SMERF Group Sales Manager

Overview

The SMERF Group Sales Manager is responsible for selling group events and lodging to the Social, Military, Educational, Religious, and Fraternal (SMERF) market segments to drive revenue for a hotel or event venue. Key responsibilities include prospecting and acquiring new business, building strong client relationships, developing and implementing targeted sales strategies, conducting property tours, coordinating with internal teams for seamless event execution, and tracking market trends and competitor activities.

• Prospecting for and securing new group business within the SMERF market segments.
• Achieving assigned sales and revenue goals for guest rooms and event spaces.
• Developing and implementing sales strategies and action plans to maximize revenue and occupancy.
• Building and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with SMERF clients.
• Serving as the primary point of contact, ensuring client satisfaction.
• Conducting follow-up calls and managing accounts to ensure needs are met and foster loyalty.
• Conducting property tours and persuasive sales presentations to showcase the hotel"s amenities.
• Articulating and leveraging the benefits of the property to close sales opportunities.
• Monitoring market trends, economic conditions, and competitor activities.
• Adjusting sales strategies to remain competitive and capitalize on opportunities.
• Collaborating with other departments, such as catering and operations, to ensure a seamless client experience.
• Participating in meetings to relay client needs and coordinate event details.
• Preparing and managing sales contracts, proposals, and other required documentation.
• Maintaining an accurate and up-to-date database of SMERF contacts.
• Providing accurate revenue forecasts and pipeline reports to management.

• Strong customer development and relationship management skills.
• Excellent communication, persuasion, and negotiation skills.
• Strong sales and closing skills.
• Effective problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet activity and sales goals.
• Knowledge of the local market and competitor landscape.
• Proficiency with hotel sales and management systems.

• High School diploma or equivalent required; previous Sales experience required.
• Demonstrate creativity and knowledge of food and beverage desired.
• Must have a valid driver’s license for the applicable state.
• Must possess developed verbal and written communication skills to frequently negotiate, convince, sell and influence other managerial personnel, hotel guest(s) and/or SMERF clients.
• Experience with professional selling skills desired: opening, probing, supporting, closing
• Must be proficient in general computer knowledge, especially Microsoft Office products
• Must be able to work independently and simultaneously manage multiple tasks, strong organization and presentation skills

• Entry level

• Full-time

• Sales and Business Development
• Industries:
  Hospitality