Group Sales Manager - Onsite (FT)

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa•Acme, MI

6d•$45,000 - $65,000•Onsite

About The Position

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa seeks a dynamic and driven Group Sales Manager to join our Conference Sales team and help elevate the success of our group business sales. As a Group Sales Manager, you will be responsible for booking group business within a designated market segment (SMERF - Social, Sports, Weddings, Family reunions, Military/Government, Education, Religious, Fraternal), growing an established base of accounts, and uncovering new opportunities to maximize revenue and room night goals. The ideal candidate is a passionate sales professional with proven skills in prospecting, rate and contract negotiation, business planning, and relationship management, who thrives in a fast-paced environment, has a track record of exceeding targets, and aligns with the company's core values. This is an onsite position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university
2-4 years of proven, tracked sales experience
Demonstrated ability to travel via commercial airlines, utilize rental cars, stay in hotels, and navigate unfamiliar locations
Exceptional sales skills, including prospecting, negotiation, and closing
Strong business planning, analytical, and communication skills
Proficient in using sales systems (Salesforce) and Microsoft Office Suite amongst other programs
Positive, entrepreneurial attitude and ability to work with different personality types
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to handle multiple priorities under deadline
Able to motivate others, communicate professionally and create a pleasant working environment
Team-oriented with strong interpersonal skills and a customer-focused mindset
Analyze and interpret financial reports and legal documents
Respond to inquiries and complaints with professionalism and tact
Present information clearly to management, clients, and public groups
Apply mathematical concepts to practical business situations
Maintain confidentiality and adhere to company policies

Responsibilities

Proactively target and solicit group accounts in your assigned market segment, focusing on account saturation and new business development
Analyze market data and historical information to identify, qualify, and recommend prospective group accounts
Understand the overall market in which they sell (i.e.: competitors’ strengths and weaknesses, economic trends, supply and demand, etc.)
Respond promptly to incoming group leads (10+ rooms peak) and manage the contracting process from negotiation to close
Build and strengthen relationships with existing and new customers through sales calls, trade shows, FAM trips, site inspections, and entertainment
Collaborate with off-property sales channels and internal resort departments to ensure coordinated sales efforts and superior guest experiences
Negotiate rates and contracts within established parameters to secure the best opportunities for the resort, balancing market conditions and hotel needs
Maintain accurate and timely information in Salesforce to support effective communication and contract execution
Prepare creative proposals and contracts tailored to client needs
Deliver effective turnover to conference services to ensure flawless execution of group events
Provide effective, professional and productive communication amongst internal departments
Develop and implement clear market plans and action steps to achieve personal and resort revenue goals
Achieve established group revenue, room night, and food & beverage goals as set with the Director of Sales
Organize prospect files and collaborate on marketing materials to enhance travel and sales efforts
Participate in designated training programs and maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices
Prepare and execute marketing plans, submit annual travel budgets, and manage travel arrangements and expense reports
Communicate sales updates with the Sales Team, Representation Companies, and Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau
Support and adhere to the resort’s environmental practices