Sales Director - Footlab OC

The Sports Facilities Companies•Santa Ana, CA

About The Position

The Sales Director is responsible for driving Footlab OC’s venue revenue through tournament and event sales, sponsorships, referrals, rebooking strategies, banquet and facility rentals, equipment rentals, and pre-sold group merchandise. The role develops new business, manages client relationships, supports marketing and partnership efforts, and coordinates with Operations to deliver successful events while meeting annual revenue and booking goals. The position manages sales and business development activities, develops outbound campaigns and community-segment strategies, cultivates partnerships, and oversees sponsorship outreach and marketing performance. It also supports and coaches sales team members, maintains a client pipeline, responds to inquiries, prepares proposals and contracts, and coordinates client needs and event execution with internal teams. The Sales Director may serve as Manager on Duty and assist with operational functions as needed.

Requirements

Three to five years of sales or business development experience, preferably in events, hospitality, sports, or recreation.
Proven success booking and supporting the execution of corporate functions, banquets, tournaments, community events, or other facility rentals.
Experience developing sales campaigns, marketing initiatives, sponsorship plans, or strategic partnerships.
Strong knowledge of sales techniques, CRM tools, proposal development, and client relationship management.
Strong time management, organization, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
Customer-focused approach and ability to lead through collaboration and accountability.
Ability to travel to national trade shows and regionally by car.
Ability to lift 40 pounds waist high.
Ability to sit for extended periods operating a computer and conduct venue tours for prospective clients.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree, or equivalent experience in sales, business development, hospitality, sports, recreation, or a related field.
One to two years of supervisory, team-lead, or department-lead experience.
Familiarity with regional events, tourism organizations, convention and visitors bureaus, or regional sports commissions.

Responsibilities

Manage day-to-day business development and sales activities, including sponsorships, sport and non-sport events, facility rentals, banquets, and marketing support.
Supervise, train, coach, and support sales team members as assigned; communicate expectations and maintain consistent sales processes and customer service standards.
Develop and implement outbound sales campaigns to increase event bookings, sponsorships, registrations, and facility revenue.
Develop, coordinate, and execute at least eight signature non-sport events annually.
Design and execute targeted sales campaigns for corporate, church, nonprofit, education, and other community segments.
Build and maintain relationships with local businesses, convention and visitors bureaus, regional sports commissions, and other strategic partners.
Manage sponsorship sales and adapt outreach based on available inventory, client needs, and performance.
Implement the approved annual marketing plan and monitor marketing KPIs with facility leadership and marketing partners.
Attend networking events, trade shows, community events, and other activities to promote facility offerings and generate leads.
Develop and maintain a pipeline of prospective clients through cold calling, referrals, lead generation, CRM activity, and community outreach.
Respond to event inquiries, conduct site tours, and prepare customized proposals, contracts, and other sales materials.
Manage client relationships before and during events, support retention and rebooking, and identify opportunities for additional business.
Coordinate with Operations and other departments on event logistics, facility needs, and execution.
Serve as the primary sales contact for assigned events and work with internal teams to address client needs and resolve issues.
Represent the facility as Manager on Duty as needed and assist with event setup, execution, and other operational functions when required.
Track sales activity, bookings, revenue performance, and progress toward annual goals; provide regular updates to facility leadership.
Perform other duties as assigned by management.