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.

About the Role

The Sales Manager is responsible for driving business in the Corporate/Local Negotiated Business Transient segment and for selling, planning, and delivering executive meetings and small groups. This role partners closely with the Director of Sales & Marketing (DOSM) to set and negotiate account rates, complete RFPs, and achieve revenue goals while delivering exceptional client service.

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 DOSM and DORM, 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.

Qualifications 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.