Area Sales Manager

The Tennessean Hotel; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PayActive wage access

Flexible schedules

Paid Time Off

Healthcare benefits

401k with 4% match

Hotel discounts and perks

Job summary

The Tennessean Hotel in Knoxville seeks an Area Sales Manager to drive group revenue by cultivating relationships with key markets. You will source and secure group business, tailor proposals, and coordinate with hotel teams to ensure successful events, reporting to the Area Director of Sales.

Responsibilities include managing RFPs, negotiating contracts, and aligning with the sales strategy to achieve revenue goals. This role offers growth opportunities within hospitality sales.

Qualifications

• Hotel industry knowledge is a plus.
• College degree or hotel experience is preferred.
• Previous experience in a similar or related position is desired.
• Certifications related to hotel sales are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prospect new business opportunities for group sales.
• Manage and respond to RFPs and inquiries.
• Negotiate and execute group contracts with clients.
• Coordinate with hotel operations to ensure client expectations are met.
• Report to the Area Director of Sales and support the sales strategy.

Skills

Relationship building

Hospitality sales

RFP management

Negotiation

Education

College degree or hotel experience

Experience in sales or hospitality

Job description

Area Sales Manager

As the Area Sales Manage, you will drive group revenue by cultivating relationships within these niche markets. This role is responsible for the Hilton Downtown Knoxville, Marriott Downtown Knoxville and The Tennessean. You’ll proactively source and secure group business, tailor proposals to client needs, and coordinate with hotel teams to ensure successful events. This role reports to the Area Director of Sales.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Sales Manager your day-to-day responsibilities will include proactively prospecting for new business opportunities, managing and responding to incoming RFPs and inquiries, negotiating and executing group contracts, and ensuring clear communication of client expectations with the hotel operations team.

You will report directly to the Director of Sales, working closely with them to meet revenue goals and support the overall sales strategy.

A role in hotel sales offers a comprehensive understanding of how the hotel operates and is an excellent foundation for a long-term career in hospitality. This position can lead to exciting growth opportunities within the sales discipline—including moving into larger markets, managing different segments, becoming a Director of Sales, or even advancing into corporate or third-party sales roles.

Education & Experience

Hotel experience is always a plus! Applicants should have:

• A college degree or two years of hotel experience
• Previous experience in a similar or related position

Additional consideration will be given to applicants who have completed special certifications, such as job-specific.

Essentials

To be a successful candidate, you will need the following:

• Eligible to work in the United States.
• Sufficient education and/or literacy needed to identify and read product labels and to communicate with guests about job-related needs.
• The ability to see, hear, talk, sit, stand, handle objects, bend, kneel, stoop, and lift items as needed for the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Ability to embrace HVMG’s Culture of Excellence by showing a warm smile, friendly personality, and positive attitude.

This position may require a varied schedule, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Please share your scheduling needs.

Our Associates Love

• Amazing opportunities for career advancement across HVMG
• Flexible full-time and part-time schedules
• Up to 40% earned wages paid BEFORE payday with PayActive
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
• Full Healthcare Benefits (including medical, dental, and vision coverage)
• 401k Retirement Plan with a guaranteed 4% match and no vesting
• Hotel and Food and Beverage Discounts and Perks

An Equal Opportunity Employer

We provide equal opportunity without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, or disability.

E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law.