HWS Director of Sales

JOB PURPOSE:  Develops strategy for and initiates potential business account interest, solicits and negotiates contracts for hotel business for a specific assigned market(s) (national, corporate, state, regional,  association, sports tournaments, and/or other group functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

· Solicits account leads from group meetings/event planners and decision-makers for cultivation and development.  Develops sales plan and strategy in order to meet or exceed room night and other revenue goals.

· Represents the hotel with prospective customers to provide necessary information on hotel facilities and services and to determine levels of interest.

· Manages and negotiates account details end contracts so that all pertinent aspects of solicitation and closing are complete and documented—Communicates and plans for operations departments' participation in servicing accounts.

· Formulates program and submits formal sales proposals to prospective customers.

· Leads on-site inspections by customers, entertains customers, performs outside sales calls to develop leads.

· Attends trade shows/events and makes personal calls on customers, which may involve travel within the United States, dependent on assigned markets.

· Regular attendance in conformance with the standards, which Homewood Suites may establish from time to time, is essential to the successful performance of this position.

• Forecasts realistic group pick-up utilizing recent convention history and other information.
• Distributes information relative to the [company] [customer?] and the hotel.
• Actively participates where appropriate in related trade organizations.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned or required.

· Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES):

· Knowledge of the hotel sales process includes lead generation, solicitation, negotiation, and closing techniques.

· Ability to read the English language to fully comprehend guest requests, memos, proposals, general correspondence, and similar written materials.

· Advanced English language writing skills for formulating proposals, memos, and general correspondence.

· Ability to speak English to communicate with customers and hotel team members effectively.

· Interpersonal skills to provide overall guest satisfaction.

REQUIRED EDUCATION OR COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Must be at least 21 years of age or older
• High School Diploma or GED.
• 4-year college degree preferred.
• 2 years hotel experience in hospitality sales, conference planning, or convention skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

· Standing-30% /Walking-30% /Sitting-40%.

· Some light lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 30 lbs.

· Exposure to VDT's/CT from the computer screen.

· Office/Hotel setting; Shift work; Required to work weekends, holidays, and overtime

· On 24-hour emergency call.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT:  This job description lists the primary duties and responsibilities required of the employee.  An employee to perform tasks other than those listed to meet business needs.