Sales Associate

Maryland Office of Tourism Development; Perryville (MD); On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Maryland Office of Tourism Development seeks a Sales Associate to uncover, convert, and service high-volume group and event business for the lodge. You will respond quickly to inquiries, build client relationships, and manage the sales pipeline from inquiry to contract.

The role requires an Associates degree in hospitality or related field, 2+ years in hospitality, and strong Microsoft Office and CRM proficiency.

Qualifications

• Associates degree in hotel/hospitality or related field or equivalent experience/education.
• Minimum 2 years’ relevant hospitality experience.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM systems.
• Pass background check and drug screen.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent problem solving and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Convert group and meeting inquiries to sales via fast response time and proactive client service.
• Build and maintain key client relationships to generate repeat business.
• Enter activities in CRM, manage pipeline, and schedule future meetings.
• Prepare compelling group proposals, sales materials, and contracts.
• Create quarterly sales action plans and monitor execution.
• Meet group room and catering sales goals to support lodge profitability.

Skills

CRM knowledge

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Multi-tasking

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Team player

Education

Associates degree in hotel/hospitality or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

At Great Wolf the Sales Associate uncovers, converts and services high volume group and event business in accordance with goals established by Lodge leadership, contributing to the overall success of the Lodge.

• Convert group and meeting inquiries to sales via fast response time, exceptional sales skills and diligent client service
• Build and maintain key client relationships, generating repeat business and lifetime value
• Demonstrate strong account management fundamentals, including effective entry of all activities in CRM system, tracing next steps, pipeline management and setting future meetings.
• Prepare compelling group proposals, sales materials and contracts that result in sales wins
• Create and update quarterly sales action plans outlining business development objectives and market segment strategy
• Deliver on assigned group room and catering sales goals that contribute to the overall financial success of the lodge
• Complete Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and Resumes for clients and operations departments to communicate specific needs, contracted/agreed-upon details and pricing for the meeting, event or program
• Provide consultation/advice to clients on all aspects of lodge's facilities and services when proposing and contracting groups and events
• Monitor room blocks and communicate with appropriate property personnel on a weekly basis regarding group room pick-ups, rooming lists, etc.
• Represent the lodge in investigating and resolving any group complaints or conflicts including, but not limited to: billing issues, misplaced items, reservations and contract discrepancies
• Provide detailed information on meeting-specific needs throughout the entire booking process from negotiation through departure
• Enter accurate rooming lists, routing information, tax-exempt status and verification of payment in Company software systems
• Submit a weekly report to the director of sales and catering documenting sales activities, converted business and pipeline progression
• Maintain Posting Master (PM) account ledger by keeping track of all open PM accounts

Basic Qualifications & Skills:

• Associates degree in hotel/hospitality or related field or equivalent experience/education combination
• Minimum 2 years’ relevant experience in hospitality industry
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Successful completion of criminal background check and drug screen
• Successful Department of Motor Vehicle check
• Professional communication skills both verbal and written
• Strong problem solving and organizational skills
• Attention to detail and ability to exceed quality standards
• Enthusiastic and positive energy
• Multi-tasking ability

Physical Requirements:

• Able to lift up to 20lbs
• Able to bend, stretch, and twist
• Able to stand or sit for long periods of time