Sales Manager

Sales Manager

Embark on a career at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center, a distinctive property managed by Pyramid Global, where hospitality meets academic excellence. With 248 well-appointed guest rooms, 10 versatile meeting spaces, and 30,811 sq ft of meeting space, our hotel provides a unique workplace nestled within the vibrant atmosphere of the University of Florida. Join our team and experience a work environment that reflects the energetic spirit of the university community. At Pyramid Global, we offer comprehensive benefits, including a 401k with a company match, and recognition programs tailored to acknowledge your dedication. If you're seeking a career that blends hospitality with the dynamic atmosphere of a prestigious institution, consider joining us at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center. Your journey towards a fulfilling career in this unique setting begins here.

What You’ll Do

1) Business Transient Sales (Corporate/Local Negotiated)

• Manage effective sales and servicing for corporate/local negotiated business transient accounts.

• Conduct in-person sales calls/visits to target companies and accounts within assigned markets.

• Respond promptly to customer inquiries and pricing requests; manage Hilton Worldwide RFP requests.

• Prospect for new accounts using comp-set performance tracking, market trend analysis, and lost/turn-down reporting.

• Participate in transient, group, and catering STR/STAR lead referrals.

• Maintain negotiated account qualification/profile sheets, including competitive-intelligence analysis.

• Dedicate the majority of time to business development and client entertainment with Corporate Travel Managers, Travel Agents, Executive Meeting Planners, and other intermediaries.

• Research client room-night/revenue performance; prepare quarterly and annual account reports; conduct semi-annual review meetings with account reps.

• Develop and implement account-specific business development plans.

• Proactively generate business from past, existing, and prospective accounts within assigned deployment.

• Maintain regular communication with accounts, including quarterly production reports.

• Assist with updating/managing Hilton Brand GSO accounts as applicable; coordinate local transient initiatives with Brand/Portfolio GSO for national/regional accounts.

• In collaboration with the Director of Sales & Marketing and Director of Operations, set and negotiate rates for corporate/preferred accounts (local and brand volume-negotiated).

• Facilitate timely completion of all portions of brand and local RFP processes.

• Map and maintain up-to-date comp-set intelligence (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats, top accounts, renovations/updates).

• Sustain a strong prospecting culture through weekly review of the sales funnel.

• Maintain frequent and proactive in-house solicitation and coordinate operational implementation with all departments.

• Set up site inspections for all assigned segments and follow through.

• Attend relevant trade shows; participate in industry meetings, seminars, and association functions to maintain visibility and achieve sales and revenue goals.

• Perform general office duties and assist other personnel as required.

• Maintain accurate forecasting and recap information.

2) Executive Meetings & Small Groups – Sales, Planning & Delivery

• Serve as the single point of contact for group sales and event planning.

• Achieve sales and catering sales goals (goals may be revised based on business needs).

• Build and maintain positive, professional client relationships through effective communication and action.

• Anticipate client needs throughout the planning and event-delivery phases.

• Pre-check all functions prior to client arrival; ensure event details align with client requirements and hotel standards; meet with appropriate staff to address deficiencies.

• Communicate policies/procedures to clients via phone, email, and in person.

• Respond to all executive-meeting sales inquiries within established timelines.

• Gather all necessary event information accurately and on time to support flawless execution.

• Produce and distribute timely, accurate communication to all departments, including:

  • Food & Beverage requirements

  • Rooming lists

  • Transportation needs

  • Meeting room set-ups, set-by times, and refresh times

  • Audio-visual requirements

  • Recreational needs

  • Billing information

  • Any additional requirements

• Maintain organized, current digital and physical client files.

• Review distribution of in-house reports (Weekly Distribution, Daily Event Sheet, Daily Change Log) to ensure consistency and completeness.

• Attend weekly Conference Review, Group Rooms, Group Sales, and Conference Services meetings.

3) Other Duties & Responsibilities

• Identify positive public-relations opportunities and emerging business markets.

• Motivate and actively contribute to a positive work environment.

• Establish, measure, monitor, and evaluate processes and policies.

• Develop direct sales plans for defined markets; leverage resources and evaluate business trends to adjust strategies.

• Attend department and property meetings.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Marginal Functions

• Perform related duties as requested by the Director of Sales & Marketing; participate in task forces and committees as requested.

• Practice safety standards; report unsafe conditions to the Director of Sales & Marketing.

• Attend Sales, Pre-Conference, and Conference Review meetings as needed.

• Market segments may be shifted to support the Sales Manager’s success and overall hotel performance.

What You Bring (Qualifications & Skills)

• Proven experience in hotel sales with emphasis on corporate/local negotiated business transient and small-group meetings.

• Demonstrated success with prospecting, comp-set/market analysis, STR/STAR insights, and RFP management (Hilton Worldwide RFPs).

• Strong rate-negotiation and business-development skills; ability to build and grow key accounts.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and client-relationship skills.

• Impeccable organization and follow-through; accurate forecasting and documentation habits.

• Collaborator who works effectively with Revenue Management, Catering/Events, Front Office, and Operations.

• Willingness to travel locally for sales calls, site inspections, trade shows, and client entertainment as needed.

Schedule & Work Environment

• Full-time, exempt; business needs may require occasional evenings/weekends (events, trade shows, client entertainment).

• On-property role in Gainesville, FL, with regular external client appointments and site visits.