Director of Group Sales

Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago Chicago, IL | Full-Time | Salaried Salary Range: $100,000–$125,000 Annually Position Overview Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago is seeking an experienced and results-driven Director of Group Sales to lead the hotel's group sales strategy, development, and execution while cultivating relationships with high-end corporate, association, incentive, and leisure clientele. This leadership role is responsible for driving group revenue, developing new business opportunities, managing key accounts, supporting sales forecasting and budgeting, and ensuring a seamless transition from sales to operations. The ideal candidate is a strategic hospitality sales leader with extensive group sales experience, strong analytical and communication skills, and a passion for delivering exceptional luxury guest experiences. Key Responsibilities Lead and oversee the property's group sales efforts in alignment with the hotel's business plan, revenue goals, and budget guidelines. Develop and execute strategic group sales initiatives focused on driving revenue, growing market share, and strengthening the hotel's position within the luxury market. Prospect, qualify, solicit, and cultivate new group business through telemarketing, outside sales calls, presentations, trade shows, networking, and relationship development. Develop and maintain long-term relationships with corporate, association, incentive, leisure, and other high-value accounts. Solicit, book, and develop local group business while proactively targeting current and prospective high-value accounts. Lead sales efforts for groups requiring guest room blocks and coordinate strategies to maximize group room and banquet revenue opportunities. Direct and support group sales team members by establishing goals, monitoring performance, providing coaching, and identifying opportunities for professional development. Develop target account lists and action plans for solicitation, lead generation, and business development. Work closely with the Director of Sales & Marketing to establish and execute the hotel's overall sales strategy. Collaborate with corporate and off‑property sales channels, including other Trump Hotels, to maximize business opportunities. Assist with sales forecasting, guest room rate development, sales reporting, revenue projections, and departmental budgeting. Develop and manage group sales revenue and operating budgets while monitoring key performance indicators and financial performance. Prepare and present proposals, contracts, presentations, and other sales materials to prospective and existing clients. Meet with clients on property and during outside sales calls to understand their needs and develop customized solutions that exceed expectations. Attend major industry trade shows, conferences, and networking events to develop relationships and secure new business. Maintain strong relationships with convention and visitors bureaus, tourism authorities, industry partners, and local community organizations. Ensure the seamless turnover of booked business from Sales to Operations and maintain consistent communication throughout the planning and execution process. Coordinate on‑property sales resources to monitor the successful execution and sustainment of group sales strategies. Partner closely with hotel operations, catering, culinary, and other departments to ensure exceptional service throughout the client experience. Monitor and assist with the resolution of guest and client concerns arising from the sales process, ensuring appropriate communication with hotel leadership and stakeholders. Execute and support group sales promotions, initiatives, and marketing strategies. Maximize revenue opportunities through effective upselling, accurate forecasting, and strategic account management. Maintain accurate sales files, account records, proposals, contracts, and other administrative documentation. Respond to client inquiries and return phone calls promptly while maintaining timely proposal delivery and follow‑up. Maintain a professional image and conduct when interacting with clients, meeting planners, hotel associates, vendors, competitors, and community partners. Provide exceptional customer service by understanding client needs, recommending appropriate hotel services and features, and building long‑term loyalty to Trump Hotels. Gain a thorough understanding of the hotel's target clientele, business needs, and service expectations to provide effective and personalized business solutions. Create and maintain effective sales processes, performance management practices, and organizational structures that support business objectives. Identify, train, mentor, and develop group sales associates while utilizing available training and development resources. Champion leadership development and workforce planning initiatives by supporting the retention and development of high‑caliber talent. Transfer functional knowledge and group sales expertise to other department leaders and associates. Provide day‑to‑day leadership and oversight to on‑property group sales associates with a focus on achieving property sales objectives and building value‑based customer relationships. Perform additional duties as assigned to meet the needs of the business. Leadership Responsibilities This position provides day‑to‑day leadership and oversight to: The Director of Group Sales works closely with: Director of Sales & Marketing Catering and Events Teams Hotel Operations Culinary Team Corporate and Off‑Property Sales Channels Qualifications Education Bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Hotel Management, Business, Sales, Marketing, or a related field required, or equivalent relevant work experience. Experience Minimum of seven years of previous experience in the group sales market. Experience within a luxury, four‑or‑five‑star hotel environment is strongly preferred. Proven experience managing group business, developing key accounts, and driving hotel revenue. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Strong knowledge of luxury hotel group sales and hospitality operations. Strong analytical skills with experience in data‑driven decision‑making, forecasting, revenue management, and KPI tracking. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong presentation, negotiation, sales, and relationship‑building skills. Ability to manage multiple projects, accounts, and priorities simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment. Proven leadership and team‑building abilities with the ability to coach, motivate, and develop sales associates. Strong understanding of financial statements, budgeting, forecasting techniques, and basic mathematical principles. Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. Ability to develop and execute strategic sales plans and action plans. Exceptional organizational and time‑management skills. Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage stressful situations during high‑volume periods. Exceptional interpersonal skills with a commitment to guest and client satisfaction. Ability to interact effectively with clients, meeting planners, hotel associates, vendors, competitors, tourism organizations, and community partners. Ability to maintain a professional image, demeanor, and appearance when representing the hotel. Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain timely communication and follow‑up with clients. Typing proficiency of approximately 60 words per minute. Additional Information At Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, teamwork extends beyond departmental responsibilities. Associates are expected to provide lateral service whenever needed to support hotel operations and deliver exceptional guest experiences. Flexibility, collaboration, and a guest‑first mindset are essential to success in this role. Physical Requirements This position requires the ability to sit for extended periods, frequently walk and climb stairs, and occasionally crouch, bend, stoop, reach, push, pull, lift and carry up to 15 pounds. Frequent near vision and constant hearing and verbal communication are required to effectively perform the essential functions of the position. Occasional travel may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Grooming Standards All associates are expected to maintain a neat, clean, and professional appearance in accordance with hotel grooming standards. Specific uniform guidelines and required attire will be reviewed during orientation. Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago offers a comprehensive range of employment benefits for eligible full‑time associates, subject to applicable eligibility, enrollment, and benefit plan requirements. Additional information regarding available benefits can be found on the hotel's Career Center. E‑Verify Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago participates in the federal E‑Verify program. Employment eligibility is verified only after a candidate has accepted a job offer and completed the Form I‑9. E‑Verify is not used to pre‑screen applicants or candidates who have not received a job offer. #J-18808-Ljbffr