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Application Form

Hospitality Sales/Event Planner

£20,000 - £22,000

Maidstone, Kent

Leeds Castle

If you’re looking for a real sales challenge, and the opportunity to drive hospitality business forward in an extraordinary environment, this is a great opportunity to make your mark. Leeds Castle is looking for a Sales Executive/Event Planner with a proven track record of increasing income through wedding, conference and banqueting sales. The ideal candidate will have a background in sales, ideally gained in a hotel or conference environment.

Leeds Castle is owned by a charity. These business streams have to make money to support the charity, but equally, they have to sustain the castle’s reputation for quality and excellence. You’ll need to work well in a team, be sales driven and have the ability to build relationships with local and national event bookers and agencies.

This is a fixed term contract running from April to October and if you have the experience and the energy to join the team, and have the desire to work in a vibrant and world-famous location, please let us know. Duties include:

To respond to enquiries from clients for Hospitality functions, sending out literature and quotes as required, taking the opportunity to ‘sell up’ to maximise revenue at all times.

o To participate in ‘show rounds’ of venues, making follow up contact aiming to convert as many visits into sales, as possible.

o To negotiate terms and conditions and pricing for specific events, liaising with Sales Manager regarding any ‘non standard’ requests.

o To ensure client booking details are accurate and deposits and stage payments are received at appropriate times.

o To ensure that individual customer needs are met and a successful plan for delivery is achieved, through liaison with Leith’s operation team.

o To provide a point of contact between Leeds Castle and clients to ensure that pre-planning prior to each function is meticulously organised with accurate attention to detail, ensuring the client is given a polite, friendly and helpful service.

o To be responsible for raising contracts for functions ensuring, in conjunction with accounts department, any extras are invoiced and deposits and stage payments are received.

o To be responsible for specific details of each function such as organising and booking evening entertainment, liaising with florist, arranging food tasting and raising purchase orders as required.

o To be responsible for allocation of rooms to residential guests preparing rooming lists and ensuring housekeeper is kept fully informed.

o To prepare detailed, accurate operational notes prior to each function, and to ensure these are circulated to all stakeholders.

o To prepare guest lists for functions where required making sure gate steward is notified as required.

o To maintain and develop relationships with existing clients via telephone calls and emails.

o To attend showcases, familiarisation visits, exhibitions and trade fairs as required, using the opportunity to maximise sales opportunities.

o To regularly benchmark Leeds Castle against local and national competitors. Keeping abreast of industry changes and development via the internet, trade publications and industry networking and educational events.

Contact Details

Cover Letter

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