Group Sales Manager-Full Time - The Langham, Chicago

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF POSITION:

Primary responsibility is to generate rooms and banquet revenue for the hotel within the designated market(s) through goals set by the Director of Group Sales /Director of Sales and Marketing. This position balances reactive and proactive group sales activities—primarily covering a designated territory, and the development of an identified geographic/vertical market for Groups that are 16+ rooms per night. New Business development is a critical aspect of this position.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND JOB DUTIES:

• Meet group sales booking goals to achieve budget and crossover 
• Strong Contract negotiation skills and understanding contract terminology
• Proactive sales approach, assertive and fast paced, driven to succeed
• Develop and execute new account/business solicitation plan, while continuing to cultivate and grow existing accounts.
• Conduct elevated site inspections to close business
• Anticipate and respond to all customer needs within a timely manner and acknowledge all customers.
• Handle account details so all pertinent aspects of solicitation and closing are complete and documented. 
• Entertain clients in outlets as necessary.
• Handle inquiry calls according to departmental procedure according to LHG shop call requirements.
• Maintain complete knowledge of all hotel services/features and hours of operation.
• Maintain complete knowledge of and comply with all hotel and departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintain high level of knowledge in reference to The Langham brand and philosophy.
• Maintain high level of knowledge of the competition's product.
• Contact customers in-house to promote goodwill and foster additional business, repeat bookings, or referrals to other Langham properties.
• Attend departmental and hotel meetings as required. 
• Process paperwork to clients, other departments, etc., within a timely manner. 
• Present proposals to achieve maximum profit while satisfying client needs.
• Follow up on assigned sales leads in a timely manner.
• Plan and prepare appointments for sales trips and follow up in a timely manner.
• Build and maintain positive relations with Langham Hospitality Group Global Sales team members.
• Actively participate in the Langham Pipeline lead referral program.
• Present a professional and confident appearance
• Understanding/Knowledge of computers/Amadeus/Delphi program/Word/Excel/SEP/Ideas
• Upon employment, all associates are required to fully comply with Langham Hotel rules and regulations for the safe and effective operation of the hotel’s facilities. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Lifting 30 lbs. maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 10 lbs.
• Talking and hearing.
• Requires walking or standing to a significant degree.

SPECIAL SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Ability to perform job function with minimal supervision even under pressure.
• Ability to ensure security and confidentiality of guests and hotel data.
• Ability to enforce hotel's quality procedures, etc.
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision or as a cohesive team.
• Ability to be a clear thinker, analyze and resolve problems exercising good judgment.
• Ability to input and access information into computer.
• Ability to remain calm and courteous with demanding/difficult situations.
• Desirable to have strong knowledge of the wedding market.
• Desirable to have previous guest relations training.
• Ability to do basic arithmetic.

EDUCATION REQUIRED:

Prefer candidates have a minimum of a four-year college degree or commensurate management experience in a luxury hotel.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Minimum of two to four years of Catering or Group Sales experience, ideally in a luxury hotel.

SALARY RANGE:

$68,000-$85,000/annually, plus Sales incentive

BENEFITS INCLUDED FOR FULL-TIME COLLEAGUES:

• Vacation Pay and Sick/Personal time (in accordance with Chicago Paid Leave and Paid Sick Leave Law)
• Paid Holidays
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your family (employee paid partial premiums)
• Basic Life Insurance, AD&D, and Short-Term Disability (company paid)
• Long Term Disability, Additional Life Insurance, Child Life, Spouse Life, Pet Insurance, ID Theft Protection Coverage, Prepaid Legal, Critical Illness, Hospital Care, Accidental Injury Supplemental Plans (available for purchase)
• 401k plan with Roth option and employer match
• Free meals while on duty
• Uniforms and cleaning of uniforms (for applicable positions)
• Free and discounted hotel stays
• Discounted parking
• Guidance Resources – company paid benefit for personal counseling

EOE, Including Disability/Veterans