Group Sales Manager

Summary

The AC Hotel Reston and Residence Inn Reston are seeking an energetic, relationship-focused, and results-driven Group Sales Manager to join our Sales team. Located in the heart of Reston, our dual-branded Marriott property offers modern accommodations for business travelers, corporate meetings, government travelers, sports teams, and extended-stay guests. The Group Sales Manager is responsible for generating new group business while cultivating long-term client relationships that maximize revenue across both hotels. This individual will proactively identify opportunities, negotiate contracts, and work closely with Operations to ensure exceptional guest experiences from booking through departure. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with a passion for hospitality sales, strong prospecting skills, and a proven ability to exceed revenue goals in a competitive market.

About the Role

The Group Sales Manager is responsible for proactively soliciting, developing, and closing group business for the AC Hotel Reston and Residence Inn Reston. This position focuses on driving revenue through corporate meetings, government groups, association business, sports teams, training programs, project-based business, and social groups.

Key responsibilities include:

• Generate new group business through prospecting, networking, and strategic sales calls.


• Develop and maintain relationships with corporate, government, association, and third-party meeting planners.


• Respond promptly to leads and inquiries while maintaining a healthy sales pipeline.


• Negotiate contracts and secure profitable group business.


• Conduct hotel site tours and client presentations.


• Attend networking events, trade shows, and community organizations to increase hotel visibility.


• Utilize Marriott sales systems, Knowland, CVENT, and other lead-generation tools to identify new business opportunities.


• Achieve monthly, quarterly, and annual revenue goals.


• Provide exceptional customer service before, during, and after each event to foster repeat business.

Qualifications

• Previous hotel sales experience required.


• Experience selling select-service or full-service hotels strongly preferred.


• Proven success in proactive sales, business development, and account management.


• Strong negotiation, presentation, and closing skills.


• Experience managing group bookings and client relationships from prospecting through execution.


• Knowledge of Marriott sales platforms is preferred


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.


• Highly organized with exceptional time-management abilities.


• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative sales team.


• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Business, Marketing, or related field preferred (or equivalent hotel sales experience).