Director of Event Sales

Santa Monica Proper Hotel is seeking a dynamic, experienced Director of Event Sales.

A seamless merger of historic retrofit and new construction, our 271-room property features interior design by international style icon Kelly Wearstler, multiple dining options by local area culinary stars, a rooftop lounge and swimming pool, and 24,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

As the Director of Event Sales, you will be responsible for driving and overseeing Santa Monica Proper's event sales efforts. Your primary goal will be to attract high-profile clients and successfully close deals for a wide range of events, including weddings, corporate conferences, gala dinners, and other special occasions. Your leadership, exceptional sales acumen and ability to build strong relationships will be instrumental in elevating our hotel's event business to new heights.

Key Responsibilities

1. Event Sales and Strategy:
   • Develop and implement comprehensive event sales strategies to achieve revenue targets and increase market share in the events segment.
   • Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and customer feedback to identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
   • Work with the Executive Chef and Food and Beverage Director to establish profitable and competitive event menus that meet clients' needs.
   • Selling all aspects of events held within the hotel including corporate events, social functions, weddings, and other market segments as directed by business strategy.
2. Client Relationship Management:
   • Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with existing clients, ensuring their needs and expectations are consistently met and exceeded.
   • Proactively identify potential new clients and forge strong connections with high-profile individuals, corporations and event planners to expand the hotel's client base.
3. Sales Team Leadership:
   • Lead, mentor and motivate the event sales team to achieve individual and team sales targets.
   • Conduct regular performance evaluations, provide constructive feedback, and offer ongoing training to enhance the team's skills and performance.
   • Participate in meetings with hotel team and clients, including but not exclusive to: morning operations briefing, Banquet Event Order meeting, sales meeting, menu tastings and planning site visits.
4. Customized Event Solutions:
   • Collaborate with clients to understand their specific event requirements and preferences, tailoring personalized event packages and solutions to meet their expectations.
   • Work closely with other departments, including catering, banquet services, and guest relations, to ensure seamless execution of events.
   • Take responsibility of event functions including maintaining the accuracy and effectiveness of all written communication. Including menu and event proposals, contracts, Banquet Event Orders, daily events report and resumes.
5. Contract Negotiation:
   • Negotiate terms, contracts, and pricing with clients to secure profitable and mutually beneficial agreements.
   • Ensure adherence to hotel policies and procedures while maintaining a positive client experience.
6. Budget Management:
   • Prepare and manage the event sales budget and forecasting, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to drive maximum ROI.
   • Monitor expenses and revenue generation, providing regular reports to Director of Sales and Marketing.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business, or a related field.
• Proven track record of at least 5 years in event sales, preferably within the luxury hotel industry.
• Demonstrated ability to drive the achievement of team and individual business goals through aligning people, process, structure, information, and communication systems.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage and influence high-profile clients.
• Strong leadership abilities, with experience in managing and inspiring sales teams.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail to manage multiple events simultaneously.
• Proficiency in using sales and CRM software for tracking leads, managing pipelines, and generating reports.
• Strong technical literacy including Microsoft Office Suite and Delphi Amadeus.