Group Sales Manager-Full Time - The Langham, Chicago

Langham Hospitality Group•United States,

11d•$68,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Group Sales Manager is responsible for generating rooms and banquet revenue for The Langham, Chicago, within designated markets and in line with goals set by the Director of Group Sales and/or Director of Sales and Marketing. The role balances reactive and proactive group sales activities, primarily covering a designated territory and developing an identified geographic or vertical market for groups requiring 16 or more rooms per night. New business development is a critical part of the position. The manager develops and executes account solicitation plans, cultivates existing accounts, negotiates contracts, conducts site inspections, follows up on leads, and presents proposals that meet client needs while maximizing profit. The role also requires timely customer service, accurate documentation and paperwork, knowledge of hotel services and brand standards, and collaboration with the Langham Hospitality Group Global Sales team. The position requires two to four years of Catering or Group Sales experience, ideally in a luxury hotel. A four-year college degree or commensurate management experience in a luxury hotel is preferred.

Requirements

Minimum of two to four years of Catering or Group Sales experience, ideally in a luxury hotel.
Ability to perform job functions with minimal supervision, including under pressure.
Ability to ensure the security and confidentiality of guest and hotel data.
Ability to enforce hotel quality procedures.
Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
Ability to think clearly, analyze and resolve problems, and exercise good judgment.
Ability to input and access information using a computer.
Ability to remain calm and courteous in demanding or difficult situations.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic.
Understanding or knowledge of computers and Amadeus, Delphi, Word, Excel, SEP, and Ideas.

Nice To Haves

A minimum of a four-year college degree or commensurate management experience in a luxury hotel is preferred.
Strong knowledge of the wedding market is desirable.
Previous guest relations training is desirable.

Responsibilities

Meet group sales booking goals to achieve budget and crossover.
Negotiate contracts and demonstrate understanding of contract terminology.
Develop and execute plans to solicit new accounts and business while cultivating and growing existing accounts.
Conduct elevated site inspections to close business.
Anticipate and respond to customer needs in a timely manner and acknowledge all customers.
Handle and document account details through solicitation and closing.
Entertain clients in hotel outlets as necessary.
Handle inquiry calls according to departmental procedures and Langham Hospitality Group shop-call requirements.
Maintain knowledge of hotel services, features, hours of operation, policies, procedures, the Langham brand and philosophy, and competitors' products.
Contact in-house customers to promote goodwill and encourage additional business, repeat bookings, or referrals to other Langham properties.
Attend departmental and hotel meetings as required.
Process paperwork for clients and other departments in a timely manner.
Present proposals that maximize profit while satisfying client needs.
Follow up on assigned sales leads in a timely manner.
Plan and prepare appointments for sales trips and follow up afterward in a timely manner.
Build and maintain positive relationships with Langham Hospitality Group Global Sales team members.
Participate actively in the Langham Pipeline lead referral program.
Maintain a professional and confident appearance.
Comply with Langham Hotel rules and regulations for the safe and effective operation of hotel facilities.

Benefits

Vacation pay and sick/personal time in accordance with Chicago Paid Leave and Paid Sick Leave Law.
Paid holidays.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance for the employee and family, with partial premiums paid by the employee.
Company-paid basic life insurance, AD&D, and short-term disability.
Optional long-term disability, additional life insurance, child life and spouse life coverage, pet insurance, identity theft protection, prepaid legal, critical illness, hospital care, and accidental injury supplemental plans.
401(k) plan with Roth option and employer match.
Free meals while on duty.
Uniforms and uniform cleaning for applicable positions.
Free and discounted hotel stays.
Discounted parking.
Company-paid Guidance Resources personal counseling benefit.