Commercial Manager – JHB needed at Hilton

What will I be doing?

• Lead all sales, reservations and marketing activities on property
• Be a great boss and role model for others with regards to brand-specific behaviours, self-confidence and can-do attitude
• Interview, select, on-board, supervise, coach, and evaluate Commercial team members
• Organise and provide regular commercial & sales training opportunities for TMs and HODs
• Provide a positive work environment to Commercial & Sales Team Members that allows everyone to thrive and fulfil their potential
• Ensure that all Commercial & Sales TMs understand the purpose of their role and are equipped with the training and tools required to perform their duties at their best.
• Ensure regular & effective communication (e.g. Huddles) in own department to achieve / maintain a high level of trust & engagement
• Make use of the brand specific Recognition Calendar and plan / execute respective actions on a very regular basis within the own sales team and in the whole hotel.
• Ensure you and your team pro-actively support colleagues in operations departments during peak service hours (e.g. giving a helping hand in the restaurant at breakfast, clearing tables etc.).
• Personally spend at least 30 minutes every day, giving a helping hand to another department
• Support the overall management of the hotel by establishing effective working relationships with other depts. ensuring a high level of cross departmental collaboration
• Execute duties as assigned by the Chief Host and Regional Commercial Director

Key Commercial & Sales Activities

• Analyse competitor activities and pricing strategies, trends of business by market segment, channel and GOB, and performance of existing customers
• Develop the commercial strategy for the hotel and implement ruthlessly. Monitor progress against plan and make accurate forecasts
• Schedule & execute detailed action plans to support the revenue generation in all segments and departments and beat the competition
• Show and use the passion for your brand in all sales conversations and negotiations
• Actively manage key accounts (all segments, including GCE)
• Explore and invest time on developing innovative approaches to generate revenue (including F& B) and extend customer bases
• Ensure that all rates are loaded correctly in systems / channels
• Design, gain approval for, and execute the hotel’s marketing strategy and plan for rooms sales
• Ensure that the hotel is well positioned and marketed on internet and other distribution channels, liaising closely with eCommerce
• Facilitate regular sales training for Sales TMs and TMs from other departments to help drive revenue generation in the hotel
• Work committedly with RMCC to ensure optimised rates and occupancy
• Monitor reservations activities on property as well as collaborate closely with HRCC to ensure enquiries through both channels are dealt with properly, speedily and are converted into bookings at optimal rate

What are we looking for?

• A Commercial Manager serving Hilton brands is always working on behalf of our Guests and working with other Team Members. To successfully fill this role, you should maintain the attitude, behaviours, skills, and values that follow:
• Minimum of 3+ year’s hospitality/travel industry experience in a revenue generating or commercial services role.
• Minimum of 3+ years of experience presenting sales plans, presentations, etc. to senior level executives and constituent groups
• 3+ experience working in a collaborative/matrixed environment
• 3+ years working with departmental financial data to make strategic/tactical decisions
• 3+ years of experience evaluating and identifying business opportunities for a business
• At least 3 years of experience managing a sales or commercial team
• Fluent in English

It would be advantageous in this position for you to demonstrate the following capabilities and distinctions:

• 3+ years working in a multi-complex hotel/travel industry environment
• Experience in multiple disciplines with knowledge of Marketing, E-commerce, and Finance
• Local language, strong attribute to have