The Marketing Manchester's Business Tourism team has an exciting opportunity for a Conference and Group Sales Assistant to help position Manchester as a leading UK and international conference destination. The role involves delivering a high-quality, client-focused conference support service, supporting accommodation booking and venue location services for conferences and major events, and ensuring sustainable destination practices are embedded across Marketing Manchester’s activities and decision-making.

At Marketing Manchester, we promote Greater Manchester nationally and internationally as a leading place to visit, invest, meet, and study. We work to raise the profile of the region through targeted marketing campaigns, major events, and strong partnerships. We support the visitor economy by attracting tourists and high-profile conferences, while collaborating with businesses and stakeholders to showcase the region’s unique strengths and opportunities. Through everything we do, we aim to drive economic growth and enhance Manchester’s global reputation.

This role combines conference and event enquiry support with a significant administrative element. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing a high volume of enquiries, coordinating responses with venues and accommodation providers, maintaining accurate records across multiple systems, updating CRM and booking platforms, producing reports, and ensuring all tasks and follow-up actions are completed efficiently and within agreed timescales. Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities are essential for success in this role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver a professional, client-focused accommodation booking and venue location service for conferences and events.
• Manage conference enquiries, prepare proposals, and support the successful conversion of business opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with event organisers, hotels, venues, and industry partners.
• Support business development activities through research, networking, and lead generation.
• Maintain accurate records across CRM and booking systems, ensuring compliance with data policies.
• Monitor event performance, undertake post-event evaluations, and identify opportunities to maximise revenue.
• Provide administrative support and respond to enquiries to ensure the smooth running of the service.
• Support the wider Business Tourism team during busy periods and key events.

About You:

• A confident and professional communicator who enjoys building lasting relationships.
• Experienced in a customer service, sales, events, or hospitality environment.
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities and working to deadlines.
• Proactive, organised, and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Customer-focused with a strong attention to detail.
• Commercially aware with an interest in conferences, events, and tourism.
• Adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
• Passionate about delivering excellent service and supporting Manchester's visitor economy.

Skills Required:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent customer service and relationship management abilities.
• Experience using CRM systems, booking platforms, or databases.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage a portfolio of clients and conference bookings.
• Basic numerical skills and confidence working with financial information.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet targets.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.