About the position
ENVIRONMENT:
PLAY a key role in ensuring smooth booking operations while driving revenue and delivering exceptional guest experiences as the next Trade Group Consultant sought by a dynamic Service Provider offering luxury accommodation. You will be responsible for managing and coordinating group bookings from inquiry to final execution, ensuring seamless communication between clients and internal departments. This role involves handling reservations, negotiating contracts, optimizing revenue opportunities, and providing outstanding customer service to group clients. The successful incumbent must have Matric/Grade 12 or equivalent with 3 years’ experience in hotel reservations, front office, or a similar role, with a focus on group bookings. You also need to be proficient in hotel reservation systems – preferably Opera & a solid understanding of hotel group booking policies, pricing strategies, and contract negotiation.
DUTIES:
Reservations Management & Coordination -
- Handle all group booking inquiries, providing prompt and accurate responses.
- Process group reservations, ensuring all details such as rooming lists, meal plans, and special requests are accurately recorded.
- Monitor group allocations, release periods, and ensure booking deadlines are met.
- Negotiate group booking contracts, deposits, and payment schedules with clients.
- Prepare and send quotes and contracts to potential group clients.
- Collaborate with the Revenue team to ensure pricing and availability align with hotel objectives.
- Ensure all tentative group bookings are confirmed within the agreed timeframe.
- Maintain and update the groups pipeline for all bookings.
Client Liaison & Communication -
- Serve as the primary point of contact for group clients before, during, and after their stay.
- Manage relationships with travel agents, corporate clients, and event planners.
- Coordinate and conduct site inspections for prospective group bookings.
- Communicate group details and special requests with relevant hotel departments (Front Office, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage).
- Assist clients with itinerary planning and additional service requests.
Administrative & System Management –
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in the reservation system and CRM.
- Process contracts, invoices, and deposit payments, ensuring timely follow-up.
- Ensure all group bookings are properly documented and accessible.
- Generate reports on group booking performance, revenue, and occupancy trends.
- Monitor and update group booking policies and procedures as required.
Revenue Optimization & Sales Support -
- Identify opportunities to optimize revenue through upselling additional services (dining packages, spa treatments, excursions).
- Monitor group booking patterns and recommend strategies for revenue growth.
- Track and report on group booking performance, cancellations, and rebooking trends.
- Provide insights to the Sales team on market trends and competitor activities.
Problem-Solving & Issue Resolution -
- Handle booking discrepancies, last-minute changes, and special requests.
- Coordinate with relevant departments to ensure group needs and expectations are met.
- Resolve urgent booking modifications and communicate changes effectively.
- Assist in resolving billing and payment issues related to group reservations.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Matric/Grade 12 or equivalent.
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in hotel reservations, front office, or a similar role, with a focus on group bookings.
- Proficiency in hotel reservation systems, Opera preferred.
- Strong understanding of hotel group booking policies, pricing strategies, and contract negotiation.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
- Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
- High attention to detail and accuracy in handling bookings and contracts.
- Able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
- Strong customer service orientation with a problem-solving mindset.
- Excellent teamwork and collaboration with other hotel departments.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
- Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.
Advantageous -
- Sales and negotiation experience.
While we would really like to respond to every application, should you not be contacted for this position within 10 working days please consider your application unsuccessful.
COMMENTS:
When applying for jobs, ensure that you have the minimum job requirements. OnlySA Citizens will be considered for this role. If you are not in the mentioned location of any of the jobs, please note your relocation plans in all applications for jobs and correspondence. Apply here [URL Removed] e-mail a Word copy of your CV to [Email Address Removed] and mention the reference number of the job.
Desired Skills:
