Director of Business Development

Hotel Royal Oak•Royal Oak, MI

7d•$40,000 - $45,000•Onsite

About The Position

Hotel Royal Oak is seeking a Director of Business Development to drive new business and revenue growth. This is a proactive, revenue-producing role focused on identifying and securing new accounts, rather than managing existing ones. The ideal candidate will be a hunter who excels at building relationships, opening doors, and closing deals within the hospitality sector. The hotel is an independent boutique property in Royal Oak, Michigan, looking to expand its market presence.

Requirements

Proven experience in sales, specifically within hotels, hospitality, events, or a closely related product.
Demonstrated ability to prospect and hunt for new business.
Comfortable with cold calling and walking into businesses to introduce yourself.
Understanding of corporate negotiated rates and group business.
Experience responding to and converting RFPs.
Ability to conduct effective property tours.
Proficiency in negotiation.
Strong follow-up skills and a relentless approach to closing deals.
Organized with the ability to maintain a real sales pipeline.
Understanding that activity without conversion is not success.
Enjoyment of networking.
Ability to build relationships naturally.
Competitive, accountable, and resourceful.
Ability to ask for the business.
Must be willing to use sales systems like Event Temple, Mews, HotelREZ, Cvent, or similar hospitality sales systems.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Event Temple, Mews, HotelREZ, Cvent, or similar hospitality sales systems.
Hotel sales experience is strongly preferred.
Existing network within Royal Oak, Oakland County, and Metro Detroit is a major advantage.
Knowledge of the Metro Detroit market or a strong willingness to learn it quickly.

Responsibilities

Generate new annual business for Hotel Royal Oak through proactive sales efforts.
Identify companies, organizations, planners, and decision-makers not currently doing business with the hotel.
Build prospect lists and initiate contact through calls, emails, and in-person introductions.
Develop and nurture relationships with key contacts in various sectors, including corporate travel, event planning, production, sports, and local businesses.
Conduct property tours, build proposals, respond to RFPs, and negotiate rates.
Close deals and secure new business, focusing on revenue generation.
Utilize and maintain hospitality sales and distribution technology stack (Event Temple, Mews, HotelREZ, Cvent).
Track sales activity, manage opportunities through the sales funnel, and maintain accurate account information.
Achieve revenue targets and contribute to the hotel's growth and success.