Join the Courtyard by Marriott Pensacola West, a Strand Hospitality managed hotel!

We offer many competitive benefits for our valued employees!

Full time Strand Hospitality associates have the option to enroll in Aetna medical, dental, and vision plans. They also have paid time off.

Everyone (including part time associates) can join a 401(k) Fidelity plan with a company match of up to 4% of the employee annual income. Associates also receive a life insurance policy, as well as discounts in hotels located worldwide, theme parks, Broadway shows, and much more!

Job Summary

The Sales Specialist supports the Sales Department and reports to the Director of Sales.

The specialist will provide administrative and project support which may include completing contracts, corresponding with clients, and assisting with setting up meeting spaces for group functions. The specialist executes special projects with the guidance of management.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Sales Specialist's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Supports the Sales Department administratively including correspondence, preparing reports, and assisting with reservations.

2. Provide telephone and message support for the department and responds to inquiries in a timely, clear, and pleasant manner.

3. Exercise decision making skills to direct requests both internal and external.

4. Maintain guest profiles, contacts and additional necessary records used in the Sales Department.

5. Assist with the preparation of contracts, proposals and addendums and track the completion status.

6. Act as liaison between Sales and clients.

7. Take booking inquiry information via phone and prepare proper paperwork.

8. Handle reservations for VIP guests and clients.

9. Ensure that all arrangements, including upgrades and amenities are handled properly.

10. Coordinate with other departments through verbal and written instructions.

11. Block group & meeting space specifications and ensure that accurate information is collected and entered in the reservations system.

12. Communicate with all hotel departments as appropriate. Ensure prompt attention to time sensitive requests by hotel colleagues.

13. Conducts hotel tour and site inspections for potential customers.

14. Provides weekly sales call reports and works with the team to direct their efforts to business needs.

15. Uses available tools to understand the market conditions and competitors' strengths and weaknesses and knows how to sell against them.

16. Leads the sales effort in proactively identifying, qualifying and soliciting business opportunities through account and market penetration and saturation.

17. Uses negotiating skills and creative selling abilities to maximize revenue.

18. Order office supplies and collateral inventory for Sales Department.

19. On a weekly basis prepares detailed and quality Group Resumes and Banquet Event Orders internally distributes to all necessary departments in an effort to proactively and appropriately convey pertinent group information to the team.

20. Handles key account contacts in representing the hotel.

21. Additional projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum of High School Diploma or GED

• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred

• Prior experience in Hotel Guest Services or Hotel Sales required

• Hotel brand experience preferred

Strand Core Values

All associates are expected to embody the values listed below with everyone they encounter and to support the company mission to Develop Prosperous, Lasting Relationships.

RESPECTFUL

ADAPTIVE

SERVICE

ACCOUNTABLE

UNIFIED

DEDICATED

Sales Specialist Core Competencies

• Initiative

• Attention to Detail

• Industry Awareness

• Time Management

• Building Relationships

Work Environment

• Frequent sitting, standing, walking as well as bending forward and trunk rotation while sitting and standing

• Vision – must have the ability to adjust focus as well as frequent use of close, peripheral and depth/distance vision

• Hands/Fingers – frequent typing and use of fine motor skills

• Occasional squatting, stair climbing and reach both above and below shoulders

• Occasional lifting and carrying up to 15 lbs.

It is the policy of Strand Hospitality Services not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.

This is not an employment contract.