MICE & Groups Sales Manager (French & German Speaking) H/F/X

Located on the shores of Lake Geneva and facing the magnificent views of the Alps, the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace hotel is a distinguished property, a member of the Accor group, the Fairmont brand, and affiliated with Swiss Deluxe Hotels. Boasting an incomparable worldwide reputation, characterized by 236 luxurious rooms and suites and a highly refined gastronomic experience, the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace hotel is truly an enchanting place. Its six restaurants and bars offer a wide selection of delights that will satisfy even the most demanding palates.

The Montreux Jazz Café is the ultimate place to experience the rhythm of the Festival 365 days a year within the magical setting of the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace; MP’s Bar & Grill is an upscale restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere, specializing in grilled dishes that is unparalleled in the region; and the Funky Claude’s Bar is the indisputable spot to wind down late into the night, enjoying an incredible line-up of traditional and exclusive cocktails to the beat of the best live music scene in town. Fairmont Le Montreux Palace also specializes in hosting conventions, meetings, and seminars. The Fairmont Spa is a 2,000 m² wellness oasis dedicated to fitness, relaxation, and beauty.

We are seeking a dynamic and commercially driven MICE & Groups Sales Manager to join our team at Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, one of Switzerland’s most iconic landmark hotels nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva.

In this role, you will be the primary ambassador for our MICE and group offering across the Swiss domestic market with a strong focus on German-speaking Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. Your deep knowledge of our meeting, incentive, conference, and events facilities, combined with your commercial instincts and relationship expertise, will allow you to build a thriving pipeline of group and event business.

If you thrive in a luxury environment, have a passion for group and event sales, and excel at connecting organizations with exceptional destination experiences, we invite you to be part of our story.

What you will drive:

• Proactively develop and grow MICE and groups business from the Swiss domestic market and German-speaking source markets (DACH region)
• Position Fairmont Le Montreux Palace as the premier destination for corporate meetings, incentive programes, conferences, and social events in Switzerland
• Contribute directly to group revenue growth through strategic account development, lead generation, and market penetration

Summary of Responsibilities

Reporting to the Area Director of Sales & Marketing, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following:

Business Development & Market Coverage

• Consistently offer professional, friendly, and engaging service to all internal and external stakeholders
• Proactively prospect, qualify, and develop new MICE and group accounts within the Swiss domestic market, with primary focus on German-speaking Switzerland (Zürich, Bern, Basel, Luzern), Germany, and Austria
• Manage and develop a portfolio of key accounts including corporate clients, event agencies, professional conference organizers (PCOs), association planners, and incentive houses
• Identify and cultivate new business opportunities across the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) segment, as well as social groups and leisure group programes
• Establish parameters, negotiate pricing, and confirm group business through written contracts in line with hotel policies
• Plan and execute targeted sales trips, roadshows, and client entertainment activities within key feeder markets
• Attend relevant tradeshows, industry events, and networking forums to increase the hotel’s visibility within the German-speaking MICE community
• Conduct regular site inspections and familiarization trips for key accounts and prospects, ensuring a compelling and tailored hotel presentation

Revenue Management & Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Drive and ensure the achievement of group and MICE sales objectives on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis
• Collaborate closely with the Revenue Management and Events teams to ensure rate integrity, market positioning, and seamless handover of confirmed group business
• Work in partnership with the Events Management team to guarantee the smooth execution and delivery of confirmed group programs.
• Monitor group pace, conversion rates, and lead volumes, adjusting prospecting and sales strategies accordingly
• Prepare weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual sales reports as required by the Area Director of Sales & Marketing

Account Management & CRM

• Maintain a high level of exposure for the hotel within the German-speaking MICE and corporate markets
• Nurture and maintain key accounts, contacts, activity logs, and business details within the hotel’s CRM systems
• Respond to all business leads and RFPs within a 24-hour timeline, ensuring proposals are tailored, compelling, and reflective of the Fairmont brand
• Conduct regular competitor surveys and recommend proactive strategies based on market intelligence and demand trends
• Maintain detailed knowledge of all hotel services, event spaces, capacities, F&B offerings, and relevant facts and figures
• Follow all departmental policies, procedures, and LQA standards

Key Performance Indicators

• Group and MICE revenue contribution from Swiss domestic and DACH markets
• Number of new accounts activated within assigned markets
• Conversion rate of leads and RFPs to confirmed group business
• Group room night and event revenue production versus targets
• RGI and group market share performance within the competitive set
• ROI on sales trips, roadshows, and trade event participation

• Minimum 3 years of proven sales experience within luxury hospitality, MICE, or the events industry in Switzerland or the DACH region
• Demonstrated track record in developing new accounts, generating group revenue, and managing a client portfolio in a competitive luxury market
• Strong existing network within the Swiss corporate and MICE landscape is a distinct advantage
• Native or near-native fluency in German and Swiss German; professional fluency in English required; French is a significant asset
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and organizational skills
• Strong commercial mindset with a data-driven, revenue-focused approach to sales
• University or College degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word); experience with Opera, Delphi FDC, or equivalent hospitality CRM systems is an asset
• Willingness to travel regularly within Switzerland and the DACH region for client development and trade events
• Highly responsible, reliable, and capable of working autonomously within a high-performance commercial team

Our Values Fairmont

Respect:
We value the needs, ideas, and individuality of others. We treat everyone with fairness and dignity.

Belonging:
We celebrate our differences. We support one another and always stand together.

Empowerment:
We have the power to take initiative and anticipate moments that create unforgettable experiences.

Excellence:
We build genuine connections and cherish every opportunity to make those around us feel special

Diversity and Inclusion

Fairmont is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diverse talents thrive. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join our team.

Employee Benefits

Join our team and enjoy a range of exclusive colleague benefits, including complimentary upgrades, extended stays, discounted stays at Fairmont and Raffles properties, special discounts on dining and wellness services, and additional luxuries to enhance your experience.
We believe in taking care of our team, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded with exceptional benefits.