Sales and Events Manager

Highgate is a premier real estate investment and hospitality management company widely recognized as an innovator in the industry. Highgate is the dominant player in U.S. gateway markets including New York, Boston, Miami, San Francisco and Honolulu, with a rapidly expanding presence in Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Highgate's portfolio of global properties represents an aggregate asset value exceeding $20B and generates over $5B in cumulative revenues. The company provides expert guidance through all stages of the hospitality property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate also has the creativity and bandwidth to develop bespoke hotel brands and utilizes industry-leading proprietary revenue management tools that identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive out performance and maximize asset value. With an executive team consisting of some of the industry's most experienced hotel management leaders, the company is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. Highgate maintains corporate offices in London, New York, Dallas, and Seattle.

Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph

The Sales and Events Manager is responsible for effectively soliciting and maintaining all accounts within designated market segments. This role involves prospecting and securing new business, as well as executing and detailing assigned accounts to positively impact total hotel revenue.

Meet or exceed set sales goals and objectives.
• Perform job responsibilities in accordance with organizational standards.
• Initiate and follow up on incoming leads to maximize business opportunities.
• Manage and execute hotel-hosted events and partnerships, including but not limited to live music, wine tastings, and art events.
• Contribute to the success of all food and beverage outlets
• Act as the on-site contact for hotel-hosted events, ensuring seamless execution.
• Meet or exceed sales solicitation call goals as assigned by the Director of Sales.
• Engage with prospective clients to build relationships and secure business.
• Assist in implementing special promotions related to direct sales segments.
• Execute and review sales contracts to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• Detail and review room blocks, cut-off dates, concessions, and attrition for assigned accounts.
• Collect and confirm payments and deposits for assigned accounts.
• Obtain and enter rooming lists for assigned accounts.
• Assist in the timely preparation of required reports.
• Familiarize yourself with all Highgate Hotel sales policies and selling techniques, focusing on maximizing occupancy and Average Daily Rate (ADR)
• Conduct professional and thorough site inspections of the hotel with clients, showcasing key features and benefits of the property.
• Utilize the property's computerized sales management system (CI) to manage hotel business, including generating reports, entering business, blocking space, and building accounts.
• Use the property's PMS system (Lightspeed) to create, review, and manage reservations associated with group blocks.
• Meet and greet onsite contacts to ensure a positive experience.
• Abide by Prime Selling Time (PST) to maximize sales opportunities.
• Develop networking opportunities through active participation in community and professional associations, activities, and events.
• Review planner evaluations with the Director of Sales to ensure follow-up on any issues.

• College degree or coursework in hospitality or general business preferred but not required.
• Experience in the hospitality/hotel field preferred but not required.
• Experience in executing events is highly desirable.
• 1-2 years of experience in Sales & Event Planning.
• Understanding of banquet and catering sales strategies.
• Proficiency in sales systems such as CITY or Delphi preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with PMS/Reservation systems such as Lightspeed, Fosse, or OPERA preferred but not required.
• Experience with marketing tools such as CANVA and Eventbrite preferred but not required.
• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Proficient in Windows, company-approved spreadsheets, and word processing.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees and guests in a friendly, courteous, and service-oriented manner.
• Strong listening skills to understand and clarify concerns raised by guests.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize departmental functions to meet deadlines.
• Approach all encounters with guests and employees in an attentive, friendly, courteous, and service-oriented manner.
• Attend all required hotel meetings and training sessions.
• Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Highgate Hotel Standards, as required by scheduling, which may vary according to hotel needs.
• Uphold high standards of personal appearance and grooming, including wearing nametags.
• Comply with Highgate Hotel Standards and regulations to promote safe and efficient hotel operations.
• Maximize productivity efforts, identify problem areas, and assist in implementing solutions.
• Effectively handle problems, including anticipating, preventing, identifying, and solving issues as necessary.
• Ability to understand and evaluate complex information and data from various sources to meet objectives.