Group Sales Manager

BASIC PURPOSE: Promote and sell to group market in defined geographic region. Generate hotel awareness through direct phone sales; direct sales calls, tradeshows and networking groups. Work closely with sales and marketing team to solicit, sell and confirm group business required to meet budgeted sales goals.

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Develop accounts (new and existing) by mapping specific business and buying tendencies. Include group profile for each meeting; maintain organized and professional plan for correspondence and follow up.
2. Perform daily telephone solicitations to new and existing accounts/customers in defined geographic region.
3. Promote awareness to all markets via travel to respective regions in the country providing presentations and personal sales calls.
4. Create and execute direct sales plan specific to market assignment.
5. Promote local awareness through maintaining relationships with CVB’s and tourism authorities.
6. Conduct tours of property to meeting planners and other potential customers while informing of all hotel services available; entertain customers on property, during site inspections, pre-planning trips, and program operation when appropriate.
7. Work closely with DOSM through execution of definite program; keep Director of Sales & Marketing promptly and fully informed of all problems or unusual matter so prompt corrective action can be taken where appropriate.
8. Coordinate all sales related activity through the direction of director of sales; negotiate contract specifics to achieve maximum profitability while satisfying customer needs.
9. Conduct all sales related interactions with the highest level of professionalism while maintaining specified Alden Hotel standards.
10. Comply with Alden Hotel Work Rules and Standards of Conduct

 NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

 1.      Assist with all guest inquiries within the sales and marketing department, including assisting with high telephone volume and walk-in site inspections.

2.      Participate in hotel specific, local, and Alden Hotel sponsored sales blitz, and telephone blitz activity.

3.      Assist operations team in “crunch” situations.

4.      Maintain relationships with peers at local hotels.

Requirements:

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

 Education: College education required or equivalent experience.

Experience:  Three to Five year's experience with downtown Houston experience preferred.

 Skills and Abilities:  Strong communications (telephone and in person).

Strong writing and oral presentation skills

Requires knowledge of and ability to operate computer equipment

Basic knowledge of hotel operations