Group Sales Manager

theWit Chicago, a Hilton Hotel is a luxury lifestyle hotel located in the heart of downtown Chicago's Loop and Theater District. Surrounded by premier dining, entertainment, shopping, and corporate offices, the hotel serves a diverse mix of business and leisure travelers in a fast-paced, high-energy hospitality environment.


Job Summary:

As a Group Sales Manager you will deliver exceptional guest experiences every day by creating a welcoming, thoughtful, and dynamic service environment. This fast moving position requires strong attention to detail, quick and thorough responses and relationship building skills by those who are not afraid to be imaginative or inspired. You'll need an ability to create a motivating work environment driving our Whatever It Takes attitude. Have a strong passion for excellence and guest service. Previous hotel and sales experience required and Hilton experience a plus.


What We're Looking For:

We are seeking a hospitality professional who values culture, wit, creativity, thoughtful service, and collaboration. This role requires a strong leader who is imaginative, proactive, and inspired by delivering elevated guest experiences.


Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• A passion for luxury hospitality and guest satisfaction
• Strong leadership and organizational skills

• Creativity and confidence in problem-solving and event execution

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building abilities

• A commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence

• The ability to create a motivating, team-oriented work environment

• A drive to deliver Four Diamond-level service standards consistently

Key Responsibilities:

• Meeting and exceed budgeted room revenue and food and beverage revenue goals as outlined by the hotel's overall budget. Develop assigned market segments by following the Marketing Plan action items utilizing the following sales protocols. Individual weekly goals will be followed as outline in the Sales Office Standards and Procedures.
• Face to Face Appointments and Outside Sales Calls

• Telemarketing/Prospecting

• Site Inspections and On-Site Entertainment

• Networking Functions related to Market Segment

• Client Appreciate Parties

• Local High Rise Infiltration and Exposure for theWit

• Trade Show Participation/Attendance - will require some minimal travel

• Internal Communication

• Servicing of Accounts as needed

• Follow-Up on Leads and Referrals within 4 hours of receipt

• Meet and exceed Food and Beverage revenue goals through catering sales goals for meeting space, and promoting other food and beverage outlets and world famous Roof for private events.

• Lead by example and assist other sales managers/team with direction as needed to create an overall effective sales team.

• Develop Quarterly/Annual SMART Plan for your market segments.

• Assist in maintaining a team effort with fellow sales staff members as well as other departments within the hotel.

• Actively sell and promote all amenities and outlets of the hotel, including meeting space, View email address on click.appcast.io, State & Lake Chicago Tavern and 27th floor ROOF lounge.

• Follow the meeting space selling guidelines to ensure maximum room revenue per occupied meeting room.

• Maintain and create account lists in Delphi through accurate entry and proper trace systems to follow up in a timely manner.

• Maintain active and accurate group contracted filing system as outlined in office procedures.

• Respond promptly to all inquiries, lead referrals, and existing clients; resulting in documentation of all communication preferably within 4 hours.

• Generate ne business through personal contacts as described in the above list of activities.

• Communicate and report all activities on a timely basis to the Director of Sales and Marketing by maintaining the following

• Active and accurate accounts and trace systems using sales software.

• Monthly review of individual sales progress

• Attendance and active participation in daily sales stand up meetings, group yield meetings, and other pertinent meetings as assigned.

• Maintain working knowledge of all other departments in the hotel to work in unison with all departments.

• Maintain working knowledge of all Hilton promotions and maintain up to date training as directed by the brand and through the hotel.

• Develop knowledge of the competition to better aid in the solicitation of accounts and networks with industry peers to increase referral business.

• Follow-up with all clients before, during and after all meetings by up-keeping a current trace system through written, verbal and personal communication with clients.

• Meet with clients on property during meetings and conduct pre-con meetings as necessary.

• Keep abreast of all in-house functions.

• Comply with hotel's standard code of conduct and all other regulations established by management and employee handbook.

• Be completely knowledgeable of hotel emergency procedures as instructed by hotel management.

• Be familiar with current marketing programs of the hotel with the Director of Sales and Marketing.

• Continually monitor, update, and maintain the Guest Room Control Log.

• Monitor your departments and individual market segments revenue pace vs. actual.

• Review guest list in house/arrivals report to be aware of potential company business to target within assigned market segments.

• Lead theWit experience as instructed by the hotel leaders.

• Represent the hotel in a positive manner at all times.

• Celebrate our culture of individualism, engagement, having fun and evolving theWit experience for every guest every time.

• Recognize the importance of literature, humor, music, science, theatre and culinary arts in making theWit more experience than hotel.

Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience in hotel catering, social catering, or event sales management

• Established connections within the Chicago hospitality or corporate market preferred

• Experience with Delphi, Social Tables, and Microsoft Office Suite

• Strong sales, negotiation, and business development skills

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong organizational and time management abilities

• Ability to develop meaningful client and internal relationships

• Experience with revenue forecasting and yield management preferred

• Must be flexible to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and networking events as business demands require

• Professional appearance and adherence to hotel grooming standards required

• Must be able to communicate effectively in the primary language of the hotel

Reasoning & Decision-Making Ability:

This role requires the ability to solve practical problems, make sound business decisions, and adapt to situations with varying levels of complexity and standardization. Candidates must be knowledgeable in all aspects of catering and event operations, including service styles, menu planning, room configurations, event setup, and breakdown procedures.


Work Environment & Schedule:

Hospitality is a 24/7 business, and flexibility is essential. Candidates must be available to work a varied schedule based on hotel business demands, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and networking events.


Working Conditions:

• Fast-paced hotel and event environment

• Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

• Frequent walking and prolonged standing during events and meetings

• Ability to multitask and work under pressure in time-sensitive situations

• Combination of office work and on-site event oversight

• Regular interaction with clients, vendors, and hotel staff

• Collaboration with banquet, culinary, and operations teams to ensure successful events

Compensation

• $60,000 - $67,000 per year

Benefits:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees. Our offerings include:

• Medical Plans: Choice of three plans to meet your healthcare needs.

• Dental Plans: Two options for dental coverage.

• Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine eye care and eyewear.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): To support work-life balance.

• Accident/Hospital Indemnity/Critical Illness plans (new for 2026).

• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Plan for your future with employer contributions.

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Pre-tax savings for healthcare and dependent care expenses.

• Life and AD&D Insurance: Employer-provided coverage with additional voluntary options.

• Short-Term Disability (STD): Employer-provided coverage to support you during temporary disability.

• Voluntary Long-Term Disability (LTD): Additional protection for extended disability.

• Commuter Benefits: Save on transit and parking expenses.

• Pet Insurance: Options to support your furry family members.

• Hilton travel discounts and employee room rates worldwide

• Career growth and training opportunities

• Access to wellness programs and employee appreciation events

Please note that eligibility for certain benefits may vary depending on your employment status. Detailed information, including plan summaries and enrollment instructions, will be provided during onboarding or upon request. This summary complies with applicable state laws and is subject to change based on legislative updates or company policies.


E-Verify Participation:

theWit Hotel participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.


Equal Employment Opportunity:

theWit Hotel and ROOF on theWit are proud to be Equal Opportunity Employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.