Sales Manager

GDC•Dubuque, IA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

A premier hotel and entertainment destination in Dubuque, Iowa is looking to identify an experienced Sales Manager focused on hotel groups, meetings, banquets, conventions, and special events. This is a hands-on sales and event management role for someone who enjoys owning the entire client relationship. The Sales Manager will develop new business, manage key accounts, coordinate event details, and remain involved through execution to ensure each meeting or event delivers on the client's expectations. The ideal candidate combines strong hotel sales experience with a solid understanding of banquet and event operations.

Requirements

Previous hotel sales, catering sales, event sales, or convention sales experience
Experience within a full-service hotel, resort, conference center, convention center, or comparable event-driven property
Strong understanding of group rooms, meetings, banquets, catering, and event operations
Demonstrated ability to prospect for new business and develop long-term client relationships
Experience preparing proposals, negotiating agreements, conducting site tours, and closing business
Ability to manage events from the initial sales process through planning and on-site execution
Strong communication, organization, time management, and attention to detail
Comfortable working directly with clients as well as culinary, banquet, hotel, and operations teams
Professional, relationship-driven approach with a strong commitment to guest satisfaction

Nice To Haves

Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends based on scheduled meetings and events

Responsibilities

Prospect, develop, and secure new business for hotel groups, meetings, conventions, banquets, and special events
Build and maintain relationships with corporate clients, meeting planners, associations, organizations, and other group customers
Respond to sales inquiries, qualify opportunities, prepare proposals, and negotiate agreements
Conduct property tours and presentations for prospective clients and event planners
Manage client relationships from initial inquiry and contracting through event execution and follow-up
Coordinate guest room blocks, meeting space, banquet requirements, menus, room layouts, schedules, and other event details
Prepare and communicate clear event specifications to hotel, culinary, banquet, and operations teams
Partner closely with internal departments to ensure client expectations are understood and successfully executed
Maintain an on-site presence during assigned meetings and events to oversee execution and address client needs
Monitor event details and make adjustments when necessary to maintain a seamless guest experience
Conduct post-event follow-up to gather feedback, strengthen relationships, and generate repeat business
Maintain an active sales pipeline and accurate records of client activity, bookings, and future opportunities
Represent the property at networking events, community functions, industry events, and client meetings as needed