Director of Sales & Marketing

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation•St Louis, MO

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Sales & Marketing sets the tone for Sonesta’s Culture of Caring. We expect leaders to focus on creating amazing moments for guests and team members and dig deep to find ways to create success for their team. The Director of Sales & Marketing is responsible for developing and implementing the hotel's overall sales and marketing strategy. She/he is also responsible for growing existing accounts and generating new business in order to maximize revenue and profits, and to improve the hotel’s performance in the marketplace. The Director of Sales & Marketing is responsible for providing leadership and ensuring the effectiveness and productivity of all aspects the department. The role’s primary responsibility is to drive results through their entire department. Sonesta managers are charged with providing strategic vision, ensuring tactical execution, and actively managing their department to achieve the company’s revenue and profitability goals and objectives. The ideal candidate has a passion for building and motivating teams that achieve results. Sonesta managers are guest-focused (both internal and external), achievement-oriented leaders.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in sale/marketing or related field preferred.
8+ years of progressive experience in a hospitality or hotel Sales and Marketing setting.
Direct supervisory experience in a Sales & Marketing leadership position.
Experience working with major hospitality brands.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
Ability to prioritize and organize work assignments.
Extensive knowledge of the hotel and hospitality industry.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Nice To Haves

Delphi and Opera PMS experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Direct the solicitation efforts of the sales department staff.
Set departmental goals and strategy to align to company’s mission.
Develop new accounts, maintain existing accounts, and implement sales strategies to achieve revenue goals and maximize profits for the hotel while maintaining guest satisfaction.
Achieve budgeted revenues, sales goals, and maximize profitability within all areas of responsibility.
Participate in the preparation of the annual departmental operating budget, the hotel sales and marketing plan, the annual and monthly forecast, and other assigned financial plans which support the overall objectives of the hotel.
Supervise, administer and ensure timely completion of all activities of the Sales Department.
Develop a complete knowledge of company sales policies and SOP’s and ensure knowledge of and adherence to those policies by the sales team.
Develop and maintain market awareness to ensure ability to predict revenue opportunities, develop marketing plans and set new proactive strategies.
Prepare and present effective and persuasive presentations to prospective clients.
Maintain and develop networking opportunities through active participation in community and professional associations, activities and events.
In coordination with General Manager, serve as hotel representative for media related inquiries.
Attend trade shows and major market events locally and nationally to promote new business and increase sales for the hotel.
Promote teamwork and quality service through daily effective communication and coordination with other departments.
Key departmental contacts include all hotel departments, hotel Executive Committee, and Corporate/Regional sales group.
May serve as “manager on duty” as required.
Perform any other job-related duties as assigned.
Develop business plans, monitor the competition and market trends to maximize market share, guest satisfaction, profitability and employee engagement.
Build strong relationship with property ownership by establishing regular communication channels and keeping ownership informed of the performance of the property.
Engage with guests and customers, obtain feedback and ensure guest expectations are always met and exceeded.
Be a champion for the property by actively promoting the brand, being involved in the local community and building genuine and lasting relationship with local businesses, officials and various stakeholders.
Achieve budgeted revenues, control labor and maximize profitability.
Work with Revenue Management to develop a competitive pricing strategy to grow market share, occupancy, Rev/PAR and yield.
Prepare budget and various financial reports for Ownership and the Corporate Office as required.
Interview, hire, train, and promote Sales department staff.
Provide constructive and consistent feedback and recommend disciplinary action when appropriate.
Attract, retain, and motivate your team to uphold company standards and practices.
Ensure employees receive proper training applicable to their position and career aspirations in accordance with company policy and/or local laws.
Responsible for monitoring, measuring, and recognizing performance of team members who directly report to the role and indirect reports.
Support, comply and promote company initiative, policies and guidelines.
Coach team by providing specific feedback to improve knowledge, skills and performance.
Ensure employees are treated fairly and equitably.
Handle employee issues in a professional and timely manner.
Responsible for ensuring success through the eyes of employees, guests, and owners.
Utilize and collaborate with resources across different departments and corporate office.
Capable of influencing employees to perform to their highest standard and establishing a trusting environment to enrich the culture.
Focus on the mission and well-being of the department, hotel, and company as a whole.
Lead by example and operate with integrity and respect.
Inspire your team to embrace and demonstrate our values and GUEST People Standards.