Director of Sales Riverboats

Description

Director of Sales – Nashville Riverboats

Manthey Hospitality | Nashville, TN | Full-Time | Commission Eligible

Reports to: VP of Sales and Community Relations

Leads: Sales and Event Services Team

About Us

Nashville Riverboats, established in 2026, is Nashville’s newest attraction providing historical authentic paddlewheel cruises on the Cumberland River. The fleet consist of 2 authentic Riverboats (300-400 passengers each) and one of only 3 steamboats in the United States. Cruises consist of Sightseeing, Dinner and Brunch for groups and individuals.

Nashville Riverboats is part of the Manthey Hospitality family of companies with a mission to create a sea of memories and celebrating 25 years of business operating Florida’s largest passenger vessel company in Tampa, FL.

Position Summary

The Director of Sales leads Nashville Riverboats’ group sales efforts, overseeing a team of sales and event service professionals. This role is responsible for achieving group revenue goals and supporting individual sales efforts.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership and Performance

• Lead, coach, and support the sales and event services team, establishing clear goals and expectations.
• Manage lead assignments, workloads, and follow-up to ensure inquiries receive timely, consistent attention.
• Hold regular team meetings and individual check-ins to review the sales pipeline, address challenges, and strengthen performance.
• Establish accountability for prospecting, closing sales, client communication, and event coordination.

Sales and Revenue Growth

• Develop and execute a sales plan to increase group bookings consisting of; corporate, convention, social, weddings, sports and tour groups.
• Actively pursue new business while growing repeat bookings and referrals.
• Manage key accounts and support the team with proposals, negotiations, and closing opportunities.
• Partner with leadership on pricing, packages, and promotions that support revenue and profitability goals.
• Track sales results, conversion rates, booking trends, and future opportunities; provide regular forecasts and recommendations.

Community and Business Relationships

• Build relationships with local businesses, hotels, event planners, tourism partners, chambers of commerce, and community organizations.
• Represent Nashville Riverboats at networking events, trade shows, and community functions.
• Develop referral partnerships and maintain an active presence in the Nashville market.
• Conduct client meetings and vessel tours that showcase available experiences and event options.

Event Services and Client Experience

• Oversee the transition from sales to event planning, ensuring client commitments and event details are accurately documented and communicated.
• Partner with food and beverage, marine, and operations teams to confirm event feasibility and readiness.
• Ensure contracts, deposits, final details, and internal handoffs are completed accurately and on time.
• Resolve client concerns promptly and professionally, supporting successful events and lasting relationships.
• Use client feedback to improve service, encourage repeat business, and identify additional sales opportunities.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in hospitality, venue, tourism, or event sales, including corporate and social business.
• Experience leading and developing a hospitality sales and event services team.
• Proven ability to generate new business, build relationships, and meet revenue goals.
• Strong communication, negotiation, organization, and follow-through skills.
• Ability to balance strategic planning with active selling and day-to-day team management.
• Proficiency with CRM systems, sales reporting, and standard business software.
• Established Nashville business and hospitality relationships preferred.
• Attend client…