Director of Sales

Director of Sales – Holiday Inn Bloomington - Normal

Sand Hospitality | Full-Time | Exempt | Hotel Sales Leadership

Sand Hospitality, a division of Sand Companies, Inc., is a trusted hotel management and development organization operating branded hotels across the Midwest. We are committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences, strong financial performance, and meaningful career growth opportunities for our team members. As part of a fast-growing hospitality portfolio, you will join a company that values innovation, integrity, and a people-first leadership culture.

Sand Hospitality is seeking a dynamic, driven, and relationship-focused Director of Sales to lead all sales and revenue-generating initiatives for the Holiday Inn Bloomington Normal. This strategic leadership role is responsible for cultivating business across key market segments—including corporate, group, SMERF, government, sports, and association—while elevating the hotel’s presence in the Bloomington–Normal community and throughout Central Illinois.

As a key member of the hotel’s leadership team, you will design and execute effective sales strategies, strengthen partnerships with local and regional businesses, negotiate high‑value group and corporate accounts, and work closely with the General Manager, Regional Sales Director and Revenue Management to ensure the hotel consistently meets and exceeds its annual revenue goals.

• Part of the Sand Hospitality portfolio, offering future advancement within a growing organization
• Strong base of existing business with significant potential for new account development
• Autonomy to build and implement your own sales strategies
• Supportive ownership, strong operational collaboration, and modern sales tools
• A respected IHG brand with global recognition and robust sales/marketing resources
• The opportunity to directly influence revenue performance and career growth

• Proven ability to provide exceptional guest and client service with a polished, professional presence
• Strong time‑management skills with the ability to prioritize, drive deadlines, and operate independently
• Excellent organization and ability to manage multiple accounts and projects simultaneously
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including proposal writing and business correspondence
• Outstanding relationship‑builder with a consultative, client‑focused sales approach
• Leadership ability with demonstrated success in coaching and developing others (as applicable)
• Working knowledge of hotel operations, revenue management principles, and CRM/sales software
• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree preferred
• Minimum two years of experience in hotel/hospitality, business development, or related field
• Hotel sales experience strongly preferred
  
  Lead, motivate, and manage a team of sales associates to achieve and exceed sales targets.

• Represent Sand Hospitality and the Holiday Inn Bloomington Normal with professionalism and exceptional service
• Develop and execute a comprehensive sales strategy to increase revenue across targeted segments
• Identify, research, prospect, qualify, and secure new corporate, group, SMERF, and negotiated business
• Conduct outside sales calls, prospecting activity, client visits, trade shows, and networking events
• Produce customized proposals, contracts, and presentations that position the hotel competitively
• Partner with the General Manager, Regional Sales Director Revenue Management to drive revenue optimization and yield strategies
• Manage room blocks, group contracts, and meeting space to maximize profitability
• Develop targeted marketing initiatives leveraging digital marketing, IHG brand resources, and local partnerships
• Maintain accurate CRM records for leads, accounts, and production activity
• Conduct compelling hotel tours and presentations that highlight the Holiday Inn brand and amenities
• Communicate booking details and client requirements to operations to ensure flawless service delivery
• Follow up on all booked business to ensure satisfaction, encourage repeat business, and expand partnerships
• Pa…