Sales & Events Executive – University of Stirling
*2 positions available*
Full time
Open ended
The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 24 September 2023.
There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.
This post may be eligible for sponsorship based on candidate’s circumstances. For the purposes of sponsorship, this is a role under SOC code 3542.
The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.
The Post
Based within the Stirling Venues team, you will maximise revenue opportunities from a range of commercial activities including conference, events and accommodation. You will frequently interact with a range of customers and guests to earn repeat and expanded business through support in the delivery of a first class customer experience.
Why University of Stirling Venues?
University of Stirling Venues has a positive, professional and fully supportive Sales & Events team who deliver high-quality events and conferences on the University of Stirling campus. From first initial enquiry to waving goodbye as our satisfied clients, we are involved with every stage of our customer’s journey and we aspire to deliver the difference every time. Joining our team will give you the training, development and support you need to succeed in a career in events, conference and leisure. This role will provide you with daily variety and the opportunity to contribute and make a difference to the delivery of our products and services and to the contribution to the University surplus for future investment in our student experience.
Additional Information
The contract for this post will be based on 5 days over 7, with a requirement to work occasional weekends.
Description of Duties
As a Sales and Event Executive you will perform the following tasks to the highest standards:
- Receive and convert incoming enquiries to achieve targets and maximise revenue
- Seek opportunities to increase sales and conversions within the Team
- Manage an events schedule to maximise yield
- Focus on a consistently executed up-selling approach
- Build strong relationships with customers to fully understand their needs and ensure they are delivered to the highest standards
- Arrange and carry out show rounds/familiarisation visits
- Ensure the complete administration and execution of all planned events, conferences and bookings from enquiry to after sales call
- Participate in promotional activities to support sales and marketing plans
- Maintain in-depth knowledge of products, facilities and services available to prospective customers
- Carry out any other reasonable request by senior management
- Negotiate on price, costs and service delivery to ensure best possible results for both customer and organisation
- Research new business prospects from a range of sectors
Essential Criteria
- Educated to HNC level or equivalent. Where no formal qualifications are held, experience of working within a sales environment in the hospitality/tourism sector
- Knowledge of the hotel reservation systems
- Demonstrated previous experience working in the hospitality/tourism sector
- Experience of front line working within customer facing environment and ability to deliver first class customer service
- Experience and competence in using a variety of IT systems
- Superb communication and organisational skills
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to work to the highest standards and to follow established procedures
- Proactive, can do approach
- Proven ability to meet deadlines and prioritise and organise own workload
- Responsiveness to satisfying the proper demands of customers and colleagues; to exercise good inter-personal skills; and to use good judgement
Desirable Criteria
It would be advantageous in this position for you to demonstrate the following capabilities and distinctions:
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
- Ability to manage time effectively
- Flexibility, reliability and punctuality
Our portfolio includes:
The on-campus Stirling Court Hotel available 365 days a year for conferences, weddings, events and functions in addition to leisure stays.
Guest accommodation for up to 2,000 guests per night in a mix of single, double and studio rooms across our campus accommodation.
Hotel accommodation at Stirling Court Hotel in a further 100 single, double and accessible rooms.
10 large lecture theatres including the 468-seat theatre in the Macrobert Arts Centre.
70 fully-equipped seminar/break out rooms with high specification presentation facilities with a further 26 conference and meeting rooms in the Stirling Court Hotel. Major dedicated exhibition areas.
A range of private dining options for day and overnight guests, and small and large corporate events.
Exclusive use of the Iris Murdoch self-contained conference suite.
Access to the facilities of Scotland’s University of Sporting Excellence, including an Olympic sized swimming pool and brand new gym and fitness suite.
The University
The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society. Stirling is 4th in Scotland and 43rd in the UK for research impact, with 87% of its research having an outstanding or very considerable impact on society – and more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021).
The University of Stirling is ranked among the top 30 UK universities for student satisfaction (National Student Survey) and top 30 in the UK for postgraduate student experience (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey), and has an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings.
More than 17,000 students study with the University of Stirling globally, with over 140 nationalities represented on its scenic central Scotland campus alone. The University – also home to 1,700 staff – is ranked first in the UK and top three in the world for its campus environment (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two). Ranked first in the UK and top five in the world for its sports facilities (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two), Stirling is Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence. Its world-class facilities provide the perfect training environment for the University’s sports scholars – many of whom compete at the highest level, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games – and for students, staff, and the wider community.
The University has twice been recognised with a Queen’s Anniversary Prize – the first for its Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and the second for its Institute of Aquaculture (2019).
The University is a signatory to the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and a central partner of the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.
www.stir.ac.uk @stiruni
