Newport Aquarium General Sales Manager

• Pay or shift range: $70,000 USD to $80,000 USD

A critical part of this role is ensuring that what we sell can be delivered exceptionally. The General Sales Manager will work closely with Catering/Food & Beverage, Operations, Marketing, Revenue and other internal partners to develop compelling products, evaluate opportunities, establish appropriate expectations and ensure a seamless transition from sale to execution. This role is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, accountability and business judgment while maintaining proactive communication and alignment with the Director of Sales & Marketing.

The successful candidate will be a strong sales leader, an effective people manager, a collaborative business partner and someone who identifies opportunities and challenges early and brings solutions forward.

MAJOR

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the development and execution of Newport Aquarium’s annual sales strategy, business plan and revenue goals across group sales, private events and assigned sales channels.
• Own departmental sales forecasting, budgeting, pipeline management and performance reporting, using data and market insights to identify opportunities and drive profitable revenue growth.
• Develop new business while strengthening existing accounts, partnerships and relationships throughout the regional hospitality, tourism, corporate, association, education and event communities.
• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing sales team with clear expectations, measurable goals, regular performance feedback and consistent accountability.
• Build a proactive sales culture focused on prospecting, relationship development, pipeline growth, negotiation, conversion and closing, while regularly monitoring individual sales activity and performance.
• Provide leadership and oversight of group sales and private events from lead generation and contracting through successful operational handoff.
• Partner closely with Catering/Food & Beverage to develop competitive and profitable event offerings and ensure client commitments, event requirements and expectations can be successfully executed.
• Serve as a strong cross-functional partner to Operations, Marketing, Revenue, Finance and other departments, engaging appropriate stakeholders early when sales opportunities may impact staffing, capacity, operations, profitability or the guest experience.
• Take ownership of the day-to-day operation and performance of the Sales department, establishing effective processes and standards that support consistency, accountability and efficiency.
• Ensure sales activity, CRM records, contracts, client information, event details and forecasts are accurate, timely and appropriately communicated.
• Maintain proactive and transparent communication with the Director of Sales & Marketing regarding performance, forecasts, team development, significant business opportunities, risks and decisions requiring leadership awareness or alignment.
• Exercise sound independent judgment while recognizing when broader leadership involvement is needed, identifying potential challenges early and bringing forward recommended solutions.
• Maintain knowledge of regional market conditions, competitive offerings, customer needs and industry trends to inform sales strategy and identify new opportunities.
• Represent Newport Aquarium at industry meetings, conferences, networking events and other business-development opportunities.
• Participate in the Manager on Duty program requiring occasional weekend and holiday shifts.
• Perform other related duties and leadership responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 7+ years of progressive sales experience, including at least 3 years leading and developing a sales team. Experience with in hospitality, attractions, tourism, entertainment, events, venues or a related industry strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing sales strategies that drive measurable revenue growth.
• Experience leading group sales, private events or other sales requiring significant cross-functional operational execution.
• Strong understanding of prospecting, account development, pipeline management, forecasting, pricing, negotiation and closing.
• Proven ability to lead, coach and hold a sales team accountable while creating an engaged, high-performing culture.
• Strong business and financial acumen with the ability to balance revenue opportunity, profitability, operational feasibility and client experience.
• Excellent judgment with the ability to operate…