Assistant Groups & Events Manager

About the Role

This position is within the Sales & Marketing department at a luxury hotel in Doha, Qatar. The Assistant Groups & Events Manager supports the Groups and Events Sales Team and extends assistance to other sales professionals as needed. Key duties include assisting in departmental management, client engagement, event coordination, and sales operations to optimize conference room utilization and revenue.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide support to the Director of Groups and Events, including deputizing during their absence and representing them at meetings and client events.
• Manage incoming event and group requests such as leads and RFPs, ensuring responses are handled within five business hours, adhering to Kempinski MICE SOPs from enquiry through to contract finalization.
• Coordinate site inspections with potential clients alongside the Field Sales team.
• Identify and capitalize on upselling opportunities to exceed budget targets for groups and events.
• Accurately input and maintain booking data in the Opera S&C System following prescribed data standards.
• Generate proposals and contracts, ensuring follow-up within one working day to resolve client queries.
• Oversee enquiries through to confirmed bookings, including negotiation and handover to Event Managers or Coordinators with full information transfer and client introduction.
• Conduct exit interviews with key clients post-event to solicit future business opportunities.
• Promote cross-selling opportunities across the Kempinski Group and GHA properties.
• Perform regular competitor analysis and review monthly results and forecasts to implement strategies that increase market share and maximize revenue.
• Maintain proper management of Length Of Stay (LOS), cancellations, and unconfirmed bookings.
• Carry out any additional administrative and assigned tasks as directed by management.

Experience and Qualifications

Candidates must possess at least two years of experience in luxury hotel environments, with preferred experience in Groups & Events management, Reservations, or Sales roles.

Competencies

• Exhibit strong leadership capabilities combined with analytical skills.
• Adapt swiftly to dynamic market changes with strategies that positively impact revenue.
• Proactively pursue and achieve group and event revenue targets.
• Demonstrate relevant expertise in event and group management, with hotel operations experience considered advantageous.
• Employ creative problem-solving skills, thinking beyond conventional solutions.