Conference and Group Sales Assistant
Marketing Manchester has an exciting new opportunity for a Conference and Group Sales Assistant to promote and position Manchester as the UK’s leading national and international conference destination by supporting the successful hosting of conferences in Manchester.
Marketing Manchester promotes Greater Manchester nationally and internationally as a place to visit, invest, meet and study. Our work is an essential component to successfully raise the profile of the city-region as the gateway to the North and improve global perceptions and city ranking. Marketing Manchester also supports MIDAS, Greater Manchester’s inward investment agency, in the delivery of promotion focusing on priority sectors and campaigns including digital, innovation and green.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Support the Venue Location Service (VLS) and Accommodation Booking Service (ABS) sales strategy by delivering an efficient, effective, client-focused service and activity plan.
2. Operate the VLS service for association, corporate and ad-hoc events, including preparation of proposals and using the VLS system to manage enquiries and conversions.
3. Take responsibility for a small portfolio of clients with associated conference and accommodation requirements.
4. Undertake event research including delegate numbers, anticipated room nights and revenue figures to support ABS and VLS forecasts.
5. Liaise with partners to source and secure rates and contractual agreements that are mutually beneficial for all parties (event planners, accommodation providers and Marketing Manchester).
6. Actively look for opportunities to maximise commission revenue for the Manchester Convention Bureau team.
7. Ensure that relationships with partners are maintained to a high standard, supporting the delivery of conferences and securing the best rates.
8. Undertake post-event evaluation, reporting, re-solicitation and analysis of delegate and client feedback.
About you:
9. Dynamic self-starter able to work using own initiatives and within a team.
10. Good organiser, able to manage multiple activities, with a strong appreciation of teamwork.
11. Portrays a professional image/attitude.
12. Comfortable working in an agile environment.
Skills Required:
13. Strong communication skills, with the ability to develop long term relationships.
14. Customer service and sales experience.
15. Some negotiation and financial skills are desirable.
16. The ability to be able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
17. General knowledge of IT and basic numerical skills needed.
18. A minimum of 1 year experience within a sales or customer service environment; within the conference and events sector is desirable.
19. Knowledge of the conference sector, with an understanding of working in partnership with industry, academia, and conference & meeting venues.
At GC, safeguarding the welfare of all individuals including vulnerable adults and young people is a top priority, and we expect all staff to uphold this standard. All appointments follow Safer Recruitment Procedures, including a DBS check carried out by Due Diligence Limited (DDC Ltd), at no cost to the successful candidate.
Please note: It is a legal offence to apply for a role involving regulated activity if you are on the Barred List.
We are committed to increasing workforce diversity and offer a guaranteed interview to applicants who meet the essential criteria and either have a disability or are from a diverse ethnic community.
If this applies to you, you can request consideration under this scheme during the application process. Your request will be shared only with the Hiring Manager and Internal Recruitment Team.