Area Group Sales Manager, NE

Company Description

A beloved local landmark for over 150 years, White Barn Inn is synonymous with warm New England hospitality, rustic charm and uncompromising attention to detail. Constructed in the 1860s, White Barn Inn’s original farmhouse has offered superb hospitality since the days of the Civil War. It has operated as the White Barn Inn since 1973. In October 2018, White Barn Inn was acquired by Auberge Resorts Collection, a unique portfolio of the world’s best-loved boutique luxury hotels and resorts. Just a 90-minute drive north of Boston, the inviting property is renowned as one of the country’s most distinctive getaways and features several room types, a pool, massage and spa treatments, gardens and a prime location near the sandy beaches and classic coastal town of Kennebunkport, Maine.

Job Description

The Group Sales Manager is responsible for identifying and sourcing group business in a specific geographic area in accordance with the collection’s strategic plan to maximize room revenue during peak and nonpeak periods. Group Sales Manager is responsible for the overall management, productivity and achievement of sales goals for the assigned region. Group Sales Manager reports directly to the Area Director of Sales to ensure that sales and booking strategy is in line with properties business needs.  The ideal candidate would be highly motivated, organized, enjoy leading and developing associates and interacting with guests.

The Group Sales Manager also works as a team member with the sales and catering staff and is in close contact with support staff. Solicits, through direct sales and marketing contacts, the most complex accounts, which exhibit potential for business.  

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Oversee account and booking goals in the assigned region. 
• Organize and schedule direct sales efforts via phone, email and in person, average of 100 proactive sales activities per month. 
• Create and conduct curated site visits on property.
• Evaluate and initiate opportunities for developing new sources of business. 
• Plan and execute a 12-month strategic business plan. 
• Support and participate in daily business reviews, weekly GRC calls and monthly conference calls with the Director of Sales and property specific calls as needed. 
• Accurately maintain and build a database of clients. Responsible for overall accuracy of regional databases. 
• Keep department heads informed of problems in order to ensure prompt correction and ensure guest satisfaction. 
• Be available to work on property as required to host VIP site visits and key client program operation. 
• Log all daily activities into Delphi. 
• Provide feedback and goals and objectives in preparation of annual sales plans and budgets. 
• Ensure effective group pricing strategies are properly communicated to group clients. 
• Develops regional planning and strategies to increase brand exposure. 
• Evaluates promotional events, trade shows, community and industry events to make sure attendance produces the proper return on investment. 
• Maintain customer, trade, industry and staff relations. 
• Maintain ethical and professional standards of sales service. 
• Maintain professional appearance and demeanor and to conduct personal behavior in a mature and professional business manner while representing the company. 
• Travel and work flexible days and hours.
• Perform other duties as directed, developed or assigned.

Qualifications

• Four-year college degree or equivalent education/experience. 
• Minimum 5 years sales experience in a related position in a luxury hotel sales environment. 
• Demonstrated record of driving sales revenues in a luxury hotel environment.
• Ability to be on property for site visits

Desirable: 

• Prior experience selling Auberge Resorts brand or top competitor. 
• Prior experience selling multiple properties. 
• Prior experience working with professional organizations that support group business (SITE, MPI, FICP, Cvent, IMEX) etc.

SKILLS 

Required:

• Ability to negotiate, convince, sell and influence group business decision makers and influencers. 
• Ability to research and identify top prospects for growth of an existing account and develop new accounts. 
• Ability to be self-motivated and achieve goals with minimal direct supervision. 
• Ability to manage extensive amounts of information. 
• Knowledge of sales procedures associated with the hotel industry. 
• Excellent written skills sufficient to produce sales and marketing communic