Area Director of Sales

Description

Avion Hospitality is seeking a motivated, strategic, and results-driven Area Director of Sales to lead the sales and marketing efforts for two Hyatt select-service hotels: Hyatt Place Nashville/Brentwood and Hyatt Place Nashville/Opryland.

Located in the greater Nashville area, these properties serve two distinct markets, offering opportunities to develop corporate relationships, capture group business, and drive revenue through targeted sales strategies.

We are looking for a dynamic hospitality sales professional who thrives on building relationships, identifying new opportunities, and developing strategies that deliver measurable results. This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of sales performance across two properties while strengthening partnerships within the local business and hospitality communities.

At Avion Hospitality, our values of Trust, Transparency, and Results guide our commitment to our guests, associates, ownership partners, and each other. We believe in empowering our leaders to take initiative, communicate openly, and work collaboratively to achieve shared success.

Position Summary

The Area Director of Sales is responsible for planning, managing, and executing the overall sales and marketing strategies for two select-service hotels. The primary objective is to achieve optimal occupancy, grow existing accounts, generate new business, maximize total revenue, and meet or exceed hotel profitability objectives.

This position independently manages day-to-day sales activities across both properties, including proactive prospecting, direct sales efforts, client follow-up, account development, contract negotiations, and sales administration. The Area Director of Sales is also responsible for developing and recommending sales forecasts, marketing initiatives, annual sales plans, and budgets while ensuring activities align with approved financial objectives.

Working closely with each property's General Manager, Avion Hospitality leadership, Revenue Management, and Hyatt brand partners, this individual will identify market opportunities, strengthen client relationships, and implement property-specific sales strategies. The ideal candidate is an experienced hotel sales professional with strong analytical abilities, a strategic mindset, exceptional relationship-building skills, and the ability to independently manage competing priorities across multiple properties.

Compensation & Benefits

• Performance-Based Incentives: Opportunity to earn additional compensation through an incentive program tied to individual and hotel performance, subject to plan eligibility.
• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance options to support you and your eligible dependents.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Retirement savings opportunities with company matching contributions.
• Paid Time Off: Vacation and sick time, along with applicable holidays, to encourage work-life balance.
• Hotel Travel Benefits: Access to eligible Hyatt associate travel programs and Avion Hospitality travel privileges, subject to program guidelines.
• Career Growth & Development: Professional development, leadership training, and advancement opportunities within Avion Hospitality's growing portfolio.
• People-First Culture: A collaborative, supportive environment built on our core values of Trust, Transparency, and Results, where ideas are valued, achievements are celebrated, and associates are empowered to make an impact

 Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• This position operates primarily in a professional hotel and office environment and requires regular engagement with guests, clients, hotel associates, and business partners.
• Duties may involve periods of sitting, standing, walking, and moving throughout hotel facilities to conduct site inspections, attend meetings, and interact with clients and associates.
• Regular use of computers, communication devices, and standard office equipment is required.
• Occasional lifting or moving of materials weighing up to 10 pounds may be required.
• Travel between assigned properties and to off-site client meetings, industry events, and business engagements is required.
• The position may require a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on business needs.

Reasonable Accommodation: Avion Hospitality is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The essential functions of this position may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• At least 6 years of progressive hotel sales experience preferred; or a four-year college degree and at least 2 years of related experience; or a two-year college degree and at least 4 years of related experience.
• Previous hotel sales experience, preferably within select-service or multi-property hospitality environments.
• Valid driver's license in the applicable state.
• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to negotiate, persuade, present, and influence hotel leadership, guests, and corporate clients.
• Thorough understanding of professional selling techniques, including opening, probing, supporting, and closing.
• Strong analytical skills and strategic vision, with the ability to develop effective sales strategies and identify revenue opportunities.
• Advanced knowledge of hotel sales, marketing, business development, and hospitality operations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and general computer systems.
• Excellent organizational, time-management, and presentation skills, with the ability to independently manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds while solving complex problems and maintaining productive working relationships.
• Strong financial acumen, including the ability to interpret sales reports, budgets, forecasts, and performance data.
• Ability to remain composed, objective, and effective in high-pressure situations.
• Willingness and ability to travel between properties and attend business-related events as required.

Requirements

Strategic Sales Planning & Revenue Growth

• Develop, recommend, and execute comprehensive sales strategies for both hotels, aligned with property-specific revenue objectives and market opportunities.
• Drive occupancy, average daily rate (ADR), and revenue growth through proactive development of corporate negotiated accounts, group business, transient demand, and other market-specific opportunities.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities while strengthening existing accounts and expanding market share.
• Develop property-specific sales strategies based on each hotel's competitive set, demand generators, business mix, and market conditions.
• Establish and monitor sales goals, production targets, and activity metrics to evaluate progress toward revenue objectives.
• Partner with each General Manager and Revenue Management resources to evaluate business trends, forecast demand, and identify opportunities to optimize pricing and business mix.
• Develop and recommend annual sales forecasts, budgets, marketing initiatives, and business plans for both hotels.
• Manage sales activities and expenditures within approved plans and budgets to support hotel profitability.

