Group Sales Manager

Job Description

• Accountable for the Group Sales effort by prospecting and contracting business within defined territory
• Strategically sells hotel rooms, conference space, including related services, and food and beverage needs to individuals, groups and companies.
• Evaluate every group event business opportunity to maximize revenue and profitability while achieving customer expectations.
• Travel into markets as required for Sales Calls, Tradeshows, Events and Conferences
• Collect market and competitive intelligence to maximize group sales opportunities
• Building and maintain relationships with new and existing clients, providing exceptional service and identifying potential opportunities for growth.
• Build relationships with all relevant stakeholders, namely Accor Global Sales Office(s), the Los Angeles and Long Beach Tourism & Convention boards, attractions and offsite Venues
• Partner with regional and national sister hotels to optimize Accor exposure and build incremental business
• Develop a monthly sales strategy and action plan
• Achieve/exceed monthly, quarterly, and annual budgeted sales goals by performing direct sales solicitation while developing new accounts and maintaining existing accounts; managing account details and preparing reports; responding to all telephone and in-person inquiries.
• Maintain positive customer relationships and ensure timely responses to all inquiries for space or service needs.
• Budget for, plan and organize site inspections, FAMS, sales trips and industry trade shows
• Utilize OperaCloud Sales System to track, solicit, book and follow up on accounts
• Quoting and negotiate rates within established parameters
• Coordinate and follow up with convention services, catering and/or other hotel departments to ensure delivery of hotel's promised services
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of sales experience
• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Proven ability to build relationships and find new business: prospecting, networking, site inspections and sales calls
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong attention to detail
• Excellent time management skills
• Keep abreast of industry trends and share information with all staff
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and juggle many tasks simultaneously
• Superior problem-solving/strategizing skills
• Excellent overall computer skills including Microsoft applications, with advanced knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint, and OperaCloud/ Sales & Catering systems.
• Proactive mindset to anticipate and support changes in our business
• Conformity to the highest standards of personal integrity and ethical behavior
• Exceptional customer service abilities