Director of Sales

Sonesta ES Suites located in Sandy Springs, GA is currently seeking an experienced Director of Sales to join their team.  This position offers tremendous growth potential, the ability to work independently, competitive benefits, as well as a management bonus plan. 

WHO WE ARE:

For over 65 years, Sonesta has owned, managed, designed, built and marketed hotels throughout the world.  Just as we believe in creating an unforgettable experience for our hotel guests, we take pride in treating every employee with respect, integrity and authenticity.  One of our core values is the on-going support of our employees' professional development - this manifests in our ability to make Sonesta more than a chain, but a collection of truly unique and distinct properties. 

OUR BENEFITS:

We offer excellent benefits to employees who work a minimum of 30 hours per week including medical insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield, dental, life insurance, short term and long term disability.  Additional benefits include a generous vacation, holiday and sick day paid-time-off, 401K, Flexible Spending Account, Tuition Reimbursement, etc.

SUMMARY:

The Director of Sales will develop and implement the total sales and marketing strategy of the hotel to ensure that revenue and room night sales goals are achieved; revenue, sales and marketing strategies are set; tactical plans are created and implemented; and that results are monitored and achieved.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop new accounts, maintaining existing accounts, and implement sales strategies to achieve revenue goals and maximize profits for the hotel, while maintaining guest satisfaction. Develop and maintain relationships with key clients in order to produce group and/or convention business, to include room sales, food & beverage sales, and catering/banquet services.
• Regularly sell hotel rooms through direct client contact.
• Partner with hotel GM and Regional Revenue Manager to effectively maximize RevPar opportunities in the local market.
• Achieve budgeted revenues and personal/team sales goals and maximize profitability within all areas of responsibility. Participate in the preparation of the annual departmental operating budget, the hotel marketing plan and business plan, and financial plans which support the overall objectives of the hotel. Produce monthly reports and sales forecasts.
• Identify operational problems that impact the effectiveness of marketing activities and overall hotel sales performance and work with appropriate department heads on solutions.
• If managing other Sales employees (Sales Manager(s), Reservationist), direct the day-to-day activities of the team, plan, organize, and assign work, develop and communicate strategies and goals. Create, train, and motivate those responsible for developing new accounts, maintaining existing accounts, and implementing sales strategies to achieve revenue goals and maximize profits for the hotel, while maintaining guest satisfaction. Advise staff of formal policies and procedures.  Recommend and/or initiate salary, disciplinary, or other staffing/human resources-related actions in accordance with Company rules and policies. Alert management to potentially serious issues.
• Create and implement hotel-level tactical sales plans that drive measurable incremental occupancy, increase average rates, increase business volume during off-peak periods, increase local food and beverage sales, and enhance the image of the hotel in local community. Monitor sales activities/performance to ensure actual sales meet or exceed established revenue plan.
• Analyze current/potential market and sales trends and coordinate all activities to maintain and increase revenue and market share through added business volume and increased rate.
• Schedule conventions and/or business group activities at the hotel and coordinate with other hotel-level departments to facilitate services agreed upon by the sales office and prospective clients.
• Develop and maintain good relationships with:

*Officials and representatives of local community groups and companies, and attend out-of-town conventions and trade shoes, to promote new business and increase sales for the hotel. In coordination with General Manager, serve as hotel representative for media related inquiries and refer sensitive matters to the Corporate Communications as necessary.

*Guests - to ensure their total satisfaction

*Airlines, wholesalers, corporate accounts, travel agencies, ad agencies within local, domestic, and international markets - to ensure repeat business, follow up on events and generate new business

*Other contacts as needed (Professional organizations, private clubs, community groups, local media)

• Perform other duties as assigned
• May serve as "manager on duty" as required

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Hotel Administration, Business Administration or related field highly preferred.

Three years of experience in a hotel sales setting.  Specific market knowledge of this geographic area is highly preferred. Supervisory experience preferred. Previous background from the extended stay industry preferred. Ability to speak, read, and write fluent English. Bi-lingual skills a plus.

This job requires the ability to perform the following:

• Frequently standing and moving about the facilities
• Carrying or lifting items weighing up to 25 pounds
• Using a keyboard to generate correspondence, reports, etc.
• Handling objects, products, and equipment

This job requires ability to perform the following:

• Office and administrative work that requires use of a computer, keyboard, and phone
• Frequently sitting, standing up and moving within and outside the facility
• Occasional carrying or lifting items weighing up to 20 pounds

Other:

• Communication skills are utilized a significant amount of time when interacting with others; demonstrated ability to interact with guests, employees and third parties that reflects highly on the hotel, the brand and the Company.
• Reading and writing abilities are utilized often when completing paperwork and management reports, interpreting results, giving and receiving instructions, and training.
• Mathematical and analytical skills, including basic math, budgeting, revenue management, forecasting, profit/loss concepts, percentages, and variances are utilized frequently.
• Problem solving, reasoning, motivating, organizational and training abilities are frequently used.
• Ability to travel to interact with clients and others and to attend workshops, tradeshows, conventions, etc.
• Requires a valid Driver's License.
• Will be required to work some nights, weekends, and/or holidays.

Please include your salary requirement on the online application and upload your resume.