Group Sales Manager

Why us?

At The Bidwell Marriott Portland, you’re not just joining a hotel—you’re stepping into aspace that reflects the soul of the city. Located on Portland’s storied BroadwayAvenue, we blend warm, good-natured hospitality with an independent spirit thatcelebrates curiosity, comfort, and connection.

Our team thrives on crafting personalized guest experiences rooted in authenticity andcare. Whether it’s greeting a guest like an old friend, recommending a local hiddengem, or simply making someone’s day a little easier—we lead with heart, attention,and purpose. We believe in meaningful work, shared pride, and a culture where everyvoice matters.

Working at The Bidwell means being part of a team that’s both relaxed and refined. Welive and lead at the intersection of downtown culture and Northwest nature—creatinga sanctuary in the center of it all. It’s a place to grow, contribute, and build somethingtogether that’s truly unique to Portland.

As part of Sage Hospitality Group, we’re anchored by a shared mission to enrich lives,one experience at a time. We encourage independent thinking, value diversity ofthought, and invest in your development—because we know that when you thrive, sodo we.

Join us at The Bidwell—where good-natured hospitality meets purpose, place, andpossibility.

Job Overview

Position focus

The Group Sales Manager generates profitable group business for The Bidwell through proactive prospecting, account development, lead conversion, negotiation, and closing. This role sells group room nights and related meeting space and food and beverage commitments within assigned markets and booking parameters, supporting the hotel’s revenue and market share goals.

At The Bidwell, sales connects clients with Portland’s adventurous, neighborhood-rooted spirit. The Group Sales Manager presents The Bidwell’s distinctive character, local connections, and Marriott reliability in ways that match each prospect’s objectives and create reasons to book and return.

Selling role and scope

This is a dedicated selling position. Responsibility extends from prospecting and qualification through proposal development, contract negotiation, execution, and a complete handoff to the designated servicing team. The Group Sales Manager retains the commercial relationship for future sales, repeat bookings, and referrals.

Contract servicing is not part of this position. Event planning, banquet event orders, rooming lists, reservation administration, room block pickup administration, billing and collections, pre-convention meetings, on-site group coordination, and operational execution are owned by the designated servicing or operating departments. Service requests received after handoff are promptly directed to the responsible contact.

Responsibilities

Sales production and time management

• Work toward meeting or exceeding assigned group room night and revenue goals. Achieve a minimum of 90% of productivity goals and 100% of activity goals established by management.
• Dedicate a minimum of 90% of work time to direct sales efforts. Plan outreach, appointments, proposals, and closing activity around the department budget, marketing plan, and hotel need periods.
• Prioritize qualified opportunities with strong revenue potential and an appropriate fit for the hotel. Track progress, identify gaps, and agree on corrective sales actions with the Director of Sales & Marketing.

Prospecting and account development

• Maintain a prioritized Targeted Account Development list with account potential, decision makers, booking patterns, next actions, and follow-up dates. Convert research into a consistent schedule of outbound sales activity.
• Generate new opportunities through telephone and email outreach, outside sales appointments, referrals, networking, trade events, and creative prospecting. Use ethical competitor research and publicly available reader board information to identify potential accounts.
• Develop assigned group segments, which may include corporate meetings, associations, social room blocks, and other markets identified by the Director. Research Portland organizations, event calendars, and local demand generators to identify business suited to The Bidwell.
• Grow existing key accounts by identifying additional meetings, recurring programs, new decision makers, and business from other departments or locations. Maintain future booking conversations and request referrals.
• Build relationships with meeting planners, third-party intermediaries, local partners, and applicable Marriott sales channels. Coordinate account ownership and lead follow-up to keep selling efforts complementary.
• Refer opportunities to other Sage hotels when appropriate, following company procedures and maintaining accurate referral records.

Lead qualification and conversion

• Follow up on all leads within 24 hours of receipt, or sooner when required by an applicable brand or lead-channel standard. Respond accurately and promptly to requests for proposals and client questions during the sales process.
• Qualify requested dates, flexibility, peak rooms, total room nights, meeting and dining needs, budget, decision process, competing options, and booking timeline. Verify fit with hotel availability, space, and operating capabilities before making commitments.
• Prepare persuasive proposals that connect the client’s objectives with the hotel’s rooms, meeting options, High Horse dining opportunities, and Portland setting. Present approved alternatives when requested dates or requirements cannot be accommodated.
• Conduct professional sales presentations, property tours, client entertainment, and familiarization visits intended to win business. Maintain current product knowledge and accurately describe amenities, capacities, inclusions, and restrictions.
• Use a disciplined follow-up and closing process, address objections, confirm next steps, and document decisions. Record lost and declined business reasons to improve targeting and conversion.

Revenue negotiation and contracting

• Apply yield management techniques to negotiate profitable room rates and function space commitments. Work with the DSOM and Revenue Management on pricing, need dates, seasonal demand, and business mix.
• Evaluate total booking value, including room nights, meeting rental, and food and beverage commitments, alongside concessions, commissions, acquisition costs, and potential displacement of other business. Obtain approval for offers outside established parameters.
• Prepare accurate contracts using approved templates and negotiate within delegated authority. Clearly document dates, room blocks, rates, space commitments, concessions, commissions, payment terms, cut-off dates, attrition, cancellation, and other applicable provisions.
• Secure required internal approvals and client signatures, document the final agreement, and record the booking in approved systems. Refer nonstandard terms or legal questions to the designated approver.
• Sell appropriate enhancements and future programs during the sales process without promising services or concessions beyond approved hotel capabilities.

