Senior Sales & Event Planning Manager

Thank you for your interest in becoming part of the Oaklawn Team. We have an extraordinary legacy. We are a family with strong core values, providing a new level of excitement for our guests and Team Members as we aspire to be Arkansas' Employer of Choice.

We are currently seeking a talented individual to become a Senior Sales & Event Planning Manager. An individual could be successful if they possess the following.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Senior Sales & Event Planning Manager, you will leverage your sales skills and creativity to drive revenue by booking and managing various events, from intimate conferences to large-scale corporate gatherings. Your role will include executing senior-level contracts and facilitating seamless communication with Oaklawn staff before, during, and after events to ensure exceptional service delivery. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.Lead the booking and execution of high-profile events, including elite meetings, premier racing groups, and exceptional banquet food and beverage services.Cultivate and maintain strong customer relationships through effective communication and personalized service.Detail menus, plan agendas, and coordinate hotel meeting services to ensure all aspects of the event meet ambitious standards.Oversee site inspections and plan events to deliver a seamless experience.Work closely with sales and banquet staff to ensure all client needs and events are executed flawlessly.Accountable for goaled revenue production for all individually assigned and shared travel market segments/accounts.Identify and target prospective customers and new business within assigned markets.Keep accurate records of potential customers and follow through on all potential business.Develop and maintain ongoing relationships with key customers, industry leaders and Global Sales Offices.Prepare sales activity plans and production reports.Make local / regional sales calls and attend industry events and trade-shows.Plan & Schedule effective business trips and appointments within assigned markets.Build, plan and execute marketing and promotion plan for assigned accounts.Provide all necessary contractual information for reservations & revenue management team to properly load rates for all key accounts.Collect market and competitive intelligence to assess and implement rate strategies to achieve short- and long-term goals.Participate in on-line travel sites to ensure proper placement and maximum marketing opportunities as well as researching "last minute" travel sites to drive business.Manage marketing opportunities available with assigned accounts/segments, and work with Marketing department to ensure timely fulfillment within budgeted expense guideline.Consistently offer professional, friendly and engaging serviceEnsure prompt and courteous service is extended to both internal and external customersEnsure the achievement of sales objectives on a monthly, quarterly and yearly basisMaintain an on-going relationship with colleagues, hotel current and past clientsStrong knowledge of brand hotels and client demographics associated with this market segment.Create sales collateral as neededOther duties as assignedQUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be at least 21 years of age.

Minimum of 5 years in event sales and services with a proven history of success.Bachelor's degree in Hotel Management preferredExcellent communication and people skills with a professional appearance.Initiative-taking, assertive, and driven to achieve results in a demanding environment.Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple events simultaneously.Demonstrated ability to thrive under pressure and deliver exceptional service.Superior attention to detail and accuracyAbility to work under pressure and deal with stressful situations during busy periodsProficient in Microsoft OfficeAbility to work varied shifts and schedules, including "prime time" nights, weekends and holidaysPoint of Sale (Front and back of house) experienceStrong professionalism, diplomacy, selling skills, and work habitsAbility to remain positive, resourceful and improvise while working in a fast-paced environment, sometimes under pressureCompile facts and figures, analyze information and arrive at logical conclusions and sound business decisionsMust satisfy and comply with the legal requirements for employment within the jurisdictionBachelor's degree in Hotel Management preferred3 to 5 years professional experience in hospitality salesExcellent communication skills, both written and verbal requiredSuccessful track record in selling and customer account management for small, medium or large customer accounts; high, demonstrated energy levels, extremely motivated to succeed; accountable for results; able to be alert and adaptable in a fast-paced environment;Proven track record, discipline and methodology of building pipeline necessary to achieve quota goalsSUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has supervisory responsibilities.

Manages work procedures and expedites workflow.Provides coaching and counseling to team members.CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Employee must be able to qualify for licenses and permits required by federal, state and local regulations.Must possess a valid driver's license and have acceptable driving history as determined by Oaklawn Jockey Club.

OAKLAWN IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

It is Oaklawn's intent to provide a drug-free, healthy, safe and secure environment for our Team Members. All applicants must complete a pre-employment drug screen and background check.