Group Sales Manager

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Why We're Here We believe heartfelt, human connections make people's lives better. Especially the people who work here. Our founder, Bill Kimpton rebelled against impersonal, generic hospitality that makes people feel disconnected. He initiated a new boutique hotel standard and environment where people could connect, from the heart. That was the goal then, and it is still our purpose today. Your work here has meaning. You're here to improve the lives of coworkers, guests, owners, communities, and together we make that happen. It's what drives all that we do. Every day you can improve lives in your own, unique way and you can expect the same in return. It all starts with you. How We're Different Our San Francisco-born entrepreneurial spirit and zest for life kick started this culture in 1981, and it shines through to this day. It all flows from you. The lively, rebellious, genuine you - with your diverse background, talents, experiences, and plucky personality - is fully welcome, and celebrated here. Because we know that when people can be themselves at work, they shine. That's what we seek out and celebrate. It's people of all kinds who share a knack for creativity and self-leadership. People who don't need to be told what to do to get things done. People who have an innate passion for making others' lives better. It adds up to a work environment that's a bit quirky, irreverent, exciting, uncommon, empowering, and downright exceptional. Guests feel it; you'll feel it too. What You'll Do Working closely with the Director of Sales & Marketing (DOSM) and Associate Director of Sales (ADOS) you'll build a clear and credible vision for the hotel sales team. You'll maintain a balance of proactive and reactive selling, maintenance and growth of key accounts, and sales team development while utilizing skills as a strategic sales and revenue leader in our organization. Your goals are aligned around the achievement of total hotel room revenue, group bookings, market share results, and sales training.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree is preferred.
1 to 3 years of lifestyle and/or luxury hotel experience.
Ability to encourage, lead and manage a team by example.
Act as owner of the hotels and communicate a clear sense of strategy and purpose.
Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Well organized, detail oriented with excellent follow-up and communication skills.
Ability to convert vision into specific and tangible actions to benefit the hotels.

Responsibilities

Achieve or exceed weekly, quarterly, and annual individual sales and production goals across assigned markets.
Drive group and business transient performance through strategic planning, targeted deployment, and alignment with marketing initiatives.
Solicit, negotiate, and secure new and repeat business to maximize room revenue and meet individual and team revenue targets.
Lead proactive sales efforts including lead generation, follow‑up, outbound prospecting, and business development.
Negotiate and execute fair, profitable contracts aligned with revenue strategy.
Analyze market data, pace trends, and future demand to provide actionable recommendations.
Conduct regular reviews of industry intelligence tools (e.g., STR, Hotelligence) to inform strategy and identify market share opportunities.
Partner with Revenue Management and DOSM on pricing strategy, market mix shifts, and competitive positioning.
Prepare and present sales performance updates, segment insights, and opportunity analyses to the DOSM, General Manager, and Ownership.
Generate monthly group sales performance reports and assist in setting production goals for the team.
Develop, strengthen, and maintain relationships with key accounts to increase loyalty, visibility, and long‑term revenue growth.
Identify, pursue, and cultivate high‑value group opportunities within assigned territories.
Collaborate with national sales teams to support strategic deployment and address key account needs.
Organize and host client site inspections, FAM trips, and client engagement events to drive conversion and retention.
Conduct persuasive in‑person and virtual sales presentations using modern technology.
Make outbound prospecting calls using curated databases and creative outreach methods.
Travel as needed to complete sales calls, attend trade shows, and represent the property at industry events.
Ensure accurate and thorough account documentation and sales activity tracking in Delphi.
Monitor the competitive landscape and recommend strategic actions to protect and grow market share.
Stay current on industry trends and introduce innovative approaches to attract new business.
Support the hotel’s competitive positioning through SWOT analysis and targeted action plans.
Create compelling, creative proposals and contribute to marketing action plans that align with sales strategies.
Support sales team growth through weekly meetings, coaching, and quarterly performance check‑ins.
Lead skill‑building initiatives, including weekly sales training sessions.
Foster a culture of urgency, accountability, and proactive selling to meet the hotel’s business needs.