Area Sales Manager

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Conduct a successful, aggressive solicitation process involving outside sales calls, inside appointments, telephone calls, individual letter and direct mail per company guideline Cultivating lead sources of sales, through direct sales calls, weekly visits to designated calendar targets within your territory and follow-up calls, some of which will be cold calls  Ensure focus is on proactive selling and reactive selling with individual and group goals. Send proposals on all leads which fit the profile of the property and actively follow through to convert from proposal to definite status. Ensure the development of a strategic account plan for the demand generators in the market. Provide customer intelligence in evaluating the market and economic trends that may lead to changes in sales strategy to meet or exceed customer expectations. Develop strong partnerships with local organizations to further increase brand/product awareness. · Develop strong community and public relations by ensuring property participation in local, regional and national tradeshows and client events. Review the STAR report, competitive shopping reports and uses other resources to maintain an awareness of the hotel's market position. Research competitor's sales team strategies to identify ways to grow occupancy and RevPAR and increase market share. Attend sales strategy meetings to provide input on weekly and overall sales strategy. Suggest innovative marketing ideas and proactively develop deployment strategies to continue to grow market share. Serve as the sales contact for the General Manager, Regional Sales leaders and current and future guests. Serve as hotel authority on sales processes and sales contracts. Participate in sales calls with members of the Sales and Marketing team to acquire new business and/or close on business. Identify public relations opportunities and coordinate activities to augment the overall marketing communication strategy. Support the General Manager by coordinating crisis communications. Execute and supports Customer Service Standards and hotel's Brand Standards. Execute and support the operational aspects of business booked (e.g., generating proposal, writing contract, customer correspondence). Execute exemplary customer service to drive customer satisfaction and loyalty by assisting the customer and ensuring their satisfaction before and during their program/event. Perform other duties, as assigned, to meet business needs.  SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Must have the ability to provide professional and courteous guest service. Must have good time management skills and the ability to work with minimal supervision. Must have good organizational skills, the ability to multitask and strong attention to detail. Must have the ability to understand and follow verbal/written instructions and communicate both verbally and in writing. Must have demonstrated business communication skills. Must have the ability to maintain a positive and professional attitude when interacting with clients. Must have excellent interpersonal skills Highly responsible, reliable, and ethical Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications One to two years of experience in the hotel industry, business management or similar discipline required. Previous hotel sales experience preferred, but not required. A valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation are required to meet with clients. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to sit for long periods of time; using hands and fingers repetitively; view computer screens for long periods of time; use office equipment, including a telephone; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel or crouch and frequently required to walk, climb stairs, talk and hear. May be required to regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Must be capable of effectively using close vision, distance vision, and color vision. Able to operate in mentally and physically stressful situations QUALIFICATION STANDARDS: High school education is required. College education is preferred. Must have prior experience in Sales Manager or Supervisor role. Must be able to effectively lead and motivate a team.