Group Sales Manager

Additional Information: This hotel is owned and operated by an independent franchisee, Sage Hospitality. The franchisee is a separate company and a separate employer from Marriott International, Inc. The franchisee solely controls all aspects of the hotel’s employment policies and practices, including hiring, firing, discipline, staffing, compensation, benefits, and all other terms and conditions of employment. If you accept a position at this hotel, you will be employed by a franchisee and not by Marriott International, Inc. The Group Sales Manager is responsible for driving group and catering revenue through strategic sales initiatives, proactive business development, and strong client relationship management. This role focuses on identifying and securing new business opportunities while maximizing existing accounts to position The Ben as a premier destination for meetings, corporate gatherings, and social events in West Palm Beach. Success in this role requires a dynamic sales professional who thrives on prospecting, networking, and cultivating meaningful relationships. By combining market insight, creative selling strategies, and a service-driven mindset, the Group Sales Manager plays a vital role in growing revenue and ensuring the hotel remains a sought-after venue for memorable events and gatherings. Qualifications: Proven experience in hospitality sales, including group, catering, or event sales. Experience in outside sales, B2B sales, or business development preferred. Strong negotiation skills with the ability to build and maintain lasting client relationships. Proficiency in CI/TY (or comparable sales and catering systems). Excellent presentation, communication, and organizational skills. Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment. Strong understanding of hospitality sales strategies, market positioning, and revenue optimization. Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. Bending/Kneeling: Repeated bending and kneeling may be required, particularly when filing or retrieving materials. Mobility: Must be able to move throughout all areas of the hotel to assist clients and support site visits. Lifting/Carrying: Occasional lifting and carrying of files and office materials up to 25 pounds. Standing: Occasional standing for extended periods during client meetings, site tours, and events. Work Environment: Primarily based in a professional office setting within the hotel. Regular interaction within various areas of the hotel, including event spaces and guest-facing environments. Occasional attendance at off-site events, client meetings, and networking functions. Direct Sales & Business Development Conduct proactive, high-impact sales calls and prospecting activities to generate new revenue. Maintain a strategic direct sales program aligned with departmental goals and the hotel’s marketing initiatives. Dedicate a minimum of 90% of work time to revenue-generating sales efforts. Represent the hotel at networking events, industry functions, and business development opportunities. Maintain reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license for outside sales calls and client visits. New Account Development Identify, target, and secure new accounts through research, prospecting, networking, and market intelligence. Capture competitor business by analyzing market trends and conducting reader board surveys. Develop and execute a targeted account development strategy to drive incremental revenue. Generate referrals from existing clients and follow up on all leads within 48 hours. Leverage creative outreach strategies, including telemarketing and digital engagement, to expand the client base. Key Account Management Maximize revenue within existing accounts by identifying growth opportunities and upselling services. Build and maintain strong, long-term client relationships through consistent communication and personalized service. Maintain detailed client profiles and account records to support exceptional service delivery. Achieve 90% of productivity goals and 100% of activity goals as established by management. Sales Administration & Yield Management Negotiate room rates, catering packages, and event agreements using yield management strategies to optimize revenue. Prepare and present customized proposals, contracts, and presentations tailored to client needs. Maintain accurate and organized records within CRM systems and sales reporting tools. Monitor sales performance, pipeline activity, and forecasting to support revenue strategy discussions. Account Service & Client Experience Deliver exceptional service throughout the sales cycle to ensure a seamless and memorable client experience. Maintain organized account files and documentation for all clients and events. Respond promptly to client inquiries, needs, and event-related requests. Collaborate closely with internal departments to ensure flawless event execution. Market Intelligence & Product Knowledge Conduct ongoing market research to identify trends, opportunities, and competitive insights. Maintain in-depth knowledge of the hotel’s offerings, event capabilities, and unique selling points. Stay informed on competitor activity and industry developments to effectively position the property. Professionalism & Collaboration Represent the hotel with integrity, professionalism, and a service-driven mindset at all times. Maintain a polished and professional appearance when engaging with clients and partners. Foster strong collaboration and communication across all hotel departments. Manage travel and sales expenses responsibly in alignment with departmental budgets. Medical, dental, and vision insurance ; Health savings and flexible spending accounts ; Basic Life and AD&D insurance ; Unlimited paid time off, community service, and holidays ; 401(k) program with employer matching ; Employee Assistance Program ; Tuition reimbursement ; Hotel, restaurant, and lifestyle discounts ; Employee referral bonus program (up to $1,000 per referral) $80,000-$85,000 This company is an equal opportunity employer. frnch1 The Autograph Collection is a growing collection of four and five-star independent hotels, each offering unique and memorable experiences. Each hotel is thoughtfully chosen for its quality, originality, bold character, and ability to offer today’s traveler a range of unique experiences suited to their individual sense of style and adventure. All Autograph Collection hotels look to attract The Individualist, the brand's target consumer. The Individualist is someone who uses travel as an opportunity to add to their personal narrative – in essence they are hand selecting our hotels whether for personal or corporate travel because it is much more than simply a place to rest. In joining Autograph Collection, you join a portfolio of brands with Marriott International. Be where you can do your best work, begin your purpose, belong to an amazing global team, and become the best version of you.