About Company
Nestled in the heart of Maputo, the Polana Serena Hotel stands as an iconic landmark, renowned for its timeless elegance, luxurious comfort, and impeccable service. With a rich history dating back to 1922, our hotel offers an unparalleled experience, blending colonial charm with modern amenities. We are a flagship property of Serena Hotels, a collection of luxury hotels, resorts, and safari lodges located across East Africa and Mozambique, committed to promoting cultural heritage and sustainable tourism. At Polana Serena, we pride ourselves on creating memorable moments for our guests, whether they are visiting for business or leisure. Our diverse range of facilities includes exquisite dining options, a world-class spa, vibrant conference and banquet venues, and beautifully appointed rooms and suites, all overlooking the azure waters of Maputo Bay. Joining our team means becoming a part of a legacy of hospitality excellence, where every colleague plays a crucial role in upholding our reputation and delivering an exceptional guest experience. We foster a supportive and inclusive environment where professional growth and personal development are highly valued, ensuring our team members feel empowered to contribute their best.
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Job Description
The Polana Serena Hotel is actively seeking a dynamic and highly motivated individual to join our esteemed team as a Banquet Setup Staff / Sales Personnel. This pivotal dual-faceted role requires a meticulous eye for detail in preparing our prestigious banquet and event spaces, coupled with a proactive and results-driven approach to sales, aimed at driving new business opportunities for our conferencing and events division. As Banquet Setup Staff, you will be instrumental in transforming our venues into magnificent settings for a diverse array of events, from high-profile corporate conferences to elegant weddings and social gatherings. Your responsibilities will encompass the precise setup of tables, chairs, staging, sophisticated audio-visual equipment, and elaborate decor, ensuring every detail aligns with our luxury standards and client specifications before guests arrive. Concurrently, in your capacity as Sales Personnel, you will be at the forefront of identifying and engaging with potential clients, showcasing the hotel’s superior event facilities and comprehensive services. This involves conducting professional site inspections, preparing compelling and customized proposals, skillfully negotiating contracts, and fostering strong, lasting client relationships to secure bookings and consistently achieve ambitious sales targets. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of operational proficiency, exceptional communication skills, and a robust sales acumen, dedicated to upholding the Polana Serena Hotel’s revered reputation for excellence. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who thrives in a fast-paced, high-energy environment and is eager to contribute significantly to the ongoing success and growth of one of Mozambique’s most celebrated luxury hotels.
Key Responsibilities
- Execute precise setup and breakdown of banquet and event spaces according to Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), including tables, chairs, linens, centerpieces, staging, and audio-visual equipment, ensuring optimal presentation and functionality.
- Ensure all setup activities are completed efficiently, accurately, and on time, maintaining the highest standards of safety, cleanliness, and hotel presentation.
- Proactively identify, qualify, and pursue new sales leads and opportunities for banqueting, conferences, meetings, and special events.
- Conduct professional and engaging site inspections for prospective clients, effectively showcasing the hotel's premier facilities and services.
- Develop tailored proposals and contracts that precisely meet client needs and align with hotel pricing strategies and profitability goals.
- Negotiate terms and close sales agreements with confidence, consistently working towards achieving and exceeding departmental and individual sales targets.
- Maintain strong, long-term relationships with existing clients and establish new partnerships through active networking, community involvement, and client engagement initiatives.
- Collaborate closely and effectively with the culinary, events, and operations teams to ensure seamless event execution and exceptional client satisfaction from conception to completion.
- Respond promptly and professionally to all client inquiries, providing comprehensive information, creative solutions, and unparalleled customer service.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and customer feedback to identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and service improvement.
- Handle guest inquiries and proactively resolve any issues or concerns related to event setup or sales with utmost professionalism and efficiency, ensuring a positive client experience.
Required Skills
- Proven experience (minimum 1 year) in hospitality, events, or a related service industry, ideally in a setup or customer-facing role.
- Demonstrable sales experience, preferably within the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) sector, with a track record of meeting targets.
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, fluent in English and Portuguese (both written and verbal).
- Strong organizational abilities and meticulous attention to detail, crucial for both setup and sales documentation.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and adapt to changing event requirements and client needs.
- Proficiency in basic computer applications, including MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Physical ability to lift and move equipment (up to 25 kg), and stand/walk for extended periods during event setup and execution.
- A strong customer-focused mindset with a genuine passion for delivering exceptional service and creating memorable guest experiences.
Preferred Qualifications
- Diploma or degree in Hospitality Management, Event Management, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.
- Previous experience in a luxury hotel or high-end event venue environment.
- Familiarity with event management software or Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems.
- Proven track record of exceeding sales targets in a competitive market.
- In-depth knowledge of the local market and event industry trends in Mozambique.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based incentive scheme.
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
- Extensive opportunities for professional development and career advancement within Serena Hotels' international portfolio.
- Employee discounts on hotel stays and services across Serena properties.
- A vibrant, inclusive, and supportive work environment within an iconic luxury hotel.
- Complimentary meals on duty and staff transportation (dependent on location and shift schedule).
- Participation in recognition programs for outstanding performance and contributions.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the qualifications are invited to submit their detailed CV and a comprehensive cover letter outlining their relevant experience, sales achievements, and why they are a great fit for the Polana Serena Hotel. Please click on the application link below to apply directly through our official careers portal.
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