Area Director of Sales, Freehand Hotels

HEI Hotels & Resorts•New York, NY

2d•$170,000 - $180,000

About The Position

The Area Director of Sales is based at Freehand New York and oversees Freehand Los Angeles, Freehand Miami, and Freehand Chicago. The role is responsible for total room, banquet, catering, and room-rental revenue; yield strategies; implementation; and performance against market goals, budgets, forecasts, and optimal business-mix targets. Strategies include market mix, pricing, status, and direct sales. The director develops and solicits business across markets to secure the advance bookings needed for successful and profitable hotel operations. The position leads and manages sales activities and staff across the Freehand portfolio, develops sales plans and budgets, monitors market and competitive conditions, and presents to ownership and asset management. Travel is required as needed.

Requirements

At least 5 years of sales leadership in a similarly sized operation is preferred.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Delphi.
Knowledge of computer accounting programs, math skills, and budgetary analysis capabilities.
Extensive knowledge of sales skills, revenue management, recruitment, supervision, training, and management motivation.
Ability to listen effectively, communicate, and use diplomacy with internal and external customers and staff.
Ability to stand and move throughout the hotel property and continuously perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to adapt communication style to different audiences, including supervisors, coworkers, and the public.

Nice To Haves

At least 5 years of sales leadership in a similarly sized operation.

Responsibilities

Direct sales staff solicitation efforts through effective oral and written communication, and oversee rate, date, and space commitments for group room sales.
Recruit, interview, hire, and train staff; recommend performance evaluations and discipline or termination when appropriate; resolve problems and maintain open communication.
Oversee management of the sales team across the Freehand portfolio.
Ensure training programs are conducted regularly, HEI performance standards are met, and staff receive guidance and counseling toward improvement.
Prepare or direct preparation of Sales Department reports, including annual budgets and forecasts, lead management system reports, group booking pace reports, STAR reports, and sales meeting minutes.
Research the travel industry and market trends to develop marketing strategies, and recommend ways to improve performance in various markets.
Develop and deliver persuasive verbal sales presentations to prospective clients.
Lead presentations to ownership and asset management.
Prepare and execute the computerized annual business plan, reviewing and adjusting it as market conditions require.
Organize or attend sales department, executive committee, and related meetings.
Direct and manage group, transient, catering, and banquet sales activities to maximize hotel revenue.
Prepare, implement, and compile data for strategic sales plans, monthly reports, annual goals, sales budgets, forecasts, and other required reports.
Develop rates and group sales and catering deployment strategies using competitive data, demand analysis, and mix management.
Represent the hotel professionally at community and industry organizations and events.
Oversee departmental compliance with federal, state, and local employment and civil rights laws.
Comply with attendance rules and be available to work regularly.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Travel as required.