Conference Group Sales Manager

About The Position

The Colonial Williamsburg Hotels are seeking a driven and results-oriented Group Sales Manager to join our team. Solicit future conference business for Colonial Williamsburg Hotels in assigned market areas using 31+ rooms per night arriving outside 91 days or as assigned by the Director of Sales (and/or VP of Sales). Maintain and exceed definite monthly room night and revenue booking goals as assigned by the Director of Sales (and/or VP of Sales).

• Contact meeting planners/decision makers by mail, telephone, fax, in person, customer fams and site inspections.
• Maintain a comprehensive account management plan that includes a list of target accounts and key accounts.
• Develop sales action plans to achieve revenue goals.
• Build positive and lasting client relationships.
• Secure annual and multi-year contracts.
• Secure new and repeat business.
• Maintain accurate and legible files in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Generate and secure new, referred, and repeat group business, focusing on accounts within the DC region and the Northeast.
• Prepare and execute creative sales proposals and contracts that ensure financial success and profitability to the hotel while managing and minimizing risk.
• Maintain regular communication with clients to ensure seamless execution of all events resulting in high customer satisfaction.
• Negotiate space, dates and rates to obtain room night booking goals (focusing on placement of business in shoulder and off-season and other need periods with emphasis on promoting Sunday-Thursday patterns) while maximizing profitability in all areas of operation.
• Assist in developing individual marketing strategies in assigned market areas in concert with annual marketing strategies. Responsible for keeping spending in‑line with individual Sales plan and with approval of the Director of Sales.
• Apply strong knowledge of various market segments including corporate, association, incentive, SMERF and other vertical markets or combinations thereof.
• Market room, food and beverage (banquet and restaurant covers), golf, spa services, tennis and other forms of recreation, admission tickets, entertainment, products and when possible solicit donations for the foundation development efforts. Maximize any cross‑selling opportunities with the Foundation.
• Achieve monthly sales goals as outlined by the Director of Sales.
• Develop working knowledge of cost factors (room rates, food and beverage, museum operations) and the conference service operations.
• Administer personnel functions to support staff.
• Must be willing to attend trade shows and travel to various geographic areas, promoting the Colonial Williamsburg Hotels and CWF amenities. Must be willing to make.
• Operate within a team concept; willingness to cover for others when needed while meeting individual performance goals.
• Must be active and participate in monthly industry associations in assigned markets and are encouraged to hold a committee or board position. Continue professional development through educational offerings made via industry trade groups (i.e.: VSAE, MPI, AENC…) and in‑house industry related educational training as assigned by the Director of Sales.
• Knowledge of CWF mission and non‑hotel offerings to guests.
• Perform any special projects and all other duties as directed by management that are consistent with the policies and procedures of Colonial Williamsburg Hotels.

This job description reflects the general responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties and responsibilities may evolve over time based on operational needs.

Bachelor’s Degree and 2-3 years of hotel sales experience, or 5-7 years of experience in hotel sales and other hotel operations experience (i.e.: front desk, food and beverage, conference services, concierge, etc.) or a closely related field.

• Proven track record of exceeding sales goals and generating new business. Other directly related experience will be given consideration at the discretion of the Director of Sales and VP of Sales.

• A valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and an acceptable driving…