Cluster Director of Sales & Distribution

Overview

Business Results

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive sales and marketing or related experience
• Luxury hospitality industry knowledge preferred
• Experience in successfully developing and executing creative ways to improve the group pace, while focusing on the basics of the sales process such as prospecting, account follow-up, etc.
• Proven skills as an industry leader to lead and motivate a strong, dynamic team
• Experience developing the programs and initiatives that work and will improve the property's top-of-mind position in the minds of the meeting planner community and the end-user for the leisure transient market

Education Or Certification

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong analytical skills to develop and review reports (including Revenue Management) and determine other opportunities and ways to increase business levels
• Aggressive negotiating skills and creative selling abilities to close on business with a high conversion ratio.
• Possesses software knowledge (Microsoft Office, etc).
• Possesses systems knowledge (OPERA Sales & Catering).Must be able to “Knock on doors” to get the business
• Knows how to conduct research on the Internet.
• Weekly prospecting and soliciting goals
• Uncovering new customers (Local and social)
• Effective sales skills to up-sell products and services
• Knowledge of menu planning, food presentation, and banquet and event service operations
• Ability to manage guest room and meeting space inventories
• Broad understanding of facility management (sanitation, maintenance, operations)
• Strong customer development and relationship management skills
• Knowledge of overall hotel operations as they affect the department
• Knowledge of Event Technology products and services
• Knowledge of contract management and legalities
• Financial management skills e.g., ability to understand P&L statements, manage operating budgets, forecasting and scheduling
• Strong communication skills (verbal, listening, writing)
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Strong customer and associate relation skills
• Strong presentation and platform skills
• Strong organization skills
• Strong “Closing skills”
• Strong “persuasion” skills
• Ability to use standard software applications and hotel systems
• Effective decision making skills