Senior Manager, Conference, Office of Campus Infrastructure and Services

Company Description

Singapore Management University is a place where high-level professionalism blends together with a healthy informality. The 'family-like' atmosphere among the SMU community fosters a culture where employees work, plan, organise and play together building a strong collegiality and morale within the university.

Our commitment to attract and retain talent is ongoing. We offer attractive benefits and welfare, competitive compensation packages, and generous professional development opportunities all to meet the work-life needs of our staff. No wonder, then, that SMU continues to be given numerous awards and recognition for its human resource excellence.

Responsibilities

• Sales & Business Development
• Identify, target, and secure business opportunities from corporates, associations, NGOs, and event agencies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients and partners to generate repeat business.
• Develop strategic sales plans in line with business goals. Optimize the usage of facilities and to bring in revenue to reach the sales target for conference team.
• Sales KPIs for Conference about $1.1M per annum and Carpark about $1.2M per annum or approved Budget/Forecast.
• Solicit new potential accounts and ensure the team systematically has a short and medium term plan to execute this, initiate new services to create more business opportunities to increase sales revenue.
• Convert sales lead to revenue and to handle major/international conference sales, including events that may be initiated by internal business units.
• Establish and collaborate with internal business office units to better utilise facilities to increase branding of SMU venues.
• Client & Account Management
• Act as the main point of contact for high-profile clients from initial inquiry to post-event follow-up.
• Conduct site inspections, prepare proposals, negotiate contracts, and close deals.
• Coordinate logistic arrangement for all events with internal departments and external clients.
• Expand market share by maintaining and securing good and new accounts or long term usage of facilities.
• Render prompt and professional support to and ensure smooth running of events.
• Collaboration & Coordination
• Work closely with operations, AV, and logistics services teams to ensure successful event execution.
• Provide clear event briefs and attend internal planning meetings to represent client needs.
• Market Intelligence & Reporting
• Monitor industry trends, competitor activities, and market demands to adjust sales strategies accordingly.
• Provide regular sales performance reports, market analysis, and strategic recommendations to senior management.
• Oversee Admin matters, including monthly reporting, budgeting etc to prepare billing, check on outstanding payment and minimize overdue payment/bad debts.
• Carpark administration and management:
• Prepare monthly reports of carpark fees, season & preferential parking, complimentary and day pass collection to the management and other general administrative duties.
• Oversee the team in maintaining and updating the database. Need to liaise regularly with Finance and Security & Facility teams.
• Oversee to ensure motorists' enquiries/ complaints for both staff and students (Walk-in or over the phone) are tended to within stipulated time frame.
• Review and recommend improvements for systems and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.
  

Qualifications

• Qualifications
• Minimum Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Business, Hospitality, Marketing, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in dealing with corporate clients in conference sales, preferably within the hospitality, convention, or venue management industry.
• Proven track record in meeting or exceeding sales targets in a competitive environment.
• Skills & Competencies
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Excellent presentation and proposal-writing abilities.
• Ability to work independently and lead cross-functional teams.
• High attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Good leadership skills, excellent event management skills, ability to pre-empt potential challenging situations
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel and Powerpoint) and other data analysis software will be added advantage
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Creative, Resourceful and able to work under pressure
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Team player, meticulous & customer service oriented with excellent organisational and administrative skills.
• Preferred Attributes:
• Existing network within the MICE industry.
• Knowledge of event trends and client expectations in both regional and international markets.
• Passion for events and delivering exceptional client experiences.
  

Other Information

Candidates who do not possess the stipulated qualifications but have relevant work experience may still apply. Remuneration and appointment terms shall commensurate with qualifications and experience. SMU reserves the right to modify the appointment terms where necessary.