Manager, National Sales

Great Wolf Lodge•Chicago, IL

23d•$75,000 - $85,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, National Sales is a key member of the national sales team driving the execution of the Company’s national sales strategy aligned to organizational initiatives. The Manager, National Sales focuses on proactively identifying and securing new strategic accounts for the Groups & Meetings brand through a high volume of outbound business development activities. The successful Manager, National Sales will manage existing strategic accounts effectively as demonstrated by annual revenue growth and retention, strong quality scores and collaborative partnership with lodge sales teams. Additionally, this role will work to expand the market awareness of the Groups and Meetings brand nationally and internationally and will achieve pre-opening sales targets for new lodges

Requirements

College degree from an accredited university, Business or Hospitality preferred
At least 3 years in Sales team position in the hotel and lodging industry
Demonstrated track record of exceeding revenue goals and closing multi-property or multi-market deals.
Demonstrated track record of executing high volume of outbound prospecting and business development activities; comfortable initiating and developing new relationships
Demonstrated technology expertise, particularly in CRM and hotel reservation systems
Demonstrated marketing aptitude, including leveraging social media channels (i.e. LinkedIn) to engage with prospects to build new relationships
Demonstrated multi-tasking skills including the ability to handle and prioritize multiple initiatives simultaneously
Demonstrated organizational skills and high attention to detail
Demonstrated excellent written, oral, presentation, organizational, and interpersonal skills and the ability to work and influence cooperatively
Demonstrated ability to develop & maintain relationships both internally and externally
Demonstrated collaborative team player who thrives in a fast paced environment
Demonstrated self-motivation and self-direction
Computer proficiency with ability to use Microsoft Office Products
Unblemished record of confidentiality
Ability to travel up to 40%
Ability to be based out of Great Wolf’s Corporate Office in Chicago, IL, currently working on a hybrid in-office/remote schedule (M/F optional remote work, T/W/Th in-office)

Nice To Haves

Experience participating in national trade shows
Deep knowledge of Opera and Amadeus (Delphi) software
Experience prospecting, presenting and developing business at national trade shows and third-party events.
Experience developing business with national third-party planner organizations.

Responsibilities

Source and build new strategic accounts with an emphasis on growing trough business across the brand; execute account-specific strategy including Customer Relationship Management (CRM) activities leading to achievement of assigned sales targets
Leverage CRM tools and systems to effectively grow database of key national strategic accounts and execute winning prospecting strategy; ensure all sales activities are documented in the CRM system
Manage, retain and grow existing strategic accounts through day-to-day management of the accounts and key client operational relationships; partner collaboratively with lodge sales teams to ensure seamless execution
Execute high quality and quantity of outbound prospecting and business development activities; convert these activities to meaningful leads, new accounts and revenue
Partner with Brand team to execute national Group & Meetings marketing activations including content development, co-marketing promotions and third-party campaigns.
Target national affinity groups with emphasis on filling need periods; partner with Brand team to develop and execute strategy for engaging social and professional affinity groups via social media channels, and lead national effort to target and win business from these organizations
Execute strategic sales plan for new lodge openings as demonstrated by achievement of pre-opening sales targets; document all CRM activities and facilitate seamless transition of account relationships to lodge sales team at the appropriate time
Represent the Groups & Meetings brand in the national and international marketplace, including but not limited to trade shows, industry conferences, sales calls and client events; at all times present a professional image of the brand that reflects Company values
Partner effectively and collaboratively with Lodge sales teams, particularly as it relates to client responsibilities; ensure a collaborative and positive tone is maintained at all times and that client needs are prioritized and ownership of activities clearly defined
Interface with other commercial functions and non-commercial departments, including brand, creative, revenue management, digital and finance to support the growth and execution of sales initiatives.
Develop and maintain positive relationships and alignment with key members of the commercial, corporate and lodge sales teams
Assist Corporate Director, Strategic Accounts with duties as assigned.
Responsible for the promotion of a safe and professional workplace through adhering to policies and procedures as outlined in the Great Wolf Resorts handbook.