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Salary Range
€55k - €90k
Career Zone

In Brief...

Promotes and sells the products and services of hospitality establishments (e.g. hotels, restaurants and tourism-related business) to individuals, groups and corporate clients/businesses.

Knowledge

  •   Sales and Marketing Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
  •   Customer and Personal Service Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  •   English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  •   Administration and Management Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
  •   Education and Training Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Knowledge areas are ranked by their importance to this career

Skills

  •   Persuasion Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  •   Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  •   Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  •   Coordination Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  •   Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Skills are ranked by their importance to this career

Work Environment

This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):

 
Places to Stay
Tourism & Hospitality

Videos & Interviews

 
Laura O'Mahony, Hotel Sales & Marketing Manager

Laura O’Mahony is Sales and Marketing Manager for the Maldron Hotel in Cork City. Laura had always worked part time in the hospitality sector and developed a passion to forge a career in the industry from an early age.

 
Irish Hotels Federation, A Career in Hospitality

Working in the hospitality industry is like playing on a rugby team, theres a position for everyone! From kitchen porter, to accomondation staff, waiter and receptionist there are such varied career opportunities.

Videos on the Web

Most commonly reported Work Activities

  •   Selling or Influencing Others Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
  •   Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
  •   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
  •   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  •   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
  •   Coaching and Developing Others Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
  •   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  •   Developing and Building Teams Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
  •   Training and Teaching Others Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
  •   Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

 

Working Life

Sales & Marketing Managers in the hospitality sector are typically responsible for increasing the overall sales and to promote the establishment. That means that, as the sales & marketing manager, you need to be able to promote and sell everything about the hospitality business; from guest rooms, to conference and meeting space, to restaurants, leisure facilities and activities/experiences.

The Sales & Marketing Manager develops and implements advertising and promotional plans, which often include online and social media marketing. They may also monitor market trends and activities of key competitors.

They may be responsible for a team of sales representatives, and should try to encourage and support them to meet sales targets.

The responsibilities of the Sales & Marketing Manager can also include maintaining and updating the business website, ensuring effective communications.

Large and medium sised hotels often employ a Sales & Marketing Manager who works closely with the General Manager and Revenue Manager, as well as a sales team. The Sales & Marketing Manager may also report to a senior Sales Executive in some businesses. Attending meetings to keep the general management team informed would also be central to the work of a Sales & Marketing Manager.

Every member of staff who deals with customers’ 'personal data', such as names and addresses, or who process payment card transactions, need to have some knowledge of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). It is the responsibility of the employer to give job-specific information on GDPR in their organisation. You can read more about data protection in the workplace here

 

 

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

  • Direct and coordinate activities involving sales of manufactured products, services, commodities, real estate or other subjects of sale.
  • Resolve customer complaints regarding sales and service.
  • Review operational records and reports to project sales and determine profitability.
  • Oversee regional and local sales managers and their staffs.
  • Determine price schedules and discount rates.
  • Prepare budgets and approve budget expenditures.
  • Monitor customer preferences to determine focus of sales efforts.
  • Plan and direct staffing, training, and performance evaluations to develop and control sales and service programmes.
  • Direct, coordinate, and review activities in sales and service accounting and record-keeping, and in receiving and shipping operations.
  • Direct clerical staff to keep records of export correspondence, bid requests, and credit collections, and to maintain current information on tariffs, licenses, and restrictions.

Further Information

Qualities - Sales and Marketing Manager - Hospitality

As a Sales & Marketing Manager in the hospitality sector, you need to be persuasive, determined and driven. You need excellent communication and presentation skills, along with negotiation skills, good numeric skills and the ability to work to deadlines within a set budget.

You may be working under pressure to ensure that targets are met, so you need to be able to motivate others and be keen to succeed. Teamwork is an essential part of a Sales & Marketing Manager’s work so you have to be comfortable working as part of a group. Creativity is also important in relation to developing marketing strategies.

Interests - Sales and Marketing Manager - Hospitality

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Entry / Progression - Sales and Marketing Manager - Hospitality

You will generally need quite a lot of relevant work experience in sales and marketing to be considered for a sales & marketing manager position. Business and marketing qualifications can boost your chances of developing your career. Typically, sales & marketing managers have an undergraduate degree in business and marketing in addition to sales/marketing experience.

As a sales & marketing manager in the hospitality industry, you need to keep yourself up-to-date on the hospitality industry. Professional organisations may offer training or promote training providers. As a sales & marketing manager in hospitality, you need to keep yourself up-to-date on market trends, pricing, and any other important developments.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: accounting, business, administration.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: accounting, finance, business, sales, travel, tourism, hospitality management, marketing.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Sales, Recruitment.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: accounting, finance, business and sales, travel and tourism, hospitality management, marketing.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: sales, marketing, hospitality management.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Springboard Courses: digital marketing, sales, analytics, marketing NFQ level 6-9 Search Springboard courses 

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Irish Hospitality Institute

Irish Hotels Federation

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Pay & Salary - Sales and Marketing Manager - Hospitality

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €55k - €90k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, and duties.

Data Source(s):
Excel / Lincoln/ Collins McNicolas/ Sigmar/ Morgan McKinley/ Prosperity.ie/ Clark/ Osborne

Last Updated: July, 2024

Labour Market Updates - Sales and Marketing Manager - Hospitality

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Buyers and procurement officers; Marketing associate professionals; Estate agents and auctioneers; Conference and exhibition managers; and organisers Property, housing and estate managers.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Despite a strong employment growth rate for this occupation, employment levels fell between 2021 and 2022. Employment is spread across a number of roles including marketing associate professionals, buyers & procurement officers, conference/expo managers and estate agents. Employment permits issued in 2022 were primarily for roles in the ICT sector such as digital marketing and accounts managers with language skills required for some.

The Recruitment Agency Survey highlighted issues in sourcing candidates for procurement roles. The number of job adverts for this role grew in 2022, driven by increases for buyers/procurement officers and conference organisers etc. In addition, procurement/tendering documentation skills were not confined to this occupation, but were also in demand outside of sales roles, albeit in small numbers.

Useful Contacts - Sales and Marketing Manager - Hospitality

Career Articles

 
Hotel Sales & Marketing Director at 5 Star Resort
Hotel Sales & Marketing Director at 5 Star Resort
Posted by Fáilte Ireland
 
Earn While You Learn in The Hospitality Sector
Earn While You Learn in The Hospitality Sector
Posted by CareersPortal
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