Director of Event Sales - Canoe Place - Hampton Bays, NY

Job Summary

The Director of Event Sales at Canoe Place Inn is responsible for driving the event sales strategy and managing the events team to meet revenue goals for the hotel’s event space. This individual will work closely with both clients and the internal team to ensure seamless execution of events and ensure a high level of customer satisfaction. The role includes sales management, client relationship building, and strategic planning for event business.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Sales Strategy and Revenue Generation:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive sales strategy for the hotel’s event space, including weddings, corporate meetings, conferences, and other social events. Meet and exceed revenue goals and targets for events by securing new business and retaining existing clients.
• Identify and target potential event clients through prospecting, networking, and marketing initiatives.
• Develop and refine pricing packages and sales collateral to attract new clients.

2. Client Relationship Management:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for event clients, guiding them through the sales process from initial inquiry to event execution.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with event planners, corporate clients, wedding coordinators, and other potential clients.
• Understand client needs and tailor event proposals to meet their expectations.

3. Team Leadership and Collaboration:

• Lead, train, and mentor the events sales team, ensuring alignment with overall sales goals and customer service standards.
• Collaborate with the operations team to ensure event requirements are understood and met, including coordinating with the culinary team, AV, logistics, and event staff.
• Monitor team performance and provide feedback and support to optimize results.

4. Event Coordination and Execution:

• Oversee event logistics and ensure that each event is executed to the highest standards.
• Coordinate with internal departments, such as food and beverage operations and hotel management to ensure smooth event execution.
• Address any issues or challenges that arise during events promptly and professionally.

5. Marketing and Promotion:

• Work with the marketing department to develop promotional materials and campaigns to increase event sales.
• Attend networking events and industry trade shows to promote the hotel’s event space and build relationships within the local event planning community.

6. Financial and Budgeting:

• Develop and manage budgets for event sales initiatives.
• Prepare regular reports on event sales performance and market trends for senior management.
• Negotiate contracts and pricing with clients while ensuring the hotel’s profitability.

7. Continuous Improvement:

• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices to maintain the hotel’s competitive edge in event sales.
• Implement feedback from clients and the events team to enhance service offerings and streamline operations.

Short Description

Qualifications:
* Bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Marketing, Business Administration, or related field (preferred).
* Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in hotel event sales, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
* Strong knowledge of event planning, hotel operations, and the local market.
* Hires, trains and develops managers, and is actively involved in the development of service techniques, menu presentation, policies and procedures
* Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
* Proven track record in sales and achieving revenue targets.
* Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage a team.
* Ability to multitask, solve problems, and handle high-pressure situations.

Preferred:
* Previous experience with luxury hotels or destination event venues.
* Familiarity with event management software and CRM tools.
* Knowledge of wedding, corporate, and social event trends.

Preferred Qualifications:
* Bachelor’s degree is preferred or equivalent professional experience
* Proven track record for meeting sales goals
* Strong knowledge of current food, industry trends and fine dining points of service
* A minimum of five to eight years of experience in hospitality industry including three years’ experience in catering sales
* Supervisory, scheduling, training and coaching skills
* Ability to assess client requirements and deliver ensuring client satisfaction
* Must be able to write menu proposals in consultation with chefs
* The ability to supervise food preparation, service and clean-up is also essential
* Knowledge of A/V equipment with the ability to set up and break down for events
* Superior quantitative, oral and written communications and problem-solving/strategizing skills
* Excellent leadership and organizational skills, flexible and adaptable to constant changes and must possess
* attention to detail
* Excellent overall computer skills with advanced knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint
* Proactive mindset and able to remain calm under pressure to anticipate and support changes in our business.
* Conformity to the highest standards of personal integrity and ethical behavior
* Exceptional client relations and customer service abilities