Account Executive

**Job ID**: 87311**Date Posted**: Posted 4 hours ago**Location**: Camps Bay**Job Title**: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE (MICE) - CAMPS BAY - WESTERN CAPE

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

- Grade 12 or equivalent
- Diploma / degree in Business, Marketing, Hospitality Management, or a relevant discipline is preferred but not mandatory

EXPERIENCE:

- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in sales or business development, preferably within the hospitality industry or a related field.
- Opera Experience and knowledge preferred.
- Communications - must be a strong communicator in verbal and written forms.
- Above average efficiency in Microsoft Excel.
- Valid drivers’ licence & own roadworthy vehicle.

COMPETENCIES

GENERIC COMPETENCIES:

- Sales and Negotiation Skills: Ability to identify potential clients, build relationships, and effectively persuade and negotiate to close deals with trade agents.
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Proficiency in using CRM software to manage and track interactions with trade agents, ensuring timely follow-ups and personalized service.
- Industry Knowledge: Understanding of the hotel industry, market trends, competitor analysis, and the unique selling points of the groups’ offerings.
- Product Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of CLIENT services, facilities, amenities, and room categories to effectively communicate the value proposition to trade agents.
- Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills to convey information, respond to inquiries, and maintain professional correspondence with trade agents.

UNIQUE COMPETENCIES:

- Hospitality Expertise: An understanding of the hospitality industry, including hotel operations, guest experience, and industry-specific challenges, allowing for more insightful and customised solutions for trade agents.
- Revenue Management: Proficiency in understanding revenue management principles, allowing you to offer competitive pricing and negotiate rates that align with CLIENT’s revenue objectives.
- Long Sales Cycle Management: Expertise in managing longer sales cycles typical of hotel sales, which require consistent nurturing and relationship-building over extended periods.
- Destination Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of CLIENT hotel’s locations, nearby attractions, and local events to position the property as an ideal destination for trade agent clients.
- Relationship-Based Selling: Emphasis on building long-term relationships with trade agents, going beyond transactional sales to become a trusted advisor and preferred partner.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Product Knowledge:

- In-depth knowledge of the CLIENT hotels, facilities, services, amenities especially pertaining to CLIENT Trade products.
- Knowledge of Policies and Procedures.
- Stay updated on renovations, expansions, and upcoming enhancements to effectively communicate these updates to trade agents.
- Understand menu offerings at each property
- In-depth knowledge of Touch-Points at each property
- Sub Brands:

- Basic details/terms of sub-brands within the client’s portfolio

Customer Service:

- Anticipate and exceed the expectations of trade agents, providing personalised attention and solutions to enhance their experience.
- Proactively follow up with trade agents after their guests’ stays or events, demonstrating a commitment to their satisfaction.
- Conduct training sessions and product presentations for trade partners to enhance their knowledge of CLIENT properties, services, and unique selling points.
- Provide updates on renovations and special promotions to trade partners to keep them informed and engaged.

Sales Strategy:

- Identify, target, establish, and maintain relationships with Trade Partners, including Travel Agencies, Tour Operators, PCO’s (Professional Conference Organizers), MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), Government entities, Production companies, and Corporate clients.
- Training of agents’ consultants on Client products at their premises.
- Achieve assigned sales targets by actively promoting CLIENT properties to trade partners, effectively positioning the properties as preferred choices for their clientele.
- Segment trade agents based on their potential value and prioritise sales efforts accordingly to maximize ROI.
- Develop tailored sales pitches and proposals that align with the unique needs and preferences of individual trade agents.

Key Account Management:

- Organise and host property visits and site inspections for key partners, showcasing CLIENT’s facilities and services.
- Collaborate with partners to create enticing packages and offers that drive bookings and revenue for CLIENT.
- Act as the main point of contact for key agents, addressing their concerns and ensuring their requirements are met.

Marketing:

- Collaborate with the marketing team to create collateral, such as brochures and presentations.
- Leverage social media platforms and digital marketing to engage agents and showcase C