Director of Sales & Marketing
Sonesta International Hotels · St Louis, MO · 1 wk ago
Business DevelopmentFull-time
About the Role
As the Director of Sales & Marketing, you will set the tone for Sonesta’s Culture of Caring, focusing on creating amazing moments for guests and team members while driving success for your team. This role is responsible for developing and implementing the hotel's overall sales and marketing strategy, growing existing accounts, generating new business, and maximizing revenue and profits. You will provide leadership to ensure the effectiveness and productivity of the entire department, aligning with the company’s revenue and profitability goals.
Responsibilities
- Direct the solicitation efforts of the sales department staff and set departmental goals and strategy to align with the company’s mission.
- Develop new accounts, maintain existing accounts, and implement sales strategies to achieve revenue goals and maximize profits while maintaining guest satisfaction.
- Achieve budgeted revenues, sales goals, and maximize profitability within all areas of responsibility.
- Participate in the preparation of the annual departmental operating budget, the hotel sales and marketing plan, the annual and monthly forecast, and other assigned financial plans.
- Supervise, administer, and ensure timely completion of all activities of the Sales Department.
- Develop and maintain market awareness to predict revenue opportunities, create marketing plans, and set proactive strategies.
- Prepare and present effective and persuasive presentations to prospective clients.
- Maintain and develop networking opportunities through active participation in community and professional associations, activities, and events.
- Serve as the hotel representative for media-related inquiries in coordination with the General Manager.
- Attend trade shows and major market events locally and nationally to promote new business and increase sales.
- Promote teamwork and quality service through daily communication and coordination with other departments.
- Develop business plans, monitor competition and market trends to maximize market share, guest satisfaction, profitability, and employee engagement.
- Build strong relationships with property ownership through regular communication and performance updates.
- Engage with guests and customers to obtain feedback and ensure expectations are met or exceeded.
- Act as a champion for the property by promoting the brand, engaging in the local community, and building relationships with local businesses and stakeholders.
- Work with Revenue Management to develop a competitive pricing strategy to grow market share, occupancy, Rev/PAR, and yield.
- Prepare budgets and various financial reports for ownership and the corporate office as required.
- Interview, hire, train, and promote Sales department staff, providing constructive feedback and recommending disciplinary action when appropriate.
- Attract, retain, and motivate your team to uphold company standards and practices.
- Ensure employees receive proper training applicable to their position and career aspirations.
- Monitor, measure, and recognize the performance of team members.
- Support, comply with, and promote company initiatives, policies, and guidelines.
- Coach team members by providing specific feedback to improve knowledge, skills, and performance.
- Handle employee issues professionally and timely, ensuring fair and equitable treatment.
- Ensure success through the eyes of employees, guests, and owners by fostering a trusting environment and leading with integrity and respect.
- Inspire your team to embrace and demonstrate Sonesta’s values and GUEST People Standards.
- Perform any other job-related duties as assigned.
Work Environment
- Fast-paced environment with most work tasks performed indoors.
- Must be flexible to work variable days of the week, including weekends and holidays.
- Must be flexible to work variable shifts (days, nights, overnights).
- Ten- to twelve-hour shifts may sometimes be required.
- Up to 15% travel may be required.
Physical Demands
- May occasionally exert up to 50 pounds of force and/or frequently or constantly 20 pounds of force.
- May involve carrying, lifting, or pulling items weighing up to 50 lbs and pushing and/or pulling approximately 200 lbs.
- Frequent standing, bending, climbing, kneeling, and moving about the hotel.
Qualifications and Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in sales/marketing or a related field preferred.
- 8+ years of progressive experience in a hospitality or hotel Sales and Marketing setting.
- Direct supervisory experience in a Sales & Marketing leadership position.
- Experience working with major hospitality brands.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
- Ability to prioritize and organize work assignments.
- Extensive knowledge of the hotel and hospitality industry.
- Delphi and Opera PMS experience is a plus.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
- Health Savings Account with Company Match.
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match.
- Paid Vacation and Sick Days.
- Sonesta Hotel Discounts.
- Educational Assistance.
- Paid Parental Leave.
- Company Paid Life Insurance.
- Company Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance.
- Various Employee Perks and Discounts.
- Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness, and Accident Insurance.