Description:
Universal Studios Hollywood, the Entertainment Capital of L.A. has an opening for an experienced Sales Representative of CityWalk Groups and Events, with a focus on the local market, including corporate and social groups. We are looking for a dynamic sales professional to be a part of a winning team and work for one of the top companies in the world. This position is responsible for driving revenue for CityWalk Owned-and-Operated Hollywood venues by actively promoting, sourcing and selling small groups of 50 or less. There will be accountability for expanding saturation within the existing client base as well as actively sourcing new business. This role will serve as a key external representation of CityWalk products and services, acting as the liaison between the client(s) and venue(s). This individual will ensure client satisfaction by conveying a sense of expertise and menu knowledge while maximizing sales potential and profitability of these catered events. Additionally, the role will be responsible for event coordination with third parties and internal/external partners, drafting proposals and budgets, securing deposits/payments and creating contracts for all events.
The ideal candidate must be sales driven, results focused, passionate and creative in developing/sourcing new business opportunities. The candidate will report to the Senior Manager, Sales Strategy within the Meetings & Events department while working closely with and having accountability to the CityWalk team.
Responsibilities To Include, But Not Limited To
- Sell a wide variety of CityWalk catered events with consistently strong sales conversion
- Maximize revenue opportunities by upselling into premium products and experiences
- Identify, develop and maintain key accounts
- Foster new relationships and source new business to exceed revenue targets
- Cultivate strong partnerships with event planners within the local corporate market as well as the inbound/3rd party segment
- Conduct site visits, in-person sales calls and partner visits
- Maintain knowledge on CityWalk products/services as well as relevant Theme Park information in order to effectively present and discuss offerings
- Manage all aspects of the sales process, including negotiating, managing the sales pipeline via tracking and reporting, preparing proposals, event budgets, and contracts as well as collect deposits/payments
- Take an active role in continuous development of processes and procedures to maximize revenue, sales productivity and efficiency
- Lead, communicate and partner effectively across divisions to inspire confidence and ownership and ensure seamless delivery of the overall experience, event vision and objectives
- Ensure effective financial management throughout sales process
- Identify market trends to support leadership in strategic decision making
- Continuously expand knowledge of competition to ensure CityWalk’s placement in the market
- Seamlessly navigate and prioritize responsibilities across multiple venues and clients concurrently
- Partner with unit Chef’s to develop catering menus that are profitable and brand appropriate, while continuously seeking ways to enhance and elevate offerings
- Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Qualifications/Requirements:
- Bachelor’s in Business or Sales/Marketing
- Minimum 3 years of sales experience
- Experience in catering and/or restaurant private events is a plus
- Proven success in developing and maintaining strong client relationships, new business development and managing a robust portfolio
- Ability to cross-sell/up-sell comfortably and adapt sales pitch as needed while maintaining a high level of customer service
- Solid sales aptitude with ability to proactively approach prospective clients to drive awareness and adapt sales pitch on the fly, based on client needs
- Strong reading, communication (verbal and written) and analytical skills
- Interest and aptitude in interpreting numbers in context of answering business questions
- Must be able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and significant time pressures
- Demonstrate resilience and capacity to swiftly adjust strategies to meet evolving demands
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Must be proactive, self-motivated and resourceful, effectively able to multi-task and wear multiple hats
- Ability to effectively prioritize and determine accurate product(s) for clients
- Creative, out-of-the-box thinker
- Personal computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office and web-based/custom-design applications
- Collaborative mindset and proven success working effectively within a team environment; must positively contribute to the team/company culture
- Experience with cross-department collaboration
- Willingness to travel overnight for business, attend weekend and night events
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
- Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds safely