Business Travel Sales Manager

Business Travel Sales Manager

Responsible for the profitable development of revenue for Corporate Transient Sales by proactive sales efforts in retaining and developing existing customers and winning new clients within their assigned industry and geographical sectors.

Potential Career Path

Senior Sales Manager – Director of Sales

Essential Job Functions

• To concentrate his/her effort in "selling" rooms and suites (specialty& hospitality); responsible for targeted revenue goals.
• Conduct sales visits and maintain good working relationships with the following: Corporate Travel Managers, Procurement Officers, Business Travel Agents and High End Leisure Agents at travel agency.
• Prepare proposals/contracts in a timely fashion; turnaround customer follow-up – 24 hours.
• Work closely with Leading Hotels of The World & Hersha National BT Sales team to receive 2013 & 2014 new opportunities & bid requests. Complete all requests by deadlines provided.
• Build and maintain consistent volume from existing corporate accounts and high end travel agents (consortia and BAR segments).
• Write individual sales action plan for this segment quarterly (monthly when requested).
• To be knowledgeable of the competition in the area and our strengths and opportunities. Join pertinent associations (ACTE) and attend a few qualified events annually- networking.
• Pass all relevant & detailed information on signed contracts to Reservation/ Revenue Manager to ensure rates are loaded.
• Conduct entertainment and site inspection for all customer contacts; especially potential clients.
• Review daily arrivals, internet, directories, etc. for future potential business as well as proper tracking.
• Sales visit and entertainment with corporate clients; plan local events in order to promote RH to local market (PA luncheons with the local law firms – whom do not use travel agencies).
• Recommend qualified FAM trips when relevant and important to increasing market share.
• Develop new markets/source of business for Corporate Transient sales.
• Generate new ideas for new promotions, partnerships/strategic alliances to build visibility and revenue opportunities.
• Facilitate VIP and first time guests with reservations with volume accounts/high end travel agencies.
• To attend tradeshows, sales trips, industry functions both locally and beyond (mostly East coast in beginning).
• Maintain contact with historical and lapsed clients to re-ignite a relationship.
• Work additional hours as needed or when requested by management.
• Take up special assignments instructed by Director of Sales; perform any other job-related duties as assigned.
• Assist team in answering phones, especially during the peak hours.

Experience

• 2-3 years sales experience, preferably in the hospitality industry; preferably corporate sales.
• College degree in hospitality or business administration is required.
• Extensive experience in similar luxury establishment.
• Experience in a similar operational area for a minimum of two years; (corporate sales & high end leisure travel agencies an advantage).
• The specific strategic or operational knowledge needed to perform the job.
• SalesPro, Delphi & Opera knowledge is a plus; understanding the software(s).
• Financial accounting processes.

Work Environment and Context

• Work indoors in environmentally controlled conditions with external and internal customers.
• Stand, use hands to handle, control objects and tools, and use telephone and computer systems.
• Face to face and indirect contact with the public.
• Handle conflict situations as well as dealing with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous people.
• Handle cash, other forms of currency and occasionally guests' valuables.
• Maintain composure and patience during times of high hotel volume and during emergency situations.
• Responsible for work outcomes and results.
• Able to communicate well in English.
• Comply with Hersha and the hotel brand's guidelines and requirements.

What We Believe

People Are Our Capability – Hearts That Serve – Only Excellence – Stay Nimble - Own It