Cluster Sales Manager

Who are we?

We are a distinguished hospitality group operating in the heart of Ghent, Belgium, offering three exceptional properties: the Ghent Marriott, the Residence Inn and the Holiday Inn Express Suites.

The Ghent Marriott stands proudly in the historic city center, gracing the banks of the Lys River within the medieval harbor. Boasting 150 luxurious bedrooms, 9 versatile meeting and event spaces, a renowned restaurant, and a charming terrace overlooking the canal, it's a beacon of hospitality in the city.

Meanwhile, the Residence Inn, Belgium's first of its kind, opened its doors in 2019. Nestled in the southern part of Ghent near the Football Arena and major motorways, it offers 105 modern self-catering apartments, catering perfectly to extended stays with all the comforts of home.

The Holiday Inn Express Suites is a modern, eco-friendly hotel located near the E17 motorway, just 4 km from the city center. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a continental breakfast, while the hotel also offers amenities like a bar, restaurant, and electric car charging stations

Excitingly, our growth doesn't stop there. Our owners are currently developing an additional hotel and a meeting centre in Ghent, expanding our footprint and solidifying our presence in the local market.

All properties are managed by Aimbridge Hospitality EMEA, a division of the esteemed Aimbridge Hospitality brand, overseeing a vast portfolio of over 1,600 hotels and resorts worldwide. From big brands like Hilton, Accor, Marriott, and IHG to boutique and independent hotels, Aimbridge Hospitality prides itself on excellence and diversity.

Currently, we are seeking to expand the team with an accomplished proactive Sales Manager, ideally with a background in corporate project sales and long stays to increase our sales across the properties in Ghent. This pivotal role involves crafting and executing sales strategies, aligning with brand policies, and driving growth through effective sales.

What is in it for you?

As part of the Ghent Marriott family, you will have access to a suite of benefits that include:

• Market-leading salary package
• DKV hospitalisation insurance
• Daily meal vouchers; 8 euro/day and ecovouchers
• Hotel discounts with staff rates worldwide
• Laptop smartphone
• Company car and fuel card
• Access to renowned training platforms from Marriott International and Aimbridge to develop your skills

A Day in the Life of…

As Sales Manager, you will own all the aspects of the Sales Plan and manage in line with Aimbridge and brand requirements.

Key Responsibilities will be to :

• Research potential new accounts, carry out extensive networking, conduct telesales calls, plan appointments, and do weekly face-to-face sales appointments.
• Work with the General Manager, Director of Sales and Events, and Revenue team to continuously align and devise strategies and tactics to retain and grow the business and support revenue maximization.
• Work with the Sales Team to continuously research competitor properties to obtain market and rate intelligence and an understanding of business trends, the competition, and their key accounts. Utilize this intelligence to develop strategic plans, ensure the hotel remains competitive in the marketplace place, and identify potential businesses to target.
• Ensure targets are achieved in line with hotel strategies and objectives.
• Support the Sales team in the preparation of the hotel's annual budget.
• Build strong, long-lasting customer relationships
• Maintain accurate records of leads, opportunities, and activities using Salesforce
• Develop customer accounts to drive business into the specific hotel/cluster
• Prepare company contracts for the hotel per current business and pricing conditions
• Work within current business strategies and recognize potential opportunities
• Attend Sales events, as required
• Produce accurate and timely reports that meet the needs of the Director of Sales and Events including the reporting of appointments, calls made, and business leads
• Answer customer queries in a prompt and professional manner

We will be looking for someone who has proven experience in a similar role preferably within a branded hotel structure.

To successfully fill this role, you should maintain the attitude, behaviours, skills, and values that follow:

• Experience in a proactive sales role with a proven track record of closing a sale
• Positive attitude and good communication skills
• Commitment to delivering a high level of customer service
• Excellent grooming standards
• Flexibility to respond to a range of different work situations
• Ability to work under pressure and own initiative

A good knowledge of PMS and CRM systems is preferred, although training will be given.

Some travel will be expected as part of this role.

In return, we offer an industry-leading salary and benefits package. We pride ourselves on investing in your ongoing career development within this fantastic brand, working in partnership with Aimbridge, the Global third-party management company of choice.

Interested? Click apply and start your journey with Aimbridge. Your dream job awaits…