Conference Group Sales Manager

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation•Williamsburg, VA

About The Position

The Colonial Williamsburg Hotels are seeking a driven and results-oriented Group Sales Manager to join our team. Solicit future conference business for Colonial Williamsburg Hotels in assigned market areas using 31+ rooms per night arriving outside 91 days + or as assigned by Director of Sales (and/or VP of Sales). Maintain and exceed definite monthly room night and room’s revenue booking goals as assigned by Director of Sales (and/or VP of Sales).

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree and 2-3 years of hotel sales experience, or 5-7 years of experience in hotel sales and other hotel operations experience (ie: front desk, food and beverage, conference services, concierge, etc.) or a closely related field.
Proven track record of exceeding sales goals and generating new business.
Other directly related experience will be given consideration at the discretion of Director of Sales and VP of Sales.
Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record based on The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s criteria.
Must be able to provide a 5-year Motor Vehicle Record prior to employment
Must be at least 21 years of age
May not have more than 1 moving violation or at fault accident within 12 months
May not have more than 2 moving violations or at fault accidents within 36 months
May not have any serious motor vehicle violations including but not limited to excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license, etc.

Nice To Haves

Prior conference sales experience at a four star or four diamond hotel/resort and in an assigned geographic location or vertical market a plus.
Opera experience preferred.
Excellent communication skills, ability to work independently without direct supervision, in-depth knowledge of conference sales skills and techniques.
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Ability to work independently and with a team

Responsibilities

Contact meeting planners/decision makers by mail, telephone, fax, in person, customer fams and site inspections.
Maintain a comprehensive account management plan to include a list of target accounts and key accounts
Develop sales action plans to achieve revenue goals
Build positive and lasting client relationships
Secure annual and multi-year contracts
Secure new and repeat business
Maintain accurate and legible files in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Generate and secure new, referred, and repeat group business, focusing on accounts within the DC region and the Northeast.
Prepare and execute creative sales proposals and contracts that ensure financial success and profitability to the hotel while managing and minimizing risk to the hotel.
Maintain regular communication with clients to ensure seamless execution of all events resulting in high customer satisfaction
Negotiate space, dates and rates to obtain room night booking goals (focusing on placement of business in shoulder and off-season and other need periods with emphasis on promoting Sunday-Thursday patterns) while maximizing profitability in all areas of operation.
Assist in developing individual marketing strategies in assigned market areas in concert with annual marketing strategies
Responsible for keeping spending in-line with individual Sales plan and with approval of Director of Sales
Strong knowledge of various market segments to include corporate, association, incentive, SMERF and other vertical markets or combination thereof.
Market room, food and beverage (banquet and restaurant covers), golf, spa services, tennis and other forms of recreation, admission tickets, entertainment, products and when possible, solicit donations for the foundation development efforts. Maximize any cross-selling opportunities with Foundation
Achieve monthly sales goals as outlined by Director of Sales.
Develop working knowledge of cost factors (room rates, food and beverage, museum operations) and the conference service operations. Administer personnel functions to support staff.
Must be willing to attend tradeshows and travel to various geographic areas, promoting the Colonial Williamsburg Hotels and CWF amenities.
Operate within a team concept; willingness to cover for others when needed while meeting individual performance goals.
Must be active and participate in monthly industry associations in assigned markets and are encouraged to hold a committee or board position. Continue professional development through educational offerings made via industry trade groups (i.e.: VSAE, MPI, AENC…etc.) and in-house industry related educational training as assigned by Director of Sales.
Knowledge of CWF mission and non-hotel offerings to guests.
Perform any special projects and all other duties as directed by management that are consistent with the policies and procedures of Colonial Williamsburg Hotels.