Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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James Abercrombie

Charlotte,US

Summary

Dedicated and motivated hospitality professional with a strong drive to enhance sales operations and optimize profitability while attracting new clients. Skilled in implementing effective sales procedures to streamline processes and improve overall efficiency. Versatile leader who takes an analytical and diligent approach to building and managing high-performing teams.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Dual Sales Manager

Hilton Garden Inn & Homewood Suites
08.2023 - Current
  • Maintained relationships with customers and found new ones by identifying needs and offering appropriate services.
  • Managed key accounts with strategic planning and relationship building, resulting in increased customer loyalty and repeat business.
  • Consistently met or exceeded quarterly sales targets through diligent effort and persistence in closing deals.
  • Overcame objections from potential clients by addressing concerns effectively and offering customized solutions based on their unique needs.
  • Assisted in recruiting top talent for the sales team, contributing to a high-performing work environment.
  • Optimized sales funnel management, enhancing lead generation and conversion rates.
  • Fostered culture of continuous improvement, encouraging feedback and implementing best practices in sales operations.
  • Secured lucrative contracts with major accounts, leveraging strong negotiation skills and deep industry knowledge.
  • Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
  • Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.
  • Prepared sales presentations for clients showing success and credibility of products.
  • Liaised with sales, marketing, and management teams to develop solutions and accomplish shared objectives.

Corporate Events Coordiantor

Connections Wells Fargo
11.2022 - 08.2023
  • Provided exceptional on-site support during events, addressing any issues promptly and professionally.
  • Designed custom event layouts that maximized available space while maintaining a visually pleasing aesthetic.
  • Facilitated communication between internal events personnel and external vendors to quickly resolve any conflicts or concerns.
  • Developed comprehensive timelines, ensuring all tasks were completed on schedule for seamless event execution.
  • Managed budgets effectively, consistently meeting financial goals while delivering high-quality events.
  • Gathered and organized materials to support operations.
  • Managed project timelines for successful completion, ensuring milestones were met and deadlines were adhered to.
  • Collaborated with department heads to develop strategic plans aligning with overall company objectives, fostering a unified approach toward shared goals.
  • Coordinated cross-functional teams, resulting in seamless project execution and enhanced outcomes.
  • Conducted post-event evaluations to identify areas of improvement and implement necessary changes.
  • Improved customer satisfaction by efficiently diagnosing and resolving technical issues.
  • Increased efficiency with comprehensive knowledge of company products and services, allowing for quick issue resolution.
  • Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
  • Ensured smooth event transition with thorough pre-event walkthroughs and detailed day-of coordination efforts.
  • Created memorable experiences for guests through immersive entertainment options at various events.

Corporate Sales Manager

Charleston Catering Company
02.2018 - 03.2021
  • Strengthened client relationships through consistent communication and excellent customer service.
  • Maximized event profitability by upselling additional services and menu items to clients.
  • Developed comprehensive proposals that effectively showcased the unique value proposition of our catering services.
  • Built strong partnerships with local businesses for referrals, expanding the company''s clientele base.
  • Monitored industry trends to stay competitive within the catering market space.
  • Coordinated seamless events by collaborating with cross-functional teams, including chefs, servers, and event planners.
  • Maintained accurate records of client meetings, booked events, and financial transactions using CRM software.
  • Negotiated contracts to secure profitable agreements with vendors and suppliers.
  • Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
  • Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.
  • Exceeded sales quotas and increased profitability through effective sales strategy and business planning.
  • Created detailed reports on sales performance metrics, highlighting areas requiring attention or action from senior management.
  • Analyzed market trends to identify new business opportunities for company expansion.
  • Coached employees in successful selling methods and encouraged cross-selling to drive revenue.

Hotel General Manager

Forage Hospitality for IHG, Hilton & Wyndham Hotels
02.2004 - 09.2017
  • Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, leadership, and communication to all departments
  • Was a strategic leader of the property establishing with department heads the short-term and long-term goals that will ensure the success of the hotel
  • Ensured the security, cleanliness, preventative maintenance, and safety were completed to the property and brand standards
  • Created and maintained team member satisfaction by creating an environment that was inclusive, treated all with respect, incorporated fun into work, and ensured all had the tools needed to be successful and reach their goals
  • Maintained good business and community relationships; supported and participated in activities that would benefit the property's positioning
  • Full P&L management was my responsibility
  • Forecasted accurate revenues, expenses and GOP, updating as needed, based on changing business
  • Ensured compliance with all best practice operating policies and procedures in accordance with property-specific and brand standards
  • Increased hotel occupancy rates through effective marketing strategies, partnerships with local businesses, and revenue management techniques.
  • Developed comprehensive budget plans, closely monitoring expenses and optimizing cost-saving opportunities.
  • Managed daily operations for smooth functioning of the hotel, ensuring high-quality standards in all departments.
  • Ensured compliance with industry regulations as well as health and safety guidelines within all aspects of hotel operations.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Management

University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC
06.2005

Skills

  • Relationship Building

  • Sales team training

  • Staff Management

  • Motivational Skills

  • Client Relationship Management

  • Sales strategy development

  • Direct Sales

  • Positive and upbeat

Timeline

Dual Sales Manager

Hilton Garden Inn & Homewood Suites
08.2023 - Current

Corporate Events Coordiantor

Connections Wells Fargo
11.2022 - 08.2023

Corporate Sales Manager

Charleston Catering Company
02.2018 - 03.2021

Hotel General Manager

Forage Hospitality for IHG, Hilton & Wyndham Hotels
02.2004 - 09.2017

Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Management

University of South Carolina
James Abercrombie