Director of Sales

Position Overview:

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Director of Sales to lead the sales efforts at The Courtyard in Highland Park IL. The ideal candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic sales and marketing plans to achieve revenue goals, enhance market share, and drive business growth. The Director of Sales will work closely with the management team to ensure the hotel's sales targets are met and exceeded, fostering a culture of high performance and exceptional service. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Sales Strategy and Planning:

   - Develop and implement comprehensive sales strategies to achieve revenue and profitability targets. 

   - Conduct market analysis to identify opportunities, trends, and competitive landscape. 

   - Create and manage sales budgets, forecasts, and reports. 

• Business Development:

   - Identify and pursue ne
w business opportunities, including corporate accounts, group bookings, and events. 

   - Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, travel agencies, and other partners. 

   - Attend industry events, trade shows, and networking functions to promote the hotel. 

• Team Leadership:

   - Lead, mentor, and develop the sales team, setting clear goals and expectations. 

   - Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide ongoing training and development. 

   - Foster a collaborative and positive work environment, encouraging teamwork and innovation. 

• Marketing and Promotions:

   - Collaborate with the marketing team to develop and execute marketing campaigns and promotional activities. 

   - Oversee the creation of sales collateral, presentations, and promotional materials. 

   - Manage the hotel's online presence, including website content and social media platforms. 

• Client Management:

   - Maintain and grow existing client relationships through regular communication and personalized service. 

   - Handle high-level negotiations and contract discussions with clients. 

   - Ensure client satisfaction by addressing and resolving any issues or concerns promptly. 

• Sales Operations:

   - Oversee the sales process from lead generation to contract signing and follow-up. 

   - Utilize hotel management software and CRM systems to track sales activities and performance. 

   - Monitor and analyze sales metrics, adjusting strategies as needed to achieve goals. 

• Collaboration and Communication:

   - Work closely with other departments, including operations, catering, and finance, to ensure seamless execution of sales initiatives. 

   - Participate in regular management meetings to align sales goals with overall hotel objectives. 

   - Provide regular updates and reports to the General Manager and Regional Director of Sales. 

Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred. 

- Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in hotel sales, with at least 3 years in a leadership role. 

- Proven track record of achieving sales targets and driving revenue growth. 

- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. 

- Excellent negotiation and client management abilities. 

- Proficiency in hotel management software, CRM systems, and MS Office Suite. 

- Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. 

Benefits:

- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses. 

- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance. 

- Paid time off and holidays. 

- Retirement plan w

- Professional development and career growth opportunities.