Director of Sales and Marketing

About the Property & Employer

The Blackstone, Autograph Collection is owned and operated by Vinayaka Hospitality (VH). VH manages the property and makes all employment-related decisions, including hiring, compensation, benefits, and workplace policies. Vinayaka Hospitality was founded in 2008 and focuses on innovation, intelligence, and compassion in the hospitality industry. They manage a portfolio of properties under brands like Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and Wyndham.

The Blackstone Hotel, originally opened in 1910, is located in downtown Chicago and is known for its historical significance and modern amenities. VH is committed to growth and investing in its associates to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace. The company is an equal opportunity employer.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off (vacation, sick time, holidays)
• Six paid company holidays and one floating holiday
• 401(k) with company match (up to 4%)
• Life and disability insurance
• Employee assistance programs
• Employee discounts (hotel and travel discounts)

Job Summary

Implement a successful solicitation strategy to target guests to meet and/or exceed revenue goals.

Essential Functions

• Achieve and exceed budgeted room nights and revenue goals annually.
• Analyze and estimate total value of each piece of business and negotiate best situation for achieving optimum revenue for the hotel while ensuring excellent customer service.
• Utilize the marketing plan to uncover new and potential business.
• Ensure accuracy for forecasting of revenues with the most updated information.
• Recruit, direct, manage, train, and counsel sales staff.
• Assist Sales/Catering/Convention services in obtaining necessary customer information and closing business, as requested.
• Supportive Functions:
• Professionally represent the hotel in community and industry organizations and events.
• Participate as a team player with other key executive members.
• Provide constructive feedback to all departments and to hotel sales and marketing staff.
• Be a leader and role model to all employees.

Requirements

• Requires 5 or more years of Director of Sales & Marketing Experience.
• Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace.
• Must be able to read and write to facilitate the communication process.
• Requires good communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Most tasks are performed in a team environment with the employee acting as a team leader.
• There is minimal direct supervision.
• Possess basic computational ability.
• Possess computer skills, including, but not limited to, use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Delphi.
• Knowledge of computer accounting programs, math skills as well as budgetary analysis capabilities required.
• Extensive knowledge of sales skills.
• Possess the ability to assess/evaluate employees’ performance fairly.
• Extensive knowledge of revenue management.
• Possess the ability to recruit, supervise, train, and motivate multiple levels of managers.
• Knowledge of hotel and competitive market.
• Possess the ability to analyze data and establish appropriate action plans.

Availability

This company operates seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Generally, the position works Monday through Friday with hours varied based on business demand. At times, it may be necessary to move you from your accustomed work day, to include Saturdays and Sundays, or time of work if business or task assignments demand. In addition, it should be understood that business needs determine the amount of hours that you work.