Contract handoff and future sales

• Promptly transfer the executed agreement and complete sales record to the designated servicing team in accordance with established CI/TY sales and turnover procedures, including applicable market segment requirements. Ensure the turnover includes all required documentation and relevant client information, including, but not limited to, contacts, commercial commitments, client objectives, agreed inclusions, approved exceptions, and material requirements disclosed during the sales process
• Introduce the client to the servicing contact and confirm ownership of ongoing planning and operational communication. Clarify sales commitments when requested so the receiving team has an accurate understanding of what was sold.
• Maintain account relationships for future booking opportunities and referrals. Route service matters to the assigned team; the Group Sales Manager does not assume responsibility for servicing the contracted program.

Sales systems and professional collaboration

• Keep customer profiles, account histories, trace dates, opportunity stages, proposal versions, contract records, and next steps accurate in the hotel’s approved sales or customer relationship management system.
• Prepare sales activity, production, conversion, and pipeline reports. Provide realistic forecasts of expected sales bookings and report material changes in opportunity status to the Director.
• Collaborate with the Conference Services Manager to develop and coordinate thoughtful, unexpected experiences for key groups during their stay. Apply knowledge of the account’s objectives, preferences, relationship history, and future opportunities to create personalized moments that reflect The Bidwell’s hospitality, strengthen client relationships, and support repeat business.
• Coordinate Sales Coordinator support for prospect research, proposals, records, and other selling activities. Provide clear priorities and feedback within the role’s indirect supervisory scope.
• Use approved Marriott, Sage Hospitality and Bidwell Marriott operator sales tools and follow applicable brand standards and company procedures. Protect confidential information, control approved travel and sales expenses, and maintain professional conduct and appearance.

Behavioral focus and hotel identity

Represent The Bidwell and Sage Hospitality with integrity, a caring and service-focused attitude, and open communication across departments. Support Sage’s purpose to enrich lives, one experience at a time, and its vision to redefine how the world experiences hospitality. Help create a welcoming, inclusive environment for clients, guests, and associates.

• City-to-Nature Gateway: Connect Portland’s urban energy with nearby outdoor experiences in relevant sales conversations.
• Base Camp Adventure Culture: Highlight complimentary daily gear rentals, including bikes, boards, and other equipment, consistent with current availability and hotel operating details.
• Pacific Northwest Design Sensibility: Showcase natural tones, organic materials, and Oregon-inspired art as part of the property’s sense of place.
• High Horse as Neighborhood Anchor: Present regionally inspired cuisine and cocktails and the restaurant’s Theater District setting as part of the hotel’s appeal.
• Independent Portland Spirit: Communicate boutique character, curiosity, and local connections alongside Marriott reliability.

Qualifications

Position qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree preferred. At least six months of experience in sales, a customer service role, or a hotel environment preferred.
• Knowledge of general sales techniques, strong selling skills, yield management experience, and highly developed customer service and relationship-building skills.
• Effective English communication, business writing, presentation, and negotiation skills. Mathematics, spelling, and reading skills at a 12th grade level sufficient for accurate proposals, contracts, and sales calculations.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions, manage multiple priorities, plan activities, solve problems, make sound business decisions, and respond constructively to coaching and training.
• Ability to use office equipment and hotel sales systems; proficiency with common business software and ability to learn approved sales platforms. Hotel group sales and Marriott or boutique hotel familiarity are helpful.
• Reliable personal transportation and a valid state driver’s license for off-site sales calls, consistent with the current position requirements.

Working conditions and physical requirements

General office and hotel environment with off-site sales appointments and occasional weather exposure. Schedule flexibility may be needed for client presentations, sales travel, and industry events. Activities include property tours, stairs, operating door keys and office equipment, reading detailed documents and screens, and viewing spaces with varying light levels. The role includes occasional standing, repeated bending or kneeling while filing, and occasional lifting or carrying of files and office items up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Perform other duties assigned by management consistent with the position’s dedicated selling scope. This description is not an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications.

Benefits

The Perks:

• $50 discounted Tri-Met monthly pass
• Drastically reduced hotel rates for you and your friends & family at both Marriott & Sage Hotels
• Sage Restaurant Concepts discounts (The Original Dinerant, Departure, Urban Farmer)
• Unlimited paid time off
• Paid Sick Time
• Paid Holidays
• Medical, Vision & Dental Insurance
• Complimentary Parking at Hotel Garage
• Referral Bonus Eligible

At Sage we create a culture of belonging. Our team members serve with creativity, and passion.  Sage associates execute unforgettable experiences and take pride in our communities. We set new standards in hospitality.

Salary

USD $75,000.00 - USD $85,000.00 /Yr.

Compensation: 75000 to 85000 (USD)