Business Development & Client Relationships

• Conduct proactive outside sales calls, client presentations, hotel tours, and relationship-building activities to generate new business.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with corporate accounts, local businesses, group organizers, travel partners, and other potential clients.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for corporate negotiated rates, recurring business, group room blocks, and other revenue-generating partnerships.
• Monitor production from key accounts, evaluate account trends, and implement strategies to increase business volume and retention.
• Prepare, review, and negotiate sales agreements and contracts, ensuring terms align with hotel operational capabilities and financial objectives.
• Maintain strong visibility within the Nashville and Brentwood business communities, local organizations, and hospitality industry networks.
• Identify emerging market trends, competitive developments, and new sources of demand to support proactive sales planning.
• Represent both properties professionally at networking events, industry functions, and client engagements.

Multi-Property Sales Operations & Performance Management

• Independently manage day-to-day sales activities for both hotels, including prospecting, direct sales efforts, lead follow-up, account management, and sales administration.
• Develop and execute targeted sales action plans tailored to each property's market positioning, business needs, and revenue goals.
• Monitor sales productivity, account performance, booking trends, and established sales metrics to evaluate progress toward financial objectives.
• Balance sales priorities and resources between properties while recognizing each hotel's unique market conditions and demand patterns.
• Identify opportunities to leverage client relationships, market insights, and sales resources across both properties.
• Maintain accurate sales records, forecasts, account information, and performance reports to support informed decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with Avion Hospitality's established regulations, sales standards, operational policies, and performance expectations.
• Develop a thorough understanding of each property's operations, services, and policies to effectively represent hotel offerings and coordinate client commitments.

Marketing, Brand Partnerships & Market Positioning

• Develop and recommend marketing and promotional initiatives that support each property's sales objectives and market positioning.
• Collaborate with Avion Hospitality's marketing resources, including Avion Digital, Hyatt brand field marketing, and other approved marketing partners.
• Maintain professional working relationships and open communication with internal departments and external marketing partners.
• Identify opportunities to increase each hotel's visibility and competitive positioning within its respective market.
• Support the development of sales promotions, packages, and programs designed to attract new business and increase occupancy.
• Evaluate market conditions, competitor activity, and demand trends to recommend adjustments to sales and marketing strategies.
• Leverage available brand resources, local partnerships, and digital marketing initiatives to support lead generation and revenue growth.

Teamwork & Operational Collaboration

• Partner closely with the General Managers of both properties to align sales strategies with operational priorities, revenue objectives, and market opportunities.
• Establish strong working relationships with Front Office, Reservations, Food & Beverage, and other hotel associates to support seamless execution of guest and client commitments.
• Educate and encourage hotel associates to recognize sales opportunities, generate leads, and contribute to occupancy and revenue growth.
• Collaborate with Avion Hospitality's corporate leadership, Revenue Management, Avion Digital, and Hyatt brand partners to coordinate sales and marketing initiatives.
• Maintain open communication between both properties, sharing relevant market insights, account opportunities, and sales performance updates.
• Coordinate with hotel operations teams to maximize group bookings, applicable meeting space opportunities, and other revenue-generating activities while ensuring a positive guest experience.
• Support a collaborative, accountable, and results-driven environment aligned with Avion Hospitality's values of Trust, Transparency, and Results.

Financial Accountability & Administrative Responsibilities

• Develop and recommend annual sales budgets, forecasts, and business plans for both hotels.
• Monitor sales-related expenditures and performance to ensure alignment with approved budgets and established financial objectives.
• Analyze revenue trends, account production, market conditions, and sales results to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Provide accurate and timely sales reports, forecasts, and business updates to hotel leadership and Avion Hospitality management.
• Attend and participate in daily, weekly, and monthly meetings as required, providing sales updates, market insights, and strategic recommendations.
• Maintain organized records of sales activities, client communications, agreements, and account performance.
• Support achievement of management and ownership revenue and profitability expectations through disciplined sales execution and financial oversight.

Professional Standards & Operational Support

• Represent Avion Hospitality and both Hyatt properties with professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment.
• Maintain a high level of trust, confidentiality, and responsibility when handling sensitive business and hotel information.
• Comply with Avion Hospitality policies, Hyatt brand standards, and applicable operational regulations.
• Drive safely when traveling for company business and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Support each General Manager with sales-related operational initiatives and other responsibilities as directed.
• Travel as required to support sales efforts, client relationships, and hotel operations.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.