Area Director of Sales - Arlington/Herndon

Responsibilities

• Targets group/business transient accounts, markets, or segments with heavy emphasis on proactive solicitation and account saturation.
• Responds to incoming sales leads for the property.
• Identifies, qualifies and solicits new business to achieve personal and property’s revenue goals.
• Focuses efforts on key and target accounts with significant potential sales revenue.
• Develops and executes effective sales plans and actions.
• Maximizes revenue by selling food and beverage to groups.
• Understands the overall market; competitors’ strengths and weaknesses, economic trends, supply and demand etc. and knows how to sell against them.
• Closes the best opportunities for the property based on market conditions and property needs.
• Uses negotiating skills and creative selling abilities to close on business and negotiate contracts.
• Handles complex business with significant revenue potential as well as significant customer expectations.
• Builds and strengthens relationships with existing and new customers to enable future bookings.
• Activities to include sales calls, entertainment, FAM trips, trade shows, etc.
• Develops relationships within community to strengthen and expand customer base for sales opportunities.
• Provides excellent customer service in order to grow share of the account.
• Collaborates with Director of Revenue to manage group room blocks effectively including cutoff dates, rooming lists, etc.
• Conducts formal pre-event meetings as required to review/communicate group needs.
• Ensures proper and prompt follow up on all upsell opportunities.
• Manages meeting space, room set up, food and beverage and audio visual requirements.
• Collaborates with all other operational departments to communicate group details via the group resume pertaining to arrival/departures, billings, special requests, etc.
• Identifies improvements to enhance the client experience.
• Maintains performance level when experiencing changes or challenges.
• Adhere to all standards, policies, and procedures and consistently maintain a professional and ethical representation within the Sales and Catering Department.
• Performs other duties, as assigned, to meet business needs.

Requirements

• A proven track record of success in a hotel or a related service industry
• 3+ years of Multi-hotels sales experience required, with a minimum of 1 year managing direct reports preferred.
• A proven track record of success in a hotel or a related service industry
• Must be detail oriented, leadership experience, have ability to communicate well with all levels within and outside the organization, and be able to problem-solve with employees and guests.
• Must be able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Skills And Experience

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates independent problem solving skills and identify process improvements needed.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office and Excel.
• Strong work ethic and professional focus; High level of integrity and discretion.
• Ability to work extended hours based on business needs, with physically demanding responsibilities such as walking, standing, carrying, and lifting throughout the extended shift.
• Ability to push, pull, and lift up to 20 pounds on occasional basis.

Education

• 2-year degree from an accredited university in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Hospitality, or related major, preferred.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• College degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Basic Microsoft Office and Delphi experience also desired.
• Professional membership and community involvement desired.