Digital Marketing Manager

The overall purpose of the E-Commerce Manager is to facilitate practices that result in increased market share and the achievement of each assigned hotel's top line budget through a focus on E-Distribution and other online marketing tactics. This role will seek out online marketing opportunities and will develop direct and semi-direct online channels to observe and enhance the Internet footprint of Aimbridge's properties.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Marketing degree and/or appropriate combination of education and experience to support on-the-job effectiveness.
• 4 years of online marketing and revenue management experience specific to the hotel industry; previous experience with major hospitality brands (Marriott, Hilton, Choice, Starwood, etc.) is a major plus.
• Strong understanding of traditional and online marketing mediums, with experience with distributed marketing functions, a passion for business development and a proven track record for E-Commerce success.
• Background in search engine optimization, pay-per-click advertising, display advertising and email marketing.
• Exceptional computer literacy, with ability to easily navigate database, browser, email, document and spreadsheet applications and related programs.
• Previous experience with Property Management Systems and Computer Reservations Systems; experience with IQ Ware a plus.
• Exceptional service orientation, with keen ability to focus and deliver on guest needs.
• Reliable and responsible character, with exceptional follow up and attention to detail.
• Proven leadership skills in supporting employees to consistently attain personal, departmental and organizational performance goals.
• Ability to work effectively as an independent contributor, and as a part of a collaborative team.
• Ability to multi-task and effectively manage numerous priorities within a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to travel periodically on behalf of the company, for both short and prolonged periods of time.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as the lead advisor on E-Commerce and online marketing disciplines for assigned hotels; Provide communication, training and education to GMs and Sales staff to raise their awareness, understanding, and motivation toward E-Marketing.
• Analyze hotel-specific needs and create strategies and tactics for increasing revenue, to include SEO/SEM, display, pay-per-click, email marketing and paid search.
• Monitor and track through and manage relationships with online travel agencies (OTAs), Global Distribution Systems (GDS) and brand websites.
• Serve as the point-person for reputation management for assigned properties; Review social media pages and respond to Trip Advisor reviews, Google Plus reviews and reviews on other sites.
• Regularly audit each hotel's online presence to ensure proper imagery and content, and that all links work appropriately.
• Develop and implement location-specific strategies to meet and exceed goals in the areas of revenue generation and market share performance.
• Oversee and maintain inventory controls and address booking volume generated from third party internet companies, online travel agencies and central reservation offices.
• Develop and maintain electronic distribution strategies to include online content and positioning, market manager relationships, OTA's and GDS distribution.
• Review and implement rooms inventory and rate controls in central reservation systems.
• Ensure properties are fully optimized to maximize traffic from search engines; Partner with web vendor to coordinate and execute Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tactics.
• Champion efforts grow online bookings for group, meeting and catering business for assigned properties.
• Support brand direct booking strategies in an effort shift OTA bookings; Identify best practices and opportunities for increasing new visitors, increasing conversion, and surpassing consumer expectations for their online experience.
• Generate and communicate analytic reports; Assist in formulating action plans based on data.
• Discuss trends and sales strategy, review results from the prior month and determine upcoming events and action plans for occupancy and RevPAR maximization for future dates.
• Develop seasonal transient and extended stay pricing, and ensure consistency across all distribution channels.
• Complete weekly booking pace reports, review month end rooms statistics and other relevant reports; Provide critical analysis on performance vs. forecasts and results of implemented strategies.
• Conduct business displacement analysis as needed to determine impact to RevPAR.
• Travel to assigned hotels and/or corporate support offices periodically for training, meetings and other business activities, as needed.
• Perform other tasks, duties and projects as assigned by Operations.

PROPERTY INFORMATION:

At Aimbridge, hospitality is at the heart of everything we do. As the world's leading global hospitality management company, we are dedicated to being the most trusted hotel operator and employer in the industry. With a portfolio of over 80 respected hotel brands and a commitment to creating exceptional guest experiences, we focus on strong relationships with our partners and creating a strong culture for our team members. Join us in setting the new standard for hospitality excellence, where trust is the foundation of our success story.