GAURAV THAKUR
Calgary,Canada
Summary
Dynamic Sales Manager with a strong track record in developing and implementing sales strategies that drive market penetration and customer loyalty. Skilled in staff management and fostering long-term client relationships to achieve significant growth and brand development.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sales Manager
Residence Inn Calgary Downtown
Calgary, Alberta
12.2024 - Current
- Developed sales strategies to enhance market penetration and customer engagement.
- Analyzed market trends to identify new business opportunities and competitive threats.
- Managed customer relationships to foster loyalty and repeat business opportunities.
- Conducted regular sales meetings to align team goals and share best practices.
- Managed daily operations of sales department, including supervision of staff members.
- Achieved company growth and brand development through market expansion and sales.
- Provided technical support for customers when needed, answering questions about product features and capabilities.
- Established new accounts and serviced existing accounts maintaining professional relationships.
- Utilized CRM software to track leads and manage customer interactions.
- Negotiated contracts with SMERF clients.
- Quoted pricing and met with clients and hotel management to plan and organize functions.
- Developed long-term relationships with venues and clients by maintaining consistent communication and excellent customer service.
- Created and presented proposals to potential clients.
- Attended trade shows, community events and industry meetings to build and maintain rapport with competitor hotels, lead sources, clients and local community.
- Coordinated with vendors regarding product availability, pricing.
- Arranging a site inspection with the clients.
- Work together with the Tourism Calgary team and submit all leads on time in a proper manner.
- Good knowledge of CRM, CVENT, and other third-party websites to submit all the leads.
Sales Manager
Four Points by Sheraton Calgary West
Calgary, Alberta
01.2018 - 01.2024
- Responsible for offering the best competitive rate, and ensuring optimum occupancy and average room rate to maximize revenue.
- Responsible for educating the guests about the scope and limitations of specific promotional rates.
- Responsible for creating and completing reservations, especially for groups, wholesalers, and packages.
- Property site tours with clients.
- Manage accounts receivable and resolve delinquent billing, maintain a tracking sheet, and follow up with outstanding accounts (check daily).
- Respond to the guest in the appropriate fashion (email, phone, etc.).
- Keep the client updated on the status of their bookings.
- Send contracts, and make sure everything is booked as per the client's request.
- Sending invoices and taking payments from the clients.
- Maintaining all the files in a proper manner and records for the company.
- Processed invoices for payment after the completion of each event.
- Maintain and enter the data in the system daily.
- Created detailed timelines for each event to ensure that all tasks were completed on time.
FRONT DESK Agent
The Hilton Hotel Complex Airport
Calgary, AB
07.2016 - 12.2017
- Process all guest check-ins, verifying guest identity, form of payment, assigning room, and activating/issuing room key
- Set up accurate accounts for each guest according to their requirements
- Ensure rates match market codes, document exceptions
- Secure payment prior to issuing room key, verify/adjust billing
- Compile and review daily reports/logs/contingency lists
- Complete cashier and closing reports
- Supply guests with directions and property information
- Accommodate guest requests, contacting appropriate staff if necessary
- Follow up to ensure requests have been met
- Process all payment types, vouchers, paid outs, and charges
- Resolved conflicts between customers or staff members in a professional manner.
- Reviewed daily reports on occupancy levels, rate of rooms sold and revenue totals.
- Obtain manual authorizations and follow all accounting procedures
- Notify Loss Prevention/Security of any guest reports of theft.
FRONT DESK AGENT
The Clarion Hotel
Calgary, Alberta
02.2016 - 07.2016
- Greeting guest Upon arrival and providing them hospitable welcome
- Receiving calls, conducting room reservations, and verifying existing bookings
- Processing customer payments and presenting them with bill upon check-out
- Assisting guests who guest additional services including catering, wedding bookings, and retreat activities
- Recording guests' information in the internal database system and directing them to their designated rooms
- Respond to guest issues and complaints in a friendly, timely manner
- Working as Team player with other hotel departments like Maintenance, Housekeeping, restaurant.
ROOM ATTENDANT
The Westin Calgary
Calgary, AB
01.2014 - 02.2016
- Fulfill special guest request from the rooms
- Cross training in the front desk department as well.
- Followed safety procedures while handling cleaning products and operating equipment like vacuum cleaners.
- Folded laundry items such as sheets and towels according to established standards.
- Swept hallways, lobbies, stairwells, elevators, restaurants, lounges and other public areas as needed.
- Cleaned guest rooms and bathrooms to ensure they met hotel standards, including dusting surfaces, vacuuming carpets, mopping floors, changing bed linens, and restocking bathroom supplies.
- Replenished amenities in guest rooms such as soap, shampoo, writing materials, and towels.
ROOM ATTENDANT (INTERNSHIP)
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Jasper, Alberta
05.2013 - 09.2013
- Maintains a clean, safe, hazard-free work environment always.
- Cleaned guest rooms and bathrooms to ensure they met hotel standards, including dusting surfaces, vacuuming carpets, mopping floors, changing bed linens, and restocking bathroom supplies.
- Checked for damage to walls or furniture and reported any issues to the supervisor.
- Attended regular training sessions conducted by supervisors on topics related to hospitality industry standards.
- Responded quickly to guest requests for additional items or services within scope of service offered by the hotel.
- Stocked linen closets with fresh supplies of sheets, towels and other linens as required.
- Assisted other departments with special projects when asked by the supervisor or manager.
- Followed safety procedures while handling cleaning products and operating equipment like vacuum cleaners.
Education
M.D. - Hospitality And Tourism Management
Lambton College of Applied Arts And Technology
Sarnia, ON, Canada01.2014
Bachelors - Hotel Management and Catering Technology
CHANDIGARH COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY
Chandigarh, India05.2011
Skills
- Staff management
- Client relationship management
- Strategic planning
- Proposal development
- Territory sales management
- Sales strategy
- Profitability optimization
- Market research
- Performance management
- Analytical problem solving
- Networking and relationship building
- Revenue optimization
- Time management
Certification
Pro Serve
References
References available upon request
Timeline
Sales Manager
Residence Inn Calgary Downtown
12.2024 - Current
Sales Manager
Four Points by Sheraton Calgary West
01.2018 - 01.2024
FRONT DESK Agent
The Hilton Hotel Complex Airport
07.2016 - 12.2017
FRONT DESK AGENT
The Clarion Hotel
02.2016 - 07.2016
ROOM ATTENDANT
The Westin Calgary
01.2014 - 02.2016
ROOM ATTENDANT (INTERNSHIP)
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
05.2013 - 09.2013
M.D. - Hospitality And Tourism Management
Lambton College of Applied Arts And Technology
Bachelors - Hotel Management and Catering Technology
CHANDIGARH COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY
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