Assistant Director Sales - Grand Bohemian Charlotte

An inspiring career awaits you! 
 
The Kessler Collection is a portfolio of luxury boutique hotels, unique restaurants and experiences with a Bohemian twist. The collection's captivating hotels feature curated art, original music, unique architecture and stories around every corner, all located in destinations people want to be. Our mission of inspiring places, intuitive service, and exuberant guests means we are committed to our Grand Performers learning, development, and well-being. We believe people want to be inspired!

Grand Performers may enjoy a range of benefits, including:

• Marriott Employee Discounts Worldwide
• Competitive Wage & Discretionary Bonus Program
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Company-Sponsored Life Insurance
• Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• 401(K) with Discretionary Company Matching Contributions
• Employee Assistance Program

Job Summary:

The Assistant Director of Sales is responsible for overseeing Sales and/or Catering to optimize revenue opportunities for the property under the guidance and leadership of the Director of Sales.

Standards & Culture:

Individuals must serve as a cultural ambassador by upholding and promoting our standards.

• Image & Presence: Our team is sophisticated and purposeful in their communication and body language.
• Service: Intuitive. Our team inspires the guest (and Grand Performer) experience with warmth and deliberate elegance.
• Performance: Extraordinary. Our team rises to outperform and consistently be at our best for even better.

Core Responsibilities:
Primary areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to the following:

• Lead the revenue process as defined by the Director of Sales assuring that the property is taking the “right mix” of business to maximize the high demand periods and lay in the base required for the distressed periods.
• Monitor revenue pace of Sales and Catering and lead the Team in meeting and exceeding budgeted revenues.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned key accounts and assist sales team in resolving client issues. 
• Work cooperatively between PR and Marketing to establish strategic goals for attaining budgets, assisting with social media calendar.
• Actively participate in quarterly marketing meetings, to offer information on upcoming special events, possible demand in the city, or need months with targeted markets/accounts.
• Direct, organize and supervise departmental activities including, but not limited to, prospecting and qualifying potential leads, soliciting viable leads, and preparing and presenting written proposals/contracts and oral presentations.
• Direct and develop team member’s performance with the guidance of the Director of Sales to include, but not limited to, providing supervision and professional development, scheduling, coaching and counseling, timely evaluations, improving performance and delivering recognition and reward.
• As required by the Director of Sales, recruit, interview and onboard new team members.
• Assist in compiling sales forecasts and budgets, collect and report sales data and manage the department budget. 
• Develop target lists and action plans for account solicitation; assist in assignment and distribution of leads and inquiries.
• Conduct in person tours of property for meeting planners and other potential customers while informing them of all hotel services available; entertain customers on property during site inspections, pre-planning trips, and program operation when appropriate. Complete the required site forms to alert the hotel of site tours in advance.
• Direct maintenance of sales files, accounts and additional administrative duties.
• Develop and maintain relationships with competitive set and actively participate in community organizations and professional associations to maintain visibility and market share. 
• Excellent knowledge of the hotel's surroundings including the history, culture and points of interest.
• Qualify incoming leads, send proposals, contracts and addendums when needed to negotiate group business using marketing and sales resources.
• Negotiate guest room rates, meeting room rental, function space, and hotel services within approved booking guidelines.
• Establish a method of payment, collect initial deposit and/or begin the direct bill application process prior to turnover to Event Services Manager.
• Follow up on outstanding proposals and contracts to effectively close business.
• Process definite contracts and route information appropriately to the following Grand Performers using the turnover process:
  • Group Coordinator
  • Event Services Manager
  • Controller
• Monthly review and support to team members in creating and achieving quarterly sales goals.

Analyze competition, market trends and customer needs to continually assess the productivity against established goals and budgets. 

• Analyze historical, current and future hotel performance to capture the maximum amount of revenue and meet/exceed his/her individual sales goals and sales budget.
• Maximize revenue by selling all facets of the hotel to include restaurant, spa, gallery and outlets.
• Manage account details so all pertinent aspects of solicitation (minimum of 40 monthly) and closing are complete and documented in the required sales and catering system.
• Complete a minimum of forty solicitations per month, lead team by example.
• Track monthly production towards quarterly sales goals set forth by management using required documentation. 
• Competently utilizes the required systems/equipment and platforms to effectively evaluate availability, profitability and track the progress of groups from proposal through execution.
• Maintain accurate, organized and up-to-date files including computer filing and sales platform records (attachments, traces, activities, etc.).
• Complete business evaluation process to maximize revenues for rooms with the Revenue Manager.
• Conduct and participate in weekly department meeting to review group and catering pace, systems reports, company/department updates. 
• Quarterly travel is required to attend customer events, conduct outside sales calls and participate in trade shows.
• Develop and maintain a working relationship with national franchised brands.
• Knowledge of all Kessler Collection Hotels to effectively cross-sell. 
• Complete required reporting and documentation.
• Use logic, integrity and sound judgment when making business decisions by considering the big picture, operational needs and impact on other departments. 
• Perform other duties assigned to meet business needs.
• Conduct and participate daily business review meeting with sales team to review current prospects, site tours, and previous day’s business activity.
• Prepare and deliver regular reports to the Director of Sales on sales activities, solicitation efforts, targeted accounts, progress and achievements, bi-weekly.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Response to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Response well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem-solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethics; Upholds organizational values.
• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
• Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in a timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.
• Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Associate degree - preferred
• Hospitality or related industry experience - required
• Previous sales experience – required
• Valid Driver’s License – required
• Knowledgeable of Top-Accounts for the Hotel - preferred

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervisory and leadership responsibilities include achieving results through providing direction and accountability of the following Grand Performers within the culture and policies established by the Kessler Collection.

As decided by the Director of Sales:

• Group Sales
• Catering Sales
• Event Service Managers

Work Environment / Physical Demands:

The work environment/conditions described herein are representative of those that an incumbent may experience.

• Must be comfortable working in a shared space, with constant noise, without the use of a private office.
• Must be able to cope with frequently changing priorities and deadlines with a high degree of optimism, professionalism & collaboration.
• Schedules may vary from week to week based on business demands in excess of 40 hours with or without notice.
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Physical Demands:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to lift, reach with hands and arms, stand for extended periods of time and use fingers (keyboard etc.) to handle or feel.
• The incumbent is required to have a valid driver’s license and have the ability to drive.
• Schedules may vary from week to week in a remote / on-site environment based on business demands.
• This position requires travel up to 25% of the time. Specific details outlined by direct supervisor.

The Kessler Collection is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics