Sales Manager

Company Description

At Fairmont, our passion is to connect our guests to the very best of our destinations.  Our hotels offer guests extraordinary places, created by combining unique architecture, expressive décor and artistry and magnificent features.  Add engaging service and the result is an unforgettable guest experience. 

Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park features beautifully appointed, extraordinarily spacious guestrooms and spectacular suites, including 83 newly renovated rooms and Fairmont Gold Lounge along with our recently launched pan-Latin Restaurant in partnership with Richard Sandoval Hospitality.  Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park offers a superior and distinctive array of amenities and services, including seasonal pop-ups and luxury event space.

Job Description

The Sales Manager is responsible for identifying, prospecting, and securing group rooms business. Liaise between multiple departments to turn moments into memories and make special happen to ensure we secure these groups. 

What you will be doing:

• Identify and qualify potential leads through research and following the hotel sales strategy.
• Create and maintain customer relationships to achieve optimum market share. Understand their needs and provide tailored solutions to meet their group requirement.
• Prepare compelling proposals and presentations to showcase our hotel’s facilities, services, and offerings to prospective clients. Always maintain product knowledge including all relevant rate structures and promotional offers.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, market dynamics, and competitor activities to identify opportunities and threats. Adjust sales strategies accordingly.
• Negotiate favorable terms and contracts with clients while ensuring alignment with hotel policies and revenue objectives, prepare and conduct proper site inspections. Track the contract signing and payment within the stipulated deadlines.
• Work closely with the events, catering and operations teams to ensure seamless execution of group bookings and exceptional guest experiences.
• Analyze sales data and market trends to forecast sales revenue accurately. Provide regular reports and updates to Director of Group Sales and Director of Sales and Marketing.
• Provide guidance and support to the sales team fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.
• Manage group market coverage in the absence of Sales Managers for all market segments. 
• Conduct proactive prospecting to build a robust pipeline of business opportunities for the hotel, including phone-based outreach, market blitzes, trade shows, and client networking events.
• Analyze data from various sources to uncover new business opportunities.
• Organize and participate in monthly team-wide prospecting activities.

Qualifications

Your experience and skills include:

• Previous experience in hotel sales or equivalent industry experience, preferably in an upscale brand hotel. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Valuable knowledge of sales skills, ability to understand customer requirements and translating these into sales solutions and revenue management.
• Excellent analytical abilities.
• Capable of assimilating complex information from various sources and adjusting to meet specific needs.
• Track record meeting or exceeding sales goals and developing long term relationships and contacts.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in Windows Office: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and able to utilize traditional software programs such as, Opera
• Exceptional interpersonal skills required.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas clearly.
• Quick and accurate decision-making in evaluating and selecting among alternative courses of action.
• Ability to thrive in stressful, high-pressure situations while maintaining composure.
• Skilled at problem-solving and anticipating workplace issues.
• Effective listener, able to understand and clarify the concerns of clients.
• Competent in understanding and managing financial data.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.

Education: A Bachelor’s degree or college diploma is required. Relevant experience in a similar role is a significant advantage. Coursework in a related field is beneficial.

Physical Requirements: This is a sedentary position. Occasional lifting of up to 10 pounds is required, with some tasks requiring frequent or constant movement of light objects. Extended work hours may be necessary.

Additional Information

Salary expectations: Subject to experience and qualification salary range $65,000 - $75,000

Visa Requirements: Successful candidates must be leg