Director of Sales

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts•Chicago, IL

30d•$126,000 - $136,000•Onsite

About The Position

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago is seeking an accomplished and commercially driven Director of Sales to join its Commercial leadership team. This senior leadership role is responsible for driving profitable revenue through the strategic oversight of the hotel's sales activities, with a focus on identifying new business opportunities, strengthening key accounts, and maximizing production across Group, Corporate, Leisure, Consortia, Entertainment, Sports, and other key market segments. As a key member of the Commercial leadership team, the Director of Sales will partner closely with the Commercial Director, Revenue Management, Marketing, Conference Services, and Operations teams to ensure sales strategies align with market demand, business priorities, and the hotel's overall revenue objectives. This individual will lead and develop a high-performing Sales team, providing strategic direction, coaching, accountability, and support to achieve both individual and departmental goals. The successful candidate will possess a sophisticated understanding of luxury urban hotel sales, revenue optimization, business development, and client relationship management. This role requires a polished, proactive, and results-oriented leader who can balance strategic planning with hands-on selling while representing Four Seasons Hotel Chicago with excellence, credibility, and strong commercial discipline in one of North America's most competitive luxury hospitality markets.

Requirements

3-5 years of experience as a Director of Sales or Associate Director of Sales within a luxury hotel, luxury lifestyle property, or major urban market.
Demonstrated success leading, motivating, and developing a high-performing Sales team while delivering strong revenue and market share results.
Strong commercial and financial acumen with expertise in hotel sales strategy, revenue management, forecasting, pricing, segmentation, and business mix optimization.
Proven track record of successfully generating and converting high-value Group, Corporate, Entertainment, Sports, and Luxury Leisure business.
Strong knowledge of the Chicago market and established relationships within key local, regional, and national accounts preferred.
Exceptional negotiation, presentation, communication, and relationship-building skills with the executive presence to represent Four Seasons confidently with clients, partners, and stakeholders.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with the capability to interpret market trends and sales performance data and convert insights into measurable results.
A proactive, adaptable, and highly organized leadership style with strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced luxury environment.
Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
Knowledge of hotel sales, CRM, reservations, and revenue-related systems is required.
Candidates must have valid work authorization for the U.S.

Nice To Haves

Internal Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts employees may be eligible for visa sponsorship via an L-1A Visa. Please contact your People & Culture Team regarding eligibility.

Responsibilities

Lead the hotel's sales efforts and translate commercial priorities into focused strategies and action plans designed to achieve budgeted revenue, market share, and profitability goals across all key business segments.
Lead, coach, and develop the Sales team by establishing clear expectations, fostering accountability, and creating opportunities for continued professional growth and career advancement.
Actively prospect, sell, and manage key accounts while expanding relationships within assigned territory. Identify new business opportunities that strengthen the hotel's market position and long-term revenue contribution.
Partner closely with the Commercial Director and Revenue Management team to strategically manage Group and transient business, room rates, inventory, function space utilization, and market mix to maximize total hotel revenue and profitability.
Maintain a strong understanding of Chicago market dynamics, competitive activity, industry trends, and client needs. Lead negotiations that balance customer expectations with the hotel's revenue, profitability, and strategic objectives.
Support the development and execution of annual commercial goals, sales strategies, and marketing plans. Monitor pace, booking trends, market performance, production reports, and booked-versus-consumed business to ensure objectives are achieved.
Coordinate and execute strategic sales initiatives including client meetings, industry events, trade shows, entertainment and sports industry outreach, site inspections, familiarization trips, and business travel designed to generate new business and elevate the hotel's market presence.
Partner effectively with Commercial, Conference Services, Revenue Management, Marketing, Food & Beverage, and Operations teams to ensure seamless communication of business opportunities while delivering exceptional client and guest experiences.