Director of Conference & Events

Company Description

Embark on a journey of luxury and excellence with Sydney’s iconic first international 5-star hotel! Sofitel Sydney Wentworth offers an unforgettable luxury escape, where guests discover the perfect blend of the French Zest and Sofitel luxury.

We are currently undergoing a complete transformation and enhancing all the hotel facilities to continue delivering outstanding luxury service to our guests. Scheduled to complete the changes in Spring 2024, the hotel will provide an all-encompassing experience where entertainment, leisure, dining, conferencing and unparalleled hospitality will converge seamlessly, transcending traditional hotel boundaries.

We're setting new standards in the Australian hospitality scene and we are seeking a talented Leader to help craft a unique experience where luxury reaches new heights. Apply now and be part of the “ Rebirth of a Sydney Icon” with us!

Job Description

As our Director of Conference & Events , you will be handling group and MICE leads liaising with the greater Sales team, selling hotel services with a natural flair for upselling, forecasting & hitting (if not exceeding) targets and ensuring active communication for a seamless negotiation, quoting, contracting and execution process. You will also be responsible for leading the planning team to ensure great event execution covering all aspects of the relationship cycle from beginning to end. Some of the key responsibilities for the role are:

• Devise, develop and deliver a comprehensive strategic and tactical plan for business development, income generation and profit conversion and formulating and driving MICE strategy for the hotel
• Executive report on MICE business leads and conversion
• Generate and maintain major accounts and assigned segments through various sales activities (face to face sales calls, telephone calls, entertainment, sight inspections, etc.)
• Develop active communication and close rapport with convention bureau, state and government bodies, MICE organizers, Sofitel and Accor area sales offices and other sources of sales information and support
• Issue and communicate group & MICE forecasts along with any required action plan needed to help hotel achieve maximum capacity and venue use
• Lead the event planning team/ work together with the Director of banquet and Food & Beverage
• Develop a team of ambassadors who consider themselves part of the Sales Team, are able to sell Hotel facilities and are aware of special hotel/company promotions

As a Leader, you'll also drive team performance, engagement , people management , guest feedback & problem resolution .You will be exposed to exceptional leaders in the industry and a lot of development opportunities to learn from as you continue your leadership journey .

Qualifications

Does this sound like you?

• Previous experience in a sales management role within a service industry ( luxury experience highly regarded ).
• Exceptional communication skills and a service excellence approach.
• Ability & desire to train, coach and develop Sales professionals.
• Excellent personal grooming and presentation.
• Experience in managing large scale events
• Strong organisational skills and ability to work to tight deadlines managing competing priorities.
• Exceptional leadership, business and interpersonal proficiency
• Able to stimulate employees, teams and departmentsand superior networker, negotiator, and business leader
• Thriving under pressure, you remain in control and support the team to get through it.

Additional Information

Let's talk about why you should join us...

• With 436 rooms & suites, 15 conferencing spaces, 4 food & beverage outlets - no 2 days will ever be the same and you'll thrive with variety .
• Supportive, fast-paced and high performing environment.
• Industry benefits from Day 1 including exclusive discounts on accommodation, dining, bars and more in over 100 countries with Accor Hotels and our partners.
• Mental health and Wellbeing services .
• Progressive leave policies including 10 weeks parental leave.
• Complimentary dry cleaning & discounted city parking.
• We are an inclusive company , and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent. We offer reasonable adjustments to support you. If you require an adjustment to be made during the recruitment process, you're welcome to let us know.
• Most importantly - work with & learn from industry experts with opportunities for development.