Hotel Sales Manager

The Hilton Garden Inn Chicago North Shore Evanston seeks a dynamic Sales Manager to help our sales strategy and significantly drive revenue growth. The Sales Manager will be responsible for Selling and Servicing Group & Catering business from all market segments, primarily handling smaller group blocks & smaller meetings & events. Assist in booking business, maximizing revenues, and ensuring the overall efficient operation of the Sales Department.

The Sales Manager will manage all aspects of accounts in order to achieve guest satisfaction and solicit new and past business to ensure revenue goals are met or exceeded. The Sales Manager is responsible for initial contact with client, detailing client’s event, thorough communication to Operations team for execution of the event, and client follow-up post-event to re-book/retain business.

• Responds in a timely manner to incoming group/catering business opportunities.
• Ensures that all business is booked within hotel parameters (Appropriate F&B Minimums, Space Rental Fees, Menu Pricing.. etc)
• Conducts hotel site inspections and client presentations.
• Create contracts and other related booking documentation as required. Manage and maintain client account files.
• Prospect for new business – participate in sales blitzes, cold calling and contacting former clients to solicit new business and attends industry events/programs as needed.
• Builds and maintains strong client relationships.
• Detail events to include all food & beverage, set up and audio-visual needs. Ask appropriate questions of the clients and make suggestions to ensure the details meet the group and the hotel’s needs.
• Create group resumes and communicate client needs to all departments of the hotel. Ensure hotel staff follows through on all requests.
• Use negotiating skills and creative selling abilities to close on business and negotiate contracts.
• Ensure all contracts/groups that are assigned to you are executed to the best of the hotel’s capabilities. To ensure best execution of the events that are assigned, some general job duties are:
• Timely communication between Sales and Clients (lead response time, email, etc.)
• Greeting client/group/event on arrival day to ensure Hotel Team is ready for client’s arrival – including weekends/holidays

• Previous Hotel Sales Department Experience preferred
• Previous Saleforce system experience preferred, specifically BEO & detailing experience.
• Bachelor’s Degree required, Hospitality Curriculum a plus.
• Professional demeanor with superb communication skills; including verbal, telephone, and email. Proper phone etiquette is necessary. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well in a team environment.
• Ability to exercise effective judgment, sensitivity, and confidentiality always.
• Strong organizational skills, multi-tasking skills, and ability to follow-up on all details.
• Self-starting personality with an even disposition.
• Strong knowledge of food & beverage

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