Director of Sales

International House Hotel•New Orleans, LA

43d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Sales works to maximize sales occupancy and rates in conjunction with hotel operations to increase profits by increasing room sales and generating business through aggressive sales efforts. This role involves soliciting guest rooms, groups, meetings, banquet, and catering sales business, and responding to all inquiries related to the sales department. The position requires flexibility and adaptability to produce and service sales business in various areas including group, consortia, business, corporate, catering, and travel. Responsibilities include creating contracts, executing events, and conducting a proactive solicitation process through outside sales calls, appointments, telephone calls, and direct mail. A significant portion of time (80%) should be dedicated to active sales solicitation. The Director of Sales will assist the General Manager in preparing the annual marketing plan and action plans for market segments, sending and following up on proposals, and ensuring accurate booking sheets with client requirements. They will also obtain and document necessary client information, including billing details, rooming lists, and VIP arrangements, and pass on meeting details to the catering manager. The role is responsible for meeting assigned sales quotas, maintaining customer satisfaction, and communicating with various hotel departments. Regular reporting on sales activities and itineraries is required. Practicing a culture of guest service, promoting courtesy, and fostering a positive work environment are essential. The Director of Sales must also follow property safety and security procedures and assist the General Manager with special projects.

Requirements

Prior experience in Sales role, demonstrating success and ability to sell and service events.
Strong business communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written.
Ability to work in a high demand, sometimes high pressure environment.
Experience in public speaking.
High work ethic and self-initiative.
Strong computer skills in Microsoft Suite.
Some travel is required.
Regular attendance according to established guidelines.
May be required to work varying schedules to reflect the business needs of the property.
Must possess basic computational ability.
Focus and maintain attention to multiple tasks, and complete work assignments on time despite frequent interruptions.
Ability to maintain excellent relationships with staff and maintain staff and guest confidentiality at all times.
Ability to participate in, and at times lead departmental and/or hotel team meetings.
Hospitality, business or similar degree or equivalent work experience.
Four years of sales experience, at least one in a supervisory/leadership role.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
Excellent communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Hospitality sales experience strongly preferred.
Knowledge of hotel systems preferred.
Know and be able to administer first aid.
Direct evacuations in an emergency.

Responsibilities

Solicit guest rooms, groups, meetings, banquet, and catering sales business, and receive and answer all inquiries relating to the sales department.
Produce and service sales business in a variety of areas including group, consortia, business, corporate, catering, and travel.
Do business sites, create contracts, execute events.
Conduct a successful, aggressive solicitation process involving outside sales calls, inside appointments, telephone calls, individual letter and direct mail.
Assist the General Manager in the preparation of the annual marketing plan, including the action plans covering assigned market segments.
Send proposals on all leads which fit the profile of the property and actively follow through to convert from proposal to definite status.
Clearly outline on booking sheets client’s room block requirements, suite requirements, meeting and banquet space requirement so the accurate facilities may be reserved.
Obtain, document and route all necessary information on definite groups, including billing information, credit application, rooming list and VIP arrangements.
Document and pass on details on meeting arrangements, menus, audio-visual arrangements, etc., to the catering manager for follow up.
Maintain a sales quota as assigned by the General Manager and Ownership.
Maintain total and complete sensitivity to customer satisfaction and guests’ needs.
Communicate with Front Office, Housekeeping and Engineering Departments regarding guest rooms, requests, service needs and maintenance requests/needs.
Prepare and provide the General Manager with weekly sales call reports and weekly itineraries of planned sales calls to potential customers.
Practice a culture of guest service in all you do; promote courtesy, good will and a positive attitude in each and every encounter.
Ensure staff provides cheerful smart service daily.
Ensure guest satisfaction, follow up on guest feedback.
Lead and work in a positive work environment, fostering a culture of integrity, collaboration, and service.
Follow property safety and security procedures.
Perform other tasks any reasonable requests as assigned or directed.
Assist the General Manager on special projects as assigned.