Senior Reservations Consultant

SUMMARY:
Boutique Hospitality Collection with Head Offices in Blairgowrie, Johannesburg is looking for a Senior Reservations Consultant.

The successful applicant will have relevant experience in handling reservations across multiple properties as well as an in-depth understanding of lodges / hotels and the tourism industry.

We are looking for a candidate with a passion for hospitality and excellent people skills and a collaborative approach, a positive attitude and an inquiring mind. As a senior member of the department, you also need to be inspiring and considerate team player who is invested in the success and wellbeing of your colleagues.

POSITION INFO:
Duties: Building trust, credibility and goodwill with clients and guests Prioritising timely and accurate responses to reservation enquiries Mastering the required software systems so that they are always accurate and up to date Managing bookings from first enquiry to final confirmation and payment Handling daily phone and email correspondence with efficiency and warm professionalism Efficiently capturing all reservations data with diligence and attention to detail Providing guests with accurate information with regards to availability, room types, hotel facilities and rates Controlling and maximising occupancy levels by effectively managing overbooking and waitlists Cross- and up-selling where appropriate Ensuring that all guaranteed bookings are confirmed in the system Following up proactively on provisional bookings Processing cancellations and amendments Ability to understand statements, create and send them Resolving any guest complaints as a matter of priority and in conjunction with the relevant departments Maintaining strong, continuous communication between the reservations team and the properties to ensure the best possible guest experience Effectively managing yield by maximising rates and profitability Coordinating the distribution of rates Organising site inspections and fam trips Ongoing monitoring of booking movements, trends and competitor activity Always acting as a brand ambassador of the Company, leading with the Company's values Requirements: Grade 12 A formal qualification A minimum of 5 years' experience in an inbound reservations position Energetic and proactive with a well-developed concept of the importance of providing a world-class guest experience and the ability to deliver that level of service Up-to-date knowledge of the environment\/industry Strong understanding of OTA management Excellent interpersonal, communication and organisational skills Excellent command of the English language Awareness and understanding of a variety of cultures Meticulous, precise and always paying close attention to detail Ability to remain effective under pressure Lateral thinker and creative problem-solver who takes initiative Strong team player with a willingness to share information, knowledge and responsibility Evidence of the ability to practice a high level of confidentiality Desire to maintain good relationships with guests, colleagues and supplier