Hotel Director of Sales | AC Hotel Cleveland Brecksville

SHANER•Brecksville, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Shaner Hotels is seeking a dynamic Director of Sales to assist in leading the launch of a brand new 136-room AC Marriott Hotel, opening Spring 2027, within a vibrant mixed-use development. This leadership position is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive sales strategies, identifying new business opportunities, strengthening existing client relationships, and overseeing all aspects of the Sales Department. The Director of Sales partners closely with the General Manager and hotel leadership team to achieve revenue goals, expand market share, and position the hotel as the preferred choice for corporate, group, leisure, sports, and association business. The ideal candidate is a proactive sales leader with a proven ability to drive top-line revenue while developing a high-performing sales team.

Requirements

Minimum of five (5) years of progressive sales experience, preferably in the hospitality industry, including leadership responsibilities.
Proven success in generating hotel revenue through corporate, group, association, government, sports, and leisure business.
Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Strong knowledge of hotel operations, revenue management, sales strategy, budgeting, and forecasting.
Familiarity with local market conditions, business trends, and economic drivers.
Experience with hotel sales systems, CRM platforms, Property Management Systems (PMS), and revenue management tools.
Strong understanding of sales and marketing techniques, digital marketing, prospecting, negotiation, and account management.
Ability to prepare departmental budgets, monitor expenses, and maintain cost controls.
Ability to interpret banquet event orders (BEOs), contracts, operating procedures, and company policies.
Knowledge of event setup requirements and coordination of group business.
Excellent leadership, communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to effectively communicate with guests, clients, associates, management, and community organizations.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
Knowledge of local attractions, events, and destination resources that support hotel sales efforts.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field preferred.
Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute strategic sales and marketing plans to achieve and exceed hotel revenue, occupancy, and market share goals.
Focus on achieving hotel financial objectives, budget targets, and top-line revenue growth.
Oversee the daily operations of the Sales Department, ensuring compliance with company policies, franchise standards, and departmental procedures.
Maintain a thorough understanding of all Shaner Hotels, franchise, and hotel policies, ensuring the Sales team remains informed and compliant.
Identify, solicit, negotiate, and secure new business opportunities across corporate, government, association, SMERF, sports, tour, and leisure market segments.
Maintain and strengthen relationships with existing clients while actively pursuing new accounts and revenue opportunities.
Analyze market trends, competitor activity, and customer demand to identify new market segments and develop strategies for business growth.
Create and implement promotional packages, seasonal offers, and marketing initiatives to increase occupancy during need periods.
Collaborate with Marketing and hotel leadership on advertising campaigns, digital marketing initiatives, direct mail, local promotions, and community outreach efforts.
Represent the hotel at trade shows, industry conferences, Chamber of Commerce events, networking functions, and other community organizations to promote the property and generate business.
Partner with the General Manager and Revenue Management to develop pricing strategies, sales forecasts, and business plans that maximize hotel performance.
Develop, manage, and monitor the Sales Department annual operating budget while maintaining cost controls.
Recruit, hire, train, coach, mentor, and evaluate Sales team members to promote productivity, accountability, and professional growth.
Foster effective communication and collaboration with the General Manager, Revenue Management, Catering, Front Office, Food & Beverage, and other operational departments.
Review banquet event orders (BEOs) and coordinate with operational teams to ensure group and event expectations are successfully executed.
Maintain accurate sales forecasts, account management records, customer relationship management (CRM) data, and sales activity reports.
Be available to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, evenings, and varied shifts as business needs require.
Perform other duties as assigned.