Sales Manager

voco Chicago Downtown/Holiday Inn Chicago Dwtn - Wolf Point; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance from day 1

Paid time off from day 1

Holiday pay from day 1

401(k) after 30 days

Hotel discounts

Travel discounts

Professional development

Job summary

First Hospitality in Chicago is seeking a results-driven sales professional to secure group business from targeted markets, handling no more than 15 room nights while maximizing revenue across all hotel departments. You will support the Sales Department, build lasting client relationships, present proposals, negotiate contracts, and coordinate site tours to ensure client needs and hotel standards are met.

2+ years of sales experience is preferred and a 4-year degree is valued.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of sales experience, preferably in hotels or related field.
• 4-year degree in hospitality management or sales preferred, or equivalent experience and education
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including electronic communication
• Must be able to speak, read, and write in the primary language used in the workplace
• Experience and skills in contract creation, negotiations, and client presentations

Responsibilities

• Responds in a timely manner to incoming group/catering business opportunities.
• Ensures that all business is booked within hotel parameters.
• Conducts hotel site inspections and client presentations.
• Create contracts and booking documentation; manage client account files.
• Prospect for new business through sales initiatives and events.
• Builds and maintains strong client relationships.
• Detail events including F&B, setup, and A/V requirements.
• Coordinate group resumes and communicate needs to hotel departments.
• Promote hotel brand loyalty programs and coordinate special rate packages.

Skills

Communication

Office skills

Sales experience

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in hospitality management or sales

Tools

CI/TY

Job description

What's in it for you...

• Insurance enrollment available from DAY 1!
• Paid time off available from DAY 1!
• Holiday pay available from DAY 1!
• 401(k) enrollment after 30 days!
• Hotel and travel discounts at worldwide destinations!
• Professional development and promotion opportunities!

About this job...

• Responsible for selling group business from specific markets/regions primarily handling no more than 10 to 15 room nights while maximizing revenues for all areas of the hotel.
• Assists in the overall efficient operation of the Sales Department, manages accounts to achieve guest satisfaction and solicits new and past business to ensure revenue goals are met or exceeded.
• REPORTS TO: Director of Sales & Marketing
• ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• 1. Responds in a timely manner to incoming group/catering business opportunities.
• 2. Ensures that all business is booked within hotel parameters.
• 3. Conducts hotel site inspections and client presentations.
• 4. Create contracts and other related booking documentation as required. Manage and maintain client account files.
• 5. Prospect for new business – participate in sales blitzes, cold calling and contacting former clients to solicit new business and attends industry events/programs as needed.
• 6. Builds and maintains strong client relationships.
• 7. Detail events to include all food & beverage, set up and audio-visual needs. Ask appropriate questions of the clients and make suggestions to ensure the details meet the group and the hotel’s needs.
• 8. Create group resumes and communicate client needs to all departments of the hotel. Ensure hotel staff follows through on all requests.
• 9. Use negotiating skills and creative selling abilities to close on business and negotiate contracts.
• Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
• Using business tools and first‑hand observation, analyze market competition, market trends, and identify client needs.
• Proactively solicit and secure business from new and prospective clients using proven sales strategies aligned with the hotel’s brand and vision.
• Achieve revenue and market share goals by working in conjunction with the Director of Sales and other Sales Managers, supporting cross‑segment selling tactics as needed.
• Manage client contract processincluding negotiation, provisions, and supplemental solution selling, capturing all information necessary for execution and billing.
• Coordinate and conduct site tours emphasizing features to meet client needs and opportunities to enhance overall satisfaction.
• Engage in purposeful communication and build long‑lasting rapport with clients, creating an open dialogue to uncover client expectations and unrealized needs.
• Promote hotel brand loyalty programs, encourage client participation, and offer special rate packages and upgrades when appropriate.
• Effectively communicate with hotel departments to ensure timely and accurate delivery of client expectations, fulfillment of needs, and challenge resolution.
• Always maintain professionalism consistent with hotel brand and company expectations.

What you'll be doing...

• Superior Communication Skills (written & verbal, including phone skills)
• Computer Skills (Outlook, Word, Excel)
• Sales Software Knowledge Helpful (i.e. CI/TY)
• Professional Demeanor
• Demonstrated ability to multi‑task, manage time and work well under pressure
• At least 1-2 Years of Sales Experience (preferably in hospitality)
• Superior Negotiation Skills - Proven ability to close deals
• Sales Skills - Possesses strong ability to influence and/or persuade buying decisions and to close sales or gain commitment from others; creates good rapport and exhibits the ability to grow and maintain key partnerships.
• Communication - Has both verbal and written skills, to effectively execute meetings and events this includes keeping the appropriate departments informed with EO's and other necessary information; actively listens to extract essential information in order to maximize revenue and execute successful meetings and events.
• Organizational Skills - Ability to determine priority tasks and maintain strong attention to detail..

Experience & Education:

• 2+ years of sales experience, preferably in hotels or related field
• 4-year degree in hospitality management or sales preferred, or equivalent experience and education

Communication:

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including electronic communication
• Must be able to speak, read, and write in primary language used in the workplace

Physical:

• 8+ hours per day sitting desk/computer; stand and walk occasionally throughout workday
• Lift, lower, and maneuver up to 10 pounds occasionally
• Manual dexterity and repetitive motions required throughout workday

About First Hospitality...

Founded in 1985 and based in Chicago, First Hospitality is a forward‑thinking hotel development, investment, and management company. First Hospitality’s strategic vision is to create value for all through excellence and an openness to doing things differently.

First Hospitality seeks to attract and retain a high‑performing and diverse workforce in which employee’s differences are respected and valued to better meet the varying needs of the customers we serve. FH fosters an inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration, flexibility, and fairness. Equal Opportunity Employer.

Source: Hospitality Online