What's in it for you...

• Insurance enrollment available from DAY 1!
• Paid time off available from DAY 1!
• Holiday pay available from DAY 1!
• 401(k) enrollment after 30 days!
• Hotel and travel discounts at worldwide destinations!
• Professional development and promotion opportunities!

About this job...

The Group Sales Manager is responsible for selling group business from specific markets and regions while maximizing revenues for all areas of the hotel. Reporting directly to the Director of Sales & Marketing, this role assists in the overall efficient operation of the Sales Department. The Group Sales Manager manages accounts to achieve high guest satisfaction and proactively solicits new and past business to ensure hotel revenue goals are met or exceeded.

What you'll be doing...

• Respond to Inquiries: Promptly answer incoming group and catering business opportunities, ensuring all business is booked within established hotel parameters.
• Prospect & Solicit: Proactively secure business from new and prospective clients using proven sales strategies. Participate in sales blitzes, cold calling, and contacting former clients, while attending industry events and programs as needed.
• Analyze the Market: Use business tools and first-hand observation to analyze market competition, track market trends, and identify client needs.
• Drive Revenue: Achieve revenue and market share goals by working closely with the Director of Sales and other Sales Managers, supporting cross-segment selling tactics.
• Negotiate & Contract: Manage the client contract process from start to finish. Use creative negotiating skills to close business, handle provisions and supplemental solution selling, and capture all information necessary for execution and billing.
• Conduct Site Tours: Coordinate and host hotel site inspections and client presentations, emphasizing features that meet client needs and enhance overall satisfaction.
• Detail Events: Plan and organize all food & beverage, room set-up, and audio-visual needs. Ask insightful questions and make suggestions to ensure the event meets both the group’s and the hotel’s needs.
• Communicate Internally: Create comprehensive group resumes and effectively communicate client needs to all hotel departments. Ensure staff follows through on all requests for timely and accurate delivery of client expectations.
• Build Relationships: Engage in purposeful communication to build long-lasting rapport with clients, creating an open dialogue to uncover unrealized needs.
• Promote Loyalty: Encourage client participation in hotel brand loyalty programs and offer special rate packages and upgrades when appropriate.
• Uphold Standards: Always maintain professionalism consistent with hotel brand and company expectations.

Success factors...

Experience & Education:

• 2+ years of sales experience, preferably in hospitality, hotels, or a related field.
• 4-year degree in hospitality management, sales, or equivalent education and experience preferred.
• Proficiency in standard computer systems (Outlook, Word, Excel) and administrative skills.
• Familiarity with sales software (e.g., CI/TY) is highly preferred.

Skills & Abilities:

• Sales & Negotiation: Proven ability to close deals, influence buying decisions, and creatively negotiate contracts while maintaining key partnerships.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills (including phone and electronic). Actively listens to extract essential information to maximize revenue and execute successful events. Must be able to speak, read, and write in the primary language used in the workplace.
• Organization: Demonstrated ability to multi-task, prioritize workflows, manage time effectively, and maintain strong attention to detail while working well under pressure.
• Professionalism: Maintains a highly professional demeanor in all client and internal interactions.

Physical:

• 8+ hours per day sitting at a desk/computer; stand and walk occasionally throughout the workday.
• Manual dexterity and repetitive motions required throughout the workday.
• Lift, lower, and maneuver up to 10 pounds occasionally.

About First Hospitality...

Founded in 1985 and based in Chicago, First Hospitality is a forward-thinking hotel development, investment, and management company. First Hospitality’s strategic vision is to create value for all through excellence and an openness to doing things differently.

First Hospitality seeks to attract and retain a high-performing and diverse workforce in which employees' differences are respected and valued to better meet the varying needs of the customers we serve. FH fosters an inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration, flexibility, and fairness. Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities.