competition Reports
•  Demand 360 Reports
• Weekly Revenue report
• Weekly sales reports – leisure segment performance, group & catering pace report
• Monitor incentive reward performance of key accounts
• Month end reports
• Day by Day Forecast 30-60-90 days out and year end
• Daily, weekly, annual IDeaS tasks completion

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY:

• To follow the Hotel set Safety standards, and adhere to all rules and regulations as set out by the Occupational Health and Safety Act and to take reasonable care at work so as not to put self or others at unnecessary risk.

• Proficient with Excel & Microsoft office applications.
• Previous experience or internship in revenue management preferred.
• Excellent English required.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• A strong sense of analysis.