Group and Events Sales Manager

Deer Creek Lodge and Conference Center located inside Deer Creek State Park is seeking an experienced Group & Event Sales Manager. The Lodge has 110 rooms, 26 cabins, a full-service restaurant/lounge and banquet facilities that can accommodate up to 1725 guests. Deer Creek State Park is one of the most visited state parks in the country, requiring a level of attention to detail and service to meet guest expectations. Position Overview Responsible for supporting and representing the Director of Sales in maximizing sales opportunities and profitability by selling and booking hotel rooms and event space. Shares responsibility for overseeing, prospecting, qualifying and maintaining accounts in the corporate, group and convention markets, including SMERF. Plans strategies to increase hotel revenues and occupancy through yield management and active solicitation. Compensation & Benefits Salary: $40,000 to $45,000 per year, experience-based, plus eligibility to earn additional income with Regency Hotel Management’s Sales quarterly incentive program Work schedule allows work-life balance; may include nights and weekends Full benefits package after 60 days; 401(k) and PTO Opportunity for growth within the company based on performance Initial onboarding and ongoing training provided Essential Functions Assist DOS in developing an aggressive sales plan for the hotel and conference center, with guidance from the General Manager. Design, complete, prepare and follow-up on sales calls in designated market segments. Generate revenues and positively impact the hotel's gross operating profit and customer satisfaction. Participate in contracts and booking details for conferences or association groups; refer food and beverage arrangements to the Catering Director. Greet and provide guest relations for business conference or association clients during events. Participate in weekly/monthly property sales meetings with Food & Beverage Management, Hotel General Manager, Front Desk Management and client meetings. Leadership & Team Functions Create a positive work environment through team building and serve as a role model for staff. Uphold policies in the Associate Handbook and maintain a harassment-free environment. Provide coaching and counseling to associates, offering praise or corrective feedback as necessary. Maintain an average 45‑hour annual workweek; work overtime as approved. Report hotel and conference center sales directly to the DOS. Act as a community ambassador and liaison for conference and association guests. Engage in aggressive targeted solicitation of business. Assist floor operations for top VIP events when requested. Participate in community and civic group activities; build relationships with key contacts. Represent the hotel professionally in interactions with guests, industry organizations, and the community. Travel monthly as necessary for trade shows, convention bids, and meetings. Team and Supportive Functions Meet customer and team member expectations by delivering Regency Hospitality Culture service. Communicate effectively with customers, co‑workers, and supervisors. Coordinate booked business activities with various departments. Communicate client requests promptly to all departments. Help catering team reach sales goals through strategy development and implementation. Prepare proposals and estimates for clients; coordinate with food and beverage departments. Facilitate function execution by providing specifications to responsible departments. Resolve space conflicts or cancellations in collaboration with others. Assist with pre‑ and post‑conference meetings with the Catering Director and clients. Prepare for monthly meetings with the CVB; discuss leads, bids, and business status. Meet regularly with DOS and REVPAR team to plan sales and rate strategies. Organize and attend sales department meetings, hotel department manager meetings and other required meetings. Set weekly/monthly goals and share with DOS. Help maintain safe working conditions. Sales Building for Property Solicit and sell guest rooms, food & beverage services and additional hotel services to existing and new customers. Generate contracts and correspondence promptly; return inquiries and calls in a timely manner. Develop and implement a plan to meet or exceed revenue goals through outside sales, presentations, telephone, mail, email, social media and the property website. Oversee rate, date and space commitments for group room sales between DOS and crew. Assist DOS with rates and group sale deployment strategies. Maximize revenue through management of group and transient sales activities. Maintain and update the hotel’s account management system (hSP). Update sales trace system. Build relationships with clients, Chamber members and local business leaders; attend meetings and social events. Invite clients to site and FAM tours; update them on renovations. Develop persuasive verbal sales presentations and promote property and company programs internally. Meeting market segments, achieve budgeted sales and profit margin goals; develop growth strategies. Prepare proposals aligned with DOS to maximize profit and satisfy client needs. Confirm business and maintain occupancy daily; follow up with front office on group progress. Help create a VIP program for clients. Focus on pure selling with a target of 30 qualified calls per week using Sales Revolution, rebooking and inquiry conversion. Follow selling basics: know product, competition, prospect, retain clients, structure sales effort, close by asking for business. Qualification Standards The candidate must possess the job knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform essential functions, with or without reasonable accommodations. Education High School Diploma or GED required. Some college preferred. Experience 2–5 years of sales and marketing experience required. Prior catering sales experience preferred. Licenses & Certificates Required by state. Job Knowledge & Skills Proficient use of computer, spreadsheets, word processing, advertising and photo software. Work knowledge of catering software and hotel front‑desk POS systems. Effective verbal and written communication; strong English language proficiency. Establish and maintain effective relationships with employees and customers. Strong interpersonal, sales, marketing experience and skill; demonstrate organizational, planning and goal‑setting skills. Extensive demographic knowledge of regional, state, city hotel and conference center competitive markets. Knowledge and skill in marketing and advertising mediums: print, TV, radio, social media. Knowledge of food and beverage menus, presentation, delivery, guest service and room setup helpful. Follow written and verbal instructions; act independently with minimal supervision. Good driving record; able to drive a car for travel. Knowledge of federal, state, local laws governing equal employment opportunity, civil rights, occupational safety & health, wage & hour and labor relations. Physical Demands Ability to maneuver between functions simultaneously. Reach other departments promptly. Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs. Sit at keyboard for long periods. Climb stairs where elevators are unavailable. Travel by car frequently. Appearance Guidelines Business casual attire required. Maintain a neat, clean, well‑groomed appearance. Equal Employment Opportunity Regency Hotel Management is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics as outlined by federal, state, and local laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr Deer Creek Lodge & Conference Center