Sr. Group Sales Manager

Sonesta Hotels International Corporation; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 51,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Sonesta International Hotels in Irvine, CA is seeking an Experienced Senior Group Sales Manager focused on the Corporate Market. Build relationships to secure group room blocks and events for regional tournaments at various OC locations, visiting colleges and teams to expand relationships.

Lead senior team duties and collaborate with Marketing to create events that capture business. The role drives revenue through prospecting, closing accounts, and managing negotiated rates.

Qualifications

• Previous hotel/hospitality sales or corporate travel sales experience.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to prospect, negotiate, and close business opportunities in a competitive hospitality market.

Responsibilities

• Drive hotel revenue growth through proactive sales efforts focused on business transient, corporate travel, negotiated accounts, and local business opportunities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with corporate clients, travel managers, business travelers, third-party partners, and local organizations.
• Identify, prospect, and secure new business opportunities through networking, outside sales calls, site visits, lead generation, and relationship management.
• Manage business travel accounts, negotiated corporate rates, preferred partnerships, and transient sales strategies to maximize occupancy and revenue performance.
• Partner with Revenue Management, Operations, Marketing, and Front Office teams to align commercial strategies.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, business travel patterns, and account production to identify opportunities for growth.
• Conduct site tours, client meetings, presentations, and networking events to promote the property and strengthen relationships.
• Maintain accurate sales activity, account details, revenue forecasting, and pipeline reporting within CRM and hotel sales systems.
• Support group, meeting, catering, and event sales opportunities to maximize total hotel revenue.
• Achieve and exceed sales goals, revenue targets, and account production expectations through planning and execution.
• Represent the hotel at industry events, travel functions, and networking opportunities.
• Help foster a collaborative, energetic, and results-driven culture aligned with Sonesta's People People philosophy.

Skills

Hotel sales

Corporate travel sales

Negotiation

Relationship building

Communication

Tools

CRM systems

Hotel sales platforms

Job description

We're People People. Are you?

We're Sonesta International Hotels-the 8th largest hotel company in the U.S. (and growing fast ).

With a dynamic mix of full-service and focused hotels across major cities, our diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties means we're everywhere our guests need us to be.

But here's the thing-we're not just in the business of hotels, we're in the business of people. We bring service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and create experiences that genuinely connect-delivering quality, value, and memorable stays across 1,000+ properties in eight countries (and counting).

What this role is all about

Seeking an Experienced Group Sales Manager focused on the Corporate Market . You will work with various stakeholders to build relationships to secure group room blocks and events for regional tournaments hosted at a variety of locations in the Orange County area as well as visiting colleges and professional teams to build new relationships. This role is responsible for prospecting and closing on assigned accounts/territory to positively impact hotel revenue. This Sales Manager position is vital to the success of our hotel.

This position is for a Senior Group Sales Manager and as a senior position on our management team, you will be involved in setting a precedent for the culture for your immediate team as well as the relationship between departments. All administrative tasks will be created and completed within your daily responsibilities. You will be responsible for partnering with Marketing to create enticing ideas and events to capture business.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a fast-growing hotel company representing a newly renovated and highly sought-after hotel in the market.

What you'll be doing

What you'll be doing

• Drive hotel revenue growth through proactive sales efforts focused on business transient, corporate travel, negotiated accounts, and local business opportunities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with corporate clients, travel managers, business travelers, third-party partners, and local organizations.
• Identify, prospect, and secure new business opportunities through networking, outside sales calls, site visits, lead generation, and relationship management.
• Manage business travel accounts, negotiated corporate rates, preferred partnerships, and transient sales strategies to maximize occupancy and revenue performance.
• Partner closely with Revenue Management, Operations, Marketing, and Front Office teams to align commercial strategies and optimize hotel performance.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, business travel patterns, and account production to identify opportunities for growth.
• Conduct hotel site tours, client meetings, presentations, and networking events to promote the property and strengthen relationships.
• Maintain accurate sales activity, account details, revenue forecasting, and pipeline reporting within CRM and hotel sales systems.
• Support group, meeting, catering, and event sales opportunities as needed to maximize total hotel revenue.
• Achieve and exceed sales goals, revenue targets, and account production expectations through strategic sales planning and execution.
• Represent the hotel at industry events, travel functions, business networking opportunities, and community engagement activities.
• Help foster a collaborative, energetic, and results-driven culture aligned with Sonesta's People People philosophy.
• Any other duties as assigned.

What great looks like

• Previous hotel sales, hospitality sales, business transient sales, corporate travel sales, or business development experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of business transient, corporate travel, negotiated rate, and hotel sales strategies.
• Experience managing corporate accounts, business travel partnerships, RFPs, and client relationship development preferred.
• Excellent communication, networking, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to prospect, negotiate, and close business opportunities in a competitive hospitality market.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple accounts and priorities.
• Experience using CRM systems, hotel sales platforms, and reporting tools preferred.
• Ability to travel locally for outside sales calls, networking events, and client meetings as needed.
• Flexible availability including occasional evenings, weekends, networking events, and client entertainment opportunities.
• A passion for hospitality, relationship-building, sales strategy, and driving exceptional guest and client experiences.

Anticipated Pay Range & Additional Job Information

Pay range $37.50 - $38.00 per hour eligible for bonus. The base pay offered may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and specific/overall experience.

How we reward you

At Sonesta, we know showing up for our guests starts with showing up for our people. That means supporting your health, your financial future, and everything in between.

Here's a snapshot of what we offer:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with Company Match
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid Vacation & Sick Time
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Company-Paid Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness & Accident Insurance
• Educational Assistance
• Sonesta Hotel Discounts (yes, you'll want to use these )
• Additional Perks & Employee Discounts

Our Commitment to You

Sonesta is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.