Sales Manager

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is one of America’s oldest and most treasured public gardens. Located along the scenic Ashley River in Charleston, South Carolina, Magnolia is a nationally recognized cultural and natural destination known for its rich history, impressive gardens, and diverse ecosystems. Open year-round, the property welcomes guests worldwide to experience various offerings, including historic house tours, curated garden walks, wildlife viewing, nature trails, and a range of memorable group and private events. Committed to preserving its legacy while creating meaningful connections through history, horticulture, and nature, Magnolia offers unforgettable experiences that educate, inspire, and delight.

The Sales Manager is a key contributor responsible for growing revenue across venue rentals, group tours, private events, and specialty programs. This role leads the full sales cycle—from lead generation and client engagement to proposal, contract, and final booking. In addition to managing their pipeline, the Sales Manager will work cross-departmentally to support and train staff on sales practices, strengthen sales efforts organization-wide, and ensure consistency in guest communication and service standards. This position is critical in driving sales strategy, maintaining key relationships, and delivering exceptional client experiences that reflect Magnolia’s mission and values.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all inbound sales inquiries and proactively generate new business opportunities.
• Develop customized proposals, negotiate terms, and execute contracts
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in the CRM system
• Collaborate with guest services, events, marketing, and operations to ensure seamless client handoffs and event delivery
• Train and guide frontline staff and other departments on sales-related best practices and brand standards
• Monitor industry trends, pricing, and competitor offerings to refine sales strategy
• Represent Magnolia at networking events, trade shows, and industry functions
• Track and report on sales performance and client feedback
• Build and maintain strong relationships with planners, travel groups, vendors, and community partners
• Represent a team-player spirit when assigned other duties and projects as required

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Business, Communications, or a related field
• 3–5 years of experience in hospitality, event, or destination sales
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding individual sales goals
• Strong organizational and communication skills with attention to detail
• Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Tripleseat) and Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams
• Availability to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event needs

Benefits

We are pleased to offer a competitive annual salary starting at $50,000, along with commission opportunities, aligned with industry standards.

Benefits

Employee Benefits

• Magnolia realizes the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offers a generous amount of PTO, Sick Days & Paid Holidays
• Happy Birthday.. off! If you are scheduled to work on your special day, you can request 8 hours of pay
• Magnolia contributes 80% of medical premiums for employee-only coverage and 40% to all other levels of coverage
• No cost $10,000 life & accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
• 401K retirement plan matching at 3%
• Wellness tools (health assessment and online programs to help you meet your goals)
• Discount program (helps you save on health products and services)
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program (helps in all aspects of life, from emotional well-being, legal and financial help), behavioral telehealth/virtual providers and services, no-cost diabetic meters and enhanced maternity program

Employee Discounts

• Experience our history, horticulture and nature with your loved ones! Employees can host their immediate family members (on non-scheduled working days) to Magnolia! This includes free admission to the gardens and to all tours. If immediate family members visit during an employee's scheduled working day, eligible family members are welcome to visit the gardens with free admission. Please contact the Welcome Center for more information.
• Save 50% on all on-site venue rentals (includes standard fees), 40% off at our charming Gift Shop and meal discounts at our impeccable Peacock Cafe!
• Employees and their immediate family members can join Community Events for free!
• Enjoy discounted pricing for Magnoli