Director of Business Leisure Travel

Trump International Hotel and Tower Chicago•Chicago, IL

6h•$100,000 - $115,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Business & Leisure Travel is responsible for leading the strategic development, sales, and revenue generation efforts across both transient corporate and luxury leisure travel segments for a premier luxury hotel in Chicago. This highly visible leadership role drives top-line revenue through the acquisition, retention, and growth of key corporate accounts, luxury travel agencies, consortia partnerships, entertainment and sports travel, and high-net-worth leisure clientele. The ideal candidate is a dynamic sales professional with extensive experience in luxury hospitality, a strong network within both corporate and leisure travel sectors, and a proven track record of exceeding revenue goals. This individual will serve as a brand ambassador, cultivating strategic relationships that enhance the hotel's market position and deliver exceptional guest experiences.

Requirements

Minimum 7 years of progressive hospitality sales experience, including luxury hotel experience
Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Marketing, or related field
Extensive experience partnering with high-end and luxury travel agencies to drive leisure revenue
Extensive experience with partnering with business/corporate travel managers
Strong understanding of Opera/OperaCloud and Delphi
Lanyon, Agency360, Hoteligence, and Demand360 knowledge
Strong guest relations and client service expertise
Strong analytical skills, with experience in data-driven decision-making and KPI tracking.
Words Per Minute typing at 60
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
Leadership and team-building abilities
Always maintain a professional image in appearance/attire and conduct when dealing with travel managers/agents and hotel employees.
Basic mathematical skills to complete reports and working knowledge of financial statements and forecasting techniques.
Strong computer skills including Excel, PowerPoint, Word.
Ability to work under pressure and deal with stressful situations during busy periods.
Interpersonal skills to provide overall guest satisfaction.
Proven success managing both corporate transient and luxury leisure travel segments.
Demonstrated ability to negotiate and close high-value agreements.
Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
Strong analytical and financial acumen.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Marketing, or related field preferred

Responsibilities

Develop and execute annual sales plans to drive transient corporate revenue and market share.
Identify, solicit, negotiate, and manage local, regional, and national corporate accounts.
Maintain relationships with travel managers, procurement professionals, executive assistants, and corporate travel agencies.
Analyze market trends, competitive intelligence, and production data to identify opportunities for growth.
Collaborate with Revenue Management to optimize negotiated corporate rates and account strategies.
Target key industries including finance, consulting, technology, healthcare, law, and professional services.
Develop and implement strategic initiatives to increase leisure travel revenue and luxury market penetration.
Manage relationships with luxury travel advisors, preferred partner agencies, tour operators, destination management companies, and consortia partners.
Drive business through luxury travel networks and high-end leisure channels.
Identify opportunities within domestic and international luxury travel markets.
Promote exclusive experiences, packages, and seasonal offerings designed for affluent travelers.
Achieve and exceed annual room revenue, ADR, and market share goals.
Develop comprehensive account plans for key business and leisure travel partners.
Monitor account production and proactively implement strategies to increase share of wallet.
Conduct regular sales calls, client presentations, site inspections, and networking events.
Prepare monthly forecasts, pipeline reports, and business reviews for executive leadership.
Serve as a primary representative of the hotel within the corporate and luxury travel communities.
Attend industry trade shows, conferences, sales missions, client events, and networking functions.
Host familiarization trips, travel advisor visits, and key account events.
Foster strong partnerships with local business organizations, tourism partners, cultural institutions, and major event stakeholders.
Partner closely with Revenue Management, Marketing, Reservations, Front Office, and Guest Experience teams to ensure seamless execution of business.
Work collaboratively with the catering and group sales teams to identify cross-selling opportunities.
Provide market insights and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
Support annual budgeting, forecasting, and business planning processes.
Uphold and promote the highest standards of luxury hospitality and guest service.
Act as a trusted advisor to leadership on travel market trends and emerging opportunities.
Mentor junior sales professionals and contribute to a high-performance sales culture.
Ensure all sales initiatives align with the hotel's luxury positioning and brand standards.
Provide “Lateral Service” to support customer satisfaction when called upon by Operations, unless an opportunity arises that could result in dissatisfying a guest, in which case a leader is to be notified.