Director of Group Sales

Hockey-Western-New-York,-LL; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 88,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

401(k) with employer matching

Paid time off

Sabres game tickets

Job summary

Hockey Western New York, LLC is seeking a Director of Group Sales to drive the group sales strategy for the Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bandits. The role requires leading a revenue-focused group sales team, coaching staff, and coordinating campaigns across departments to maximize ticket sales.

The position emphasizes strategic development, hands-on leadership, and the ability to manage multiple initiatives while delivering results in a busy sports environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in sports ticket sales/service experience.
• Minimum 2 years of sales management experience.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and lead by example.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal, detail oriented, strong problem-solving skills and decision making abilities.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Organization: handle multiple projects and tasks, while always following up and following through
• Collaboration: work with other departments to maximize sales opportunities
• Accountability: take complete ownership of your work and "run your own business"
• Critical thinking: think on your feet and lead with customer service through problem solving
• Creativity: be a key contributor with new ideas and execution focus
• Internally motivated and coachable with passion for learning skills to be a revenue generator in sports.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement group sales strategies for the Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bandits.
• Collaborate across departments to execute group sales campaigns that drive awareness and urgency.
• Develop recommendations for ticket products, budget utilization and sales strategies for the Group Sales team.
• Collaborate with ticket sales and service leadership team to develop and maintain all group campaigns and lead distribution in CRM.
• Research and develop programming to aid in group sales campaigns and identify best practices.
• Assist in creation of Group Sales offerings, including hospitality and value-added packages.
• Help lead and develop Group Sales training for the Ticket Sales team.
• Oversee the Group Sales team with day-to-day management and coaching.

Skills

Sports ticket sales

Sales management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

The Director of Group Sales will have a wide range of responsibilities to help the Ticket Sales & Service department function at its highest level. Implementation and execution of group sales strategy as well as oversee the revenue generation of the group sales team. The Director of Group Sales should exhibit a passion for ticket sales, willingness to grow and learn and be motivated to the next great step in their personal career, while continuing to help our organization grow upon recent success.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Create and implement group sales strategies for the Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bandits that align with organizational objectives and department goals.
• Collaborate across departments to execute group sales campaigns that drive awareness and build urgency.
• Develop recommendations for ticket products, budget utilization and sales strategies for the Group Sales team.
• Collaborate with ticket sales and service leadership team to develop and efficiently maintain all group campaigns and lead distribution in CRM.
• Responsible for researching and developing robust programming to aid in group sales campaigns and identify new group sales best practices, while continuing to focus on traditional top Group Sales categories.
• Assist in creation of Group Sales offerings, including but not limited to; hospitality and value-added package offerings, fan experience packages, theme nights, etc.
• Help lead and develop Group Sales training on behalf of the entire Ticket Sales team.
• Oversee the Group Sales team, providing day-to-day management and growth through one-on-one coaching and training.
• Responsible for Group Sales team scheduling, performance reviews and payroll approvals.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Attend all game days and other special events as needed with a goal of revenue generation, group event planning, and community programming.
• Perform other related duties and tasks as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications for the Position:

• Minimum of 5 years in sports ticket sales/service experience preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of sales management experience required.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and lead by example.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal, detail oriented, strong problem-solving skills and decision making abilities.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Organization:Handle multiple projects and tasks, while always following up and following through
• Collaboration:Work with other departments to maximize sales opportunities
• Accountability:Take complete ownership of your work and "run your own business"
• Critical thinking: Think on your feet and take the lead with customer service through problem solving
• Creativity:Be a key contributor to the team with new ideas and concepts with a focus on executing
• Internally motivated and coachable individual with passion for learning skills to be a revenue generator in sports.
• Possess a strong work ethic and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Compensation

This is a salaried, exempt role and will pay an annual base salary between $88,000 - $95,000. Note: Wages will be determined based on factors such as candidate experience, qualifications, skill set and internal equity.

Benefits & Incentives

• Medical Plans: Comprehensive and affordable medical plans; supplemental vision care, dental care, life insurance coverage, fully paid, short and long-term disability and life insurance coverage.
• Investments: 401(k) with employer matching; annual discretionary defined employer contributions
• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off including vacation, sick, volunteer time and diversity awareness days
• Sabres Experience: (up to 4) Comp tickets to Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bandits, Rochester Americans when available
• Wellness: Annual Health & Wellness fair, monthly wellness initiatives including but not limited to lunch & learns, fitness classes and challenges.
• Sabres Family: many annual social events for employees and their families to enjoy, including various holiday parties and activities. DEI committee with annual initiatives, ERG (Employee Resource Groups), Community Volunteer opportunities and more.

Hockey Western New York, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.