A tranquil Illinois hotel is seeking a bold, resourceful, decisive, and experienced professional to serve as the new Assistant Director of Sales. The Assistant Director of Sales is responsible for all group sales efforts for this 4 season destination resort located on the outskirts of Chicago. The ideal candidate is currently a Senior Seller at a larger property (300 rooms) who is looking to take the next step into leadership.

The Assistant Director of Sales meets and exceeds revenue goals by developing new accounts and growing current hotel accounts in a profitable and win-win selling approach. This position is responsible for all communications between all hotel managers as they relate to hotel sales developments, special projects, target accounts, and sales tactics. It is responsible for revenue maximization and control of expenses through effective negotiation of contracts, timely and accurate submission of requests for proposals (RFPs), lead responses, accurate forecasting, appropriate marketing endeavors and expenditures, and labor and checkbook tools. Responsible for successful and growing relationships in both the community and within hotel accounts to assure customers remain loyal and book future business with the hotel/company. Uses direct selling and solicitation efforts for seeking out new business and investigating developments in the community.

This position offers flexibility in working from home 1-2 days per week.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Direct sales: Targets appointment-oriented sales calls to ensure a successful direct sales program, in accordance with goals established by department budget and marketing Must have own reliable transportation and possess a valid state driver’s license in order to make sales calls.
• Key account management: Maximizes current hotel key accounts by identifying and capturing those that offer revenue growth.
• New account development: Captures competitor’s accounts through networking, research, CMX reports, and reader board surveys in order to target and solicit those most probable to generate new
• Plans and implements an on-going targeted account development “hit list” in order to create new revenue and acquire valuable hotel contacts, and contracts.
• Continually targets and prospects for new business through telemarketing, individual creativity, relationship building, community involvement, and innovation.
• Yield management: Utilizes yield management techniques by profitably negotiating room rates and function space commitments in order to enhance the hotel’s financial performance.
• Account service and management: Maintains well-documented, accurate, organized and up-to-date file management system in order to service client and employer in the most expedient, organized and knowledgeable manner.
• Develops strong customer relations through frequent communication and the use of professional, courteous and ethical interpersonal interaction.
• Develops customer profiles and maintains an effective trace system, including trace dates and references, in order to best meet client needs, resulting in superior account service and increased
• Promptly follows-up on all customer needs and inquiries in an efficient and expedient
• Product knowledge: Conducts research, surveys, personal investigation and studies marketplace and territory in order to effectively capitalize on the hotel’s strengths and competitor’s weaknesses and
• Time management: Focuses on revenue-producing activity and maximizes selling time by dedicating time to direct sales efforts.
• Assures the sales team's involvement in the hotel and community activities, making sure sales staff members are well-known inside and outside the hotel.

In addition to the performance of the essential functions, this position may be required to perform a combination of the following supportive functions, with the percentage of time performing each function to be solely determined by the supervisor based upon the particular requirements of the company.

• Achieves activity goals as established by management and completes all reports and assignments in an accurate and timely fashion.
• Contributes to the hotel’s overall sales effort during planning and strategy phases through research and knowledge input.
• Sets the appropriate example of time commitments and maintaining hours which demonstrate commitment and dedication to personal and hotel financial goals.
• Community/trade involvement: Actively participates in those community and trade organizations that most benefit the hotel’s exposure to the community and the hotel’s bottom
• Performs other duties as assigned or deemed necessary by
• Oversees hotel operations, serving as Manager on Duty for specified shift(s) on a periodic basis, if implemented at the hotel.
• Maintains a continuous open-door policy to answer team member questions needing immediate
• Implement procedures to enhance or support various administrative or communications challenges.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

In the absence of the Director of Sales & Events:

The Associate Director of Sales is responsible for the supervision of employees in the sales and catering office. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work, appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or university program certificate and three years of related experience as a sales team leader.
• Requires knowledge of general sales techniques, yield management, and customer service skills.
• Seasonal Resort Experience is required.
• Understand and follow verbal/written instructions.
• Work on more than one task at a time.
• Develop strong internal and customer relationships.
• Set and manage priorities and plan activities in advance.
• Solve problems and make sound business decisions.
• Respond to coach, feedback, and training.

If interested in learning more about this great opportunity, please apply or send your resume to our SearchWide Global Executive, Kathryn Millard.

About SearchWide Global

SearchWide Global is a full-service executive search firm primarily for companies in the travel, tourism and convention, and hotel and lodging industries. We specialize in C-Level, Director, and Management level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to mid-sized public and private companies.