Senior Group Sales Manager

Job Description Summary

The Group Sales Manager is responsible for representing the company to customers, the public and other external sources. The manager executes the sales strategy of the hotel, as defined by the Director of Sales, to ensure that occupancy, average daily rate and market share goals are achieved. This includes creating and implementing specific account and/or segment-based sales strategies and tactical plans. This person will listen to customers’ needs, analyze this information and create tailored proposals. Negotiate and close sales to meet/exceed sales targets. Earn business through, quality and timely service in a pleasant and friendly manner. Communicates and plans for operations departments and participate in servicing accounts. Work with management throughout the hotel and the Company.

Develops a sales plan and strategy to meet or exceed room revenue and other revenue goals by initiating potential business account opportunities and negotiating contracts for a specific assigned market(s). Manages and document the account and booking details to ensure all pertinent aspects of the process are completed and documented.

Conducts on-site inspections by customers, entertains customers, performs outside sales calls, attends trade shows/events and makes personal calls on customers that may involve travel within or outside the United States, dependent on assigned markets.

Manager must be knowledgeable about hotel facilities and services. Ensures all communication containing Company, hotel, brand and guest information is consistent with privacy policies, practices and regulations.

Job Description

Company Overview

At Sonesta International Hotels, we open our doors and welcome the world. We offer service with passion, loyalty with a purpose, and a commitment to the many faces—new and familiar—that stay with us. The human side of hospitality is the core of our culture. Our mission is to wow every guest, team member, partner, and community in which we operate by delivering quality, value, and amazing hospitality.

Together we can bring these values to every one of our over 1,100 properties in eight countries—and counting. Now with 15 industry-leading brands to choose from, whether you’re looking for luxury, have extended travel in your horizon, or simply want to explore on a budget, we have a Sonesta stay that’s perfect for you.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop new accounts, maintain existing accounts, and implement sales strategies to achieve revenue goals and maximize profits for the hotel while maintaining guest satisfaction. Develop and maintain relationships with key clients to produce sales. Sell hotel rooms through direct client contact.
• Participate in and maintain active sales solicitation program.
• Attend client events to include breakfast and evening reception events as a representative of the management team of the hotel and to prospect for additional sales leads.
• Achieve budgeted revenues and personal/team sales goals and maximize profitability within all areas of responsibility. Produce regular reports and sales forecasts.
• Create and implement hotel-level tactical sales plans that drive measurable incremental occupancy, increase average rates, increase business volume. Deliver sales activities/performance to ensure actual sales exceed the established revenue plan.
• Analyze current/potential market and sales trends and coordinate all activities to maintain and increase revenue and market share through added business volume and increased rate.
• Participate in the daily business review meetings, funnel review, pre-convention meetings, training, and other sales-related meetings as required.
• When sales tasks are performed in a team environment, the manager will act as a team leader and require minimal direct supervision.
• Attend all hotel required meetings and training.
• Coordinate with other hotel-level departments to facilitate the services agreed upon by the sales office and clients.
• Identify operational opportunities that impact the effectiveness of marketing activities and overall hotel sales performance and work with appropriate department heads and assist in implementing solutions.
• Operate within the established sales expense budget.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with officials and representatives of local community groups.  Enhance the image of the hotel in the local community.
• Deliver on the promise of Sonesta Service in all interactions with guests and clients.  Manage according to the Sonesta G.U.E.S.T. standards and instill a passion for customer service in all the associates of the hotel. 
• Anticipate, listen, and understand guests’ needs and respond promptly to guest re