Hotel Director of Sales

Redd Hospitality; Columbus (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Redd Hospitality in Columbus, GA seeks an experienced sales and marketing leader to direct the solicitation efforts of the hotel’s sales team and oversee group, event, and catering sales. You will hire, train, and evaluate staff, ensure activation of Crescent and Hilton Curio tools, and drive revenue, ADR, and ROI through strategic planning and market insights.

You will participate in calls, trade shows and client meetings, maintain top accounts awareness, and collaborate with VP Marketing and

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate in English effectively, both written and verbal.
• Self-starting with a professional demeanor and team orientation.
• Strong presentation and sales skills with extensive travel experience.
• Knowledge of travel industry trends and market factors.
• Experience delivering high-impact sales presentations.
• Proficiency with sales tools and internal systems.

Responsibilities

• Direct solicitation efforts of the sales team, overseeing group and event sales.
• Hire, train, evaluate and discipline sales staff as needed.
• Ensure activation of brand tools and marketing programs.
• Monitor lead generation and conversion using sales tools.
• Set goals and targets for revenue, ADR, and marketing ROI.
• Participate in calls, trade shows and industry events to generate business.
• Maintain familiarity with top accounts and market share.
• Coordinate training and performance guidance for Crescent standards.
• Prepare forecasts, budgets, lead reports and other sales analytics.
• Collaborate with area leadership to optimize rate and occupancy.
• Engage in internal and owner calls to review performance and strategies.
• Coordinate with VP Marketing and Revenue to activate tools and support.
• Oversee hotel marketing both internal and external; manage Marketing Manager.
• Communicate performance, expectations and strategies with General Manager.
• Research travel industry trends to inform marketing strategy.
• Develop persuasive verbal presentations to attract clients.
• Meet with clients; some travel required.
• Prepare annual Sales & Marketing Plan and adjust to market conditions.
• Attend scheduled Sales Department meetings and related events.

Skills

English communication

Sales leadership

Public speaking

Market research

Team collaboration

Networking

Strategic planning

Client relationship mgmt

Negotiation

Hotel operations knowledge

Job description

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Direct the solicitation efforts of the sales team through effective oral and written communication while overseeing rate, date and space commitments for group, individual catering and event sales of the hotel.

2. Interview, hire, train, recommend performance evaluations, resolve problems, provide open communication and recommend discipline and/or termination when appropriate.

3. Ensure the tools of the management company as well as the Hilton Curio Brand are fully activated by the team.

4. Monitor the lead generation hunting process and use of tools such as CVENT to effectively solicit and convert business for the hotel.

5. With the General Manager, and as necessary the area team, set goals and stretch targets for the team which will include revenue, room nights ADR, FB contribution and ROI on Marketing efforts.

6. Both individually and with members of the sales team, participate in sales calls, trade show events and other industrywide networking events which can generate business for the hotel.

7. Be very familiar with the top accounts of the hotel in all segments, the hotel’s share of the market and what potential may exist to move share from other hotels.

8. Ensure training programs are conducted regularly and Crescent standards of performance are met. Give guidance and counsel staff toward improvement.

9. Compile and/or direct the preparation of reports pertaining to the operation of the Sales Department to include, but not limited to the annual and monthly Forecast, Marketing Budget, Lead Management System, Booking Report and Co-Star reports.

10. Ensure effective daily communication is in place holding the team accountable for strong communication, lead generation and conversion and general sales productivity.

11. Partner with Area Revenue Management to achieve the best business at the best rate at the appropriate time. Ask questions to support new initiatives and thinking practices to increase both ADR and Occupancy.

12. Participate in internal and owner/asset manager calls where sales and marketing performance and activities are discussed and be fully prepared to answer reasonable questions in a constructive way, taking note of suggestions for further review with the General Manager.

13. Work effectively with the area team to include the VP Sales, VP Marketing and VP Revenue Management to ensure all tools are activated to support hotels’ sales and marketing performance.

14. With the General Manager, oversee the marketing of the hotel, both internal and external, using the support of VP Marketing as appropriate. Oversee the performance and work of the hotel Marketing Manager.

15. Maintain open and consistent communication with the General Manager around sales performance, expectations, sales and marketing management and performance of the hotel. Discuss, understand and implement strategies reviewed with the General Manager to improve the performance of the hotel.

16. Coordinate ongoing research of the travel industry to detect market trends and related information for development of new marketing strategies. Make reasonable recommendations to improve potential from various markets.

17. Develop and conduct persuasive verbal sales presentations to prospective clients. Internally promote Crescent programs as well as Hilton Curio tools to ensure the team has the best resources available to drive performance.

18. Meet with and entertain clients some of which will require travel.

19. Communicate both verbally and in writing to provide clear direction to the staff.

20. Initiate the preparation of the annual Sales & Marketing Plan and execute plans as outlined critically, examining and adjusting as deemed necessary by current market conditions.

21. Organize and/or attend scheduled Sales Department and related meetings.

22. Comply with attendance rules and be available to work on a regular basis.

23. Perform any other job related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Must have the ability to communicate in English.

2.Self-starting personality with an even disposition.

3. Always maintain a professional appearance and manner.

4. Can communicate well with guests.

5. Must be willing to “pitch-in” and help co- workers with their job duties and be a team player.

6. Knowledge of travel industry, current market trends and economic factors.

7. Extensive skill in development and delivery of sales presentations.

8. Ability to access, understand and use tools at the hotels’ disposal to improve performance.

8. Ability to effectively deal with internal and external customers and staff, some of whom will require high levels of patience,

9. Ability to stand and move throughout the hotel property and continuously perform essential job functions.

10, 8+ years HOTEL Marketing experience with 2 years as a Director or above

11. Hilton experience preferred

12. Hotel experience in a property under 200 room