Group Sales Manager

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants•New Orleans, LA

About The Position

The Group Sales Manager provides high visibility for the hotel in major market areas through direct sales solicitation, telephone contact, written communications, and community involvement, serving as a local and regional representative of Kimpton. The role is responsible for developing group and other sales opportunities, building client and community relationships, and meeting individual and team sales and revenue goals. The position requires a service-oriented, high-energy approach and the ability to manage multiple functions and priorities. The manager develops marketing action plans, prepares creative proposals, negotiates and executes fair and profitable contracts, and tracks sales activity and production using Delphi. Travel may be required for customer calls and presentations within the assigned discipline or region.

Requirements

At least 2 years of sales management experience, preferably in the association market.
At least 2 years of hotel sales experience in Upper Upscale hotels.
Proven successful selling, prospecting, and negotiation skills.
Excellent organization, task management, and verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to identify new business opportunities and maintain customer loyalty.
Ability to work in a high-energy, service-oriented environment and manage multiple functions and priorities.
Ability to read, write, and communicate verbally effectively and professionally with business departments, guests, and vendors.
Ability to handle difficult situations and people diplomatically while maintaining professionalism.
Ability to perform the physical demands described, including occasional lifting or moving of 10–50 pounds and minimal lifting or moving of up to 75 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality/Tourism Management, Business, or a related field is preferred.
Knowledge of Delphi is a plus.

Responsibilities

Achieve or exceed quarterly individual pace and production goals for assigned markets.
Solicit, negotiate, and book new and repeat business through prospecting, site tours, sales blitzes, prompt follow-up on leads and referrals, reader board analysis, and networking.
Develop and enhance relationships with key accounts, business and travel industry accounts, community organizations, and professional associations to increase visibility and market share.
Meet minimum weekly sales activity requirements and track weekly activity and production status using Delphi.
Conduct telephone prospecting using selected databases, group accounts, leads, known accounts, and other opportunities to generate sales business.
Present sales proposals to clients and ownership verbally and using current technology.
Create and conduct familiarization trips for meeting planners and companies.
Follow up on and generate leads.
Conduct site inspections and attend trade shows as needed.
Travel as needed to conduct sales calls and customer presentations within the assigned discipline or region.
Create and complete marketing action plans.
Develop creative proposals and negotiate and execute fair and profitable contracts.
Perform essential duties satisfactorily, with reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities.