Group Sales Manager – Eastern Canada & USA Corporate and Incentive Markets

Selling a memorable experience in an authentic location is the essence of a Group Sales Manager's role at Fairmont Empress. Your professionalism and knowledge of the Hotel and the adjoined Victoria Conference Center will reflect positively in how you present the property. Building strong relationships in the Eastern Canadian market and in particular in Toronto and surrounding area and the US market will create a bond, ensuring your clients will always stay with Accor Hotels.

Hotel Overview:

Recognized as one of Top 21 Iconic Hotels in the World by National Geographic Traveler magazine, honoured with Travel + Leisure Magazine’s World’s Best Award for Top 10 City Hotels in Canada, and awarded Best Historic Hotel in the Americas, Fairmont Empress is located in Victoria, BC overlooking the city’s sparkling Inner Harbour. Fairmont Empress recently completed a $60+ Million restoration that celebrates its proud history while moving the hotel into a new era of modern luxury transforming this iconic property into an elegant must-visit destination for the world's discerning travelers. This Forbes Four-Star, 4-Diamond property offers 464 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, Willow Stream Spa with signature West Coast experiences, Q at the Empress Restaurant featuring Pacific Northwest cuisine and award winning wine list, and Q Bar with its regionally focused cocktail culture was recently named to Canada’s 50 Best Bars list. World famous Tea at the Empress is a bucket list experience in the hotel’s sophisticated Lobby Lounge. Located on Vancouver Island, Canada’s Castle on the Coast is the ideal starting point to explore British Columbia’s stunning natural beauty.

Summary of Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Director, Group Sales, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following:

Accountable for prospecting and booking group business (all segments) within a defined territory
Exceed personal sales goals, monthly, quarterly, annually
Collect market and competitive intelligence to maximize group sales opportunities
Develop monthly sales strategy and action plans
Build relationships with all relevant stakeholders: Accor Global Sales Office(s), The Victoria Conference Centre, Destination Greater Victoria, DMC’s, Local Attractions and Offsite Venues
Partner with sister hotels to optimize Accor exposure and build incremental business
Budget for, plan and organize site inspection, FAMS, sales trips and industry trade shows
Utilize Opera Sales System to track, solicit, book and follow up on accounts
Quote and negotiate rates within established parameters
Upon closing, coordinate and follow up with convention services, catering and/or other hotel departments to ensure delivery of hotel's promised services
Jointly supervise the training and development of a Sales Representative / Coordinator
Support group sales team and handle special projects as assigned
Participate in active training and development
Support the goals, objectives and philosophies of Fairmont Empress

Qualifications:

Minimum of 3 year hotel Group Sales Manager experience required ideally in the Eastern Canadian and USA Corporate and Incentive markets
Proven ability to build relationships and find new business: prospecting, networking, site inspections and sales calls
Excellent verbal and written communications skills and strong attention to detail
Strong presentation skills
Computer literacy (Opera, Microsoft Office)
At ease in navigating the evolving technology landscape and using social media
Financial aptitude an asset
Excellent time management skills
Bachelors degree and/or Hotel Management Degree an asset
Bilingual (French/English) an asset

Visa Requirements: Must be legally eligible to work in Canada

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is where occasions are celebrated and history is made. Landmark hotels with unrivalled presence, authentic experiences and unforgettable moments have attracted visitors to Fairmont and its destinations since 1907. The Plaza in New York City, The Savoy in London, Fairmont San Francisco, Fairmont Banff Springs and Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai are but a few of these iconic luxury hotels, forever linked to the special places where they reside. Famous for its engaging service, grand public spaces, locally inspired cuisine and celebrated bars and lounges, promises a special brand of thoughtful luxury that will be remembered long after any visit. With a worldwide portfolio of more than 80 hotels, Fairmont also takes great pride in its deep community roots and leadership in sustainability. Fairmont is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,000 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.