About the Role
This position is performed On-Site. This is a Full Time position. The Sales Manager is in charge of developing sales strategies, building relationships with clients, conducting sales presentations, and negotiating contracts. Manage accounts to achieve guest satisfaction and to solicit past and new business to ensure all revenue goals (room night, average rate, room rental, food and beverage) are achieved or exceeded.
Responsibilities
- Conducts site inspections, highlighting hotel history, highlighting ballrooms and meeting spaces, amenities, and guest rooms
- Manages corporate, leisure, association, social, and government leads to generate new business opportunities
- Executes sales strategies to drive revenue, increase bookings, and enhance the hotel’s market position. Stay up to date with hotel and market trends and think of creative and dynamic ways to generate leads and capture business
- Maximize revenue by selling all facets of the hotel, both orally and in written form to previous, current and potential clients
- Prospects for new and repeat business through various channels and builds relationships with all decision-makers to secure business
- Attend sales meetings as assigned and maintain organized files for all incoming and prospective groups. Meet with the banquets and culinary departments to execute successful events and capture repeat business
- Respond to all incoming leads promptly to secure business for the property. Obtain and review history from past events and utilize all sales systems to best prospect group business
- Handle account details so that all pertinent aspects of solicitation and closing are complete and documented. Coordinate various departments’ participation in servicing accounts
- Travel locally to conduct outside calls, promote the hotel and review competition reader boards to develop leads
- Travel out of town to solicit business in feeder cities. Work with local Chambers of Commerce and CVBs for introductions and referrals. Research and develop schedule for all company travel to maximize impact in each market
- Prepare information for, meet with, and entertain clients as deemed appropriate for capturing and retaining potential business from that account
- Represent the property at trade shows as specified by Action Plans; this encompasses setting up exhibits
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or equivalent work experience
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Strong negotiation and presentation skills
- Previous experience in a sales management role
- Knowledge of the hospitality industry is preferred but not required
- Must be able to travel to their assigned sales territory
- Due to the cyclical nature of the hospitality industry, the ideal candidate may be required to work varying schedules to reflect the business needs of the property. Evenings and weekends may be required.
Required Skills
- Basic mathematical reasoning skills to prepare cost proposals
- Ability to effectively communicate with customers in a friendly and positive manner to solicit business, build rapport with clients, meet client needs, and resolve complaints
- Ability to conduct site visits with prospective clients while walking and climbing stairs throughout all areas of the property
- Ability to listen, speak and write in English to ascertain and respond to client needs
- Present ideas, expectations and information in a concise, professional, and well-organized way
- Manage group or interpersonal conflict situations effectively
- Ability to use problem-solving methodology for decision-making and follow-up
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment
- Self-motivated, results-driven, and goal-oriented
- Sales and marketing skills, including lead generation and conversion
- Customer-focused individual with excellent communication skills, strong business acumen, and a passion for hospitality
Pay range and compensation package
Salary: 55k – 65k, plus Competitive Bonus Structure.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Francis Marion Hotel is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.