Event Sales Manager

The Lodge at Whitefish Lake; Whitefish (MT); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Insurance

Company discounts

Job summary

The Lodge at Whitefish Lake is seeking a dynamic Sales Manager to drive revenue by cultivating leads and developing new business opportunities for our resort in Whitefish, Montana. This role focuses on coordinating weddings, group events, and related services while upselling food, beverage, and resort offerings.

You will manage proposals, contracts, deposits, and on-site event execution, collaborating with the operations team to exceed client expectations.

Qualifications

• Preference for a 4-year degree in hospitality, event management, or related field.
• Proven experience in event sales and planning with a track record of successful events and client satisfaction.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with clients, vendors, and team members.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities, with the capability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams. Experience using Salesforce, RDP, Social Tables, and Cateresses is highly beneficial.
• A positive, can-do attitude and ability to work effectively under pressure, maintaining composure and solving issues quickly and professionally.
• A broad understanding of the tourism industry and the day-to-day operations of a full-service resort hotel.
• Passion for the events industry, staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Respond to client inquiries and nurture relationships in a timely and professional manner by providing general information and developing customized proposals based on client requirements.
• Convert leads to clients, create and manage room blocks in the reservation system, reserve venue(s) in the event space calendar, accurately prepare group booking contract documents in accordance with company policies, and secure signed contracts and deposits in established timelines.
• Coordinate all aspects of the client's experience at the property (or properties), schedule and manage menu tastings, create room diagrams based on the client's preferences, create the banquet event order, and collect advance deposits and final payments in accordance with established policies.
• Assist clients with planning and booking event rentals, recreational activities, transportation, entertainment, and other requests to create overall positive experiences.
• Effectively and proactively communicate contracted arrangements and client needs and preferences to the property's operations team, ensuring all client expectations are met or exceeded.
• Schedule and manage pre-event meetings to review all aspects with clients, their planner (if applicable), and the banquet manager and/or captain assigned to the event.
• Day-prior & day-of wedding coordination; ensure seamless on-site event execution, overseeing event setup, vendor and wedding party coordination, food & beverage service, and support the operations team in fulfillment of the contract.
• Stay updated on industry trends and market demands, identifying new opportunities to enhance the event experience and exceed client expectations.
• Occasional travel to key and emerging markets to participate in trade shows to promote the Averill Hospitality properties and services.
• Active participation in networking organizations and activities to cultivate relationships and grow referrals.
• Participation in planning and execution of open house event(s) to showcase properties.
• Administrative tasks as required in the performance of the role.

Skills

Event sales

Client relationships

Communication skills

Organization

Project management

Microsoft Office

Salesforce

Meeting deadlines

Education

Bachelor's degree in hospitality or related field

Tools

Salesforce

Social Tables

Cateresses

Microsoft Word/Excel/Outlook/Teams

RDP

Job description

At The Lodge at Whitefish Lake, we believe in creating unforgettable experiences. As one of the only AAA Four Diamond-rated resorts in Montana, we specialize in organizing and executing high-quality corporate events, conferences, and special occasions. Our dedicated team is committed to delivering exceptional service and ensuring every event is a resounding success. We seek a dynamic and talented Sales Manager to join our team and contribute to our continued growth.

PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES AND POSITION PURPOSE

The Event Sales and Service Manager generates profitable revenues by cultivating leads and developing new business opportunities while upholding brand standards and identity. This position manages sales and coordination of wedding, wedding-related, and other group events for Averill Hospitality's Whitefish properties and upsells food & beverage, resort services, and group recreation.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Respond to client inquiries and nurture relationships in a timely and professional manner by providing general information and developing customized proposals based on client requirements.
• Convert leads to clients, create and manage room blocks in the reservation system, reserve venue(s) in the event space calendar, accurately prepare group booking contract documents in accordance with company policies, and secure signed contracts and deposits in established timelines.
• Coordinate all aspects of the client's experience at the property (or properties), schedule and manage menu tastings, create room diagrams based on the client's preferences, create the banquet event order, and collect advance deposits and final payments in accordance with established policies.
• Assist clients with planning and booking event rentals, recreational activities, transportation, entertainment, and other requests to create overall positive experiences.
• Effectively and proactively communicate contracted arrangements and client needs and preferences to the property's operations team, ensuring all client expectations are met or exceeded.
• Schedule and manage pre-event meetings to review all aspects with clients, their planner (if applicable), and the banquet manager and/or captain assigned to the event.
• Day-prior & day-of wedding coordination; ensure seamless on-site event execution, overseeing event setup, vendor and wedding party coordination, food & beverage service, and support the operations team in fulfillment of the contract.
• Stay updated on industry trends and market demands, identifying new opportunities to enhance the event experience and exceed client expectations.
• Occasional travel to key and emerging markets to participate in trade shows to promote the Averill Hospitality properties and services.
• Active participation in networking organizations and activities to cultivate relationships and grow referrals.
• Participation in planning and execution of open house event(s) to showcase properties.
• Administrative tasks as required in the performance of the role.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

• Preference for a 4-year degree in hospitality, event management, or related field.
• Proven experience in event sales and planning, with a track record of successful events and client satisfaction.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with clients, vendors, and team members.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities, with the capability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams. Experience using Salesforce, RDP, Social Tables, and Cateresses is highly beneficial.
• A positive, can-do attitude and ability to work effectively under pressure, maintaining composure and solving issues quickly and professionally.
• A broad understanding of the tourism industry and the day-to-day operations of a full-service resort hotel.
• Passion for the events industry, staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.

WHY JOIN US

• Join a reputable and well-established resort hotel and event venue known for delivering excellence.
• Be part of a dynamic team of experienced hospitality and event professionals passionate about creating unforgettable experiences.
• Flexible schedule and competitive salary and benefits package.

The Lodge at Whitefish Lake, part of Averill Hospitality, offers part and full time, year-round employment, paid holidays, paid time off, insurance, and company discounts in Whitefish, Montana's premier leisure and outdoor activity destination on the shores of Whitefish Lake.

Averill Hospitality provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.