Area Sales Manager

Hilton - Washington, DC

Full-time - Mid Level

Washington, DC

Accommodation

About the position

The Area Sales Manager at Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/U.S. Capitol is a pivotal role responsible for managing sales efforts across two hotels. The primary objective of this position is to proactively prospect, solicit, generate, and close assigned accounts and territory business to positively impact hotel revenues. This role requires a strong focus on driving top-line revenue for customary sales segments, including Key Government, Business Travel (BT), and Convention bookings. The Area Sales Manager will utilize the property's computerized sales management system to manage the hotel's business effectively, which includes generating reports, blocking space, building accounts, and logging activities. In addition to managing sales, the Area Sales Manager will assist in the preparation of required reports in a timely manner and participate in various business review meetings, training sessions, trade shows, community events, industry meetings, and networking activities to promote the hotels and expand business opportunities. The role also involves implementing special promotions related to direct sales segments, such as parties and sales blitzes, while maintaining excellent solicitation practices using the existing customer database. Building and maintaining strong relationships with key clients and previously lost accounts is essential for success in this position. The Area Sales Manager is expected to develop a comprehensive knowledge of the company's sales policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ensure adherence to these policies by the sales team. A full working knowledge of hotel operations, including Food and Beverage, Guest Services, and Reservations, is also necessary. Meeting or exceeding sales solicitation call goals assigned by the Area Director of Sales is a key performance indicator for this role. Conducting professional and thorough site inspections of the hotel with clients to showcase key features and benefits is also part of the responsibilities. Daily prospecting for new business opportunities to maximize revenue is crucial, along with effective communication both verbally and in writing to provide clear direction to all hotel departments to ensure high-quality service to customers. The Area Sales Manager will also be responsible for implementing and maintaining Strategic Action Plans for the development of designated market segments, responding to inquiries within stipulated timeframes, and staying knowledgeable about the local area and competitive hotels.

Responsibilities

• Manage sales efforts across two hotels.
• Proactively prospect, solicit, generate, and close assigned accounts/territory business.
• Drive top-line revenue for Key Government, Business Travel, and Convention bookings.
• Utilize computerized sales management system to manage hotel business.
• Assist in the preparation of required reports in a timely manner.
• Participate in business review meetings, training, trade shows, and networking activities.
• Implement special promotions related to direct sales segments.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients and lost accounts.
• Develop knowledge of company sales policies and ensure adherence by the sales team.
• Understand hotel operations including Food and Beverage, Guest Services, and Reservations.
• Meet or exceed sales solicitation call goals assigned by the Area Director of Sales.
• Conduct thorough site inspections of the hotel with clients.
• Daily prospecting for new business to maximize revenue.
• Communicate clearly with all departments to ensure high quality of service.
• Implement and maintain Strategic Action Plans for market segments.
• Respond to inquiries and follow up on leads.
• Monitor and analyze market trends and competitor activities.
• Provide coaching and training to enhance team performance.

Requirements

• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in sales is preferred.
• Experience with Hilton or Marriott is a plus.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with all levels of employees and guests.
• Prior experience using Delphi, STS, or similar databases is preferred.
• Proficiency in Property Management Systems is required.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize departmental functions to meet deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including anticipating and identifying issues.
• Ability to understand and evaluate complex information and data.
• Maintain confidentiality of information.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in the hospitality industry.
• Knowledge of local area and competitive hotels' marketing strategies.

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Bonus eligibility
• Travel perks