SMERF Sales Manager

SMERF Sales Manager

Club Quarters Hotels is seeking an experienced and ambitious Sales Manager to drive growth within the SMERF market for our Chicago hotels. The ideal candidate is a market-savvy, results-driven seller ready to take full ownership of this segment, build lasting relationships and elevate our presence in the Chicago market.

Responsibilities

• Create Sales Strategy: Create, implement, and monitor short- and long-range sales strategies for SMERF segments to optimize revenue, maximize profitability, and assist in developing overarching sales plans.
• Drive Business Development: Establish a robust SMERF client base (Social, Military, Educational, Religious, and Fraternal) through proactive inside and outside sales efforts to secure group business and exceed revenue goals.
• Target Key Accounts: Ensure group account room-night potential is identified, targeted, and solicited in a timely manner.
• Track Market Intelligence: Monitor and provide competitive market intelligence within the SMERF segments to identify trends and maintain a competitive edge.
• Negotiate Contracts: Negotiate and execute group contracts that align with the hotel's sales guidelines to meet or exceed revenue and incentive goals.
• Engage Prospects: Arrange and conduct site inspections, hotel tours, special events, and off-site presentations for potential clients.
• Cultivate Relationships: Build collaborative, mutually supportive relationships with customers, the local community, regional sales offices, and hotel staff.
• Secure Repeat Business: Follow up with clients regularly during and after their departure to ensure complete satisfaction and secure future repeat bookings.
• Represent the Brand: Represent the hotels in a professional manner by actively participating in local networking organizations, community groups, and industry events.
• Optimize Revenue Data: Effectively utilize Group Rooms Control (GRC) reports to track group opportunities, measure year-over-year (YOY) performance, identify need periods, and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Collaborate with Operations: Provide effective written communication and group resumes to the hotel operations team regarding onsite groups and events to ensure seamless execution.
• Solve Operational Challenges: Partner closely with appropriate hotel departments to identify and resolve operational bottlenecks that impact sales performance.
• Provide Peak Support: Promote teamwork and quality service by assisting the sales coordinator with servicing groups during high-demand periods and participating in resume meetings.
• Manage Client Data: Maintain accurate client files and update CRM/sales database information daily in accordance with established departmental procedures.
• Maintain Compliance: Comply with all departmental policies, service standards, sales guidelines, and safety/emergency protocols.
• Additional Duties: Perform other duties as assigned by leadership.

Qualifications and Skills

• Sales Experience: Proven track record in proactive hotel group sales. Direct experience in the SMERF market is highly preferred but not required.
• Business Development: Demonstrated success in maintaining and building client relationships, with a passion for aggressively developing new business.
• Collaborative Mindset: Highly comfortable and effective working in a team-selling environment.
• Communication Skills: Strong presentation skills alongside excellent written and verbal communication.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced computer skills with deep familiarity in common hospitality CRM and sales software, specifically Salesforce, Opera, and Thynk.
• Scheduling Flexibility: Must be willing and able to work varied hours based on business needs.

Salary

$ 85,000 - $95,000 with 20% bonus potential. Compensation is based on experience.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for eligible associates, designed to support your lifestyle, health, and professional future.

• Career Growth: Continuous opportunities for professional advancement and internal career growth.
• Work Environment: A warm, inclusive, and supportive work environment.
• Competitive Compensation: Competitive wages with regular opportunities for review.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for eligible healthcare expenses.
• Income Protection: Voluntary life insurance along with short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Retirement Planning: A 401(k)-retirement plan to help secure your financial future.
• Paid Time Off: Robust Paid Time Off (PTO) programs to rest and recharge.
• Holiday Pay: Paid holiday time off or holiday compensation.
• Paid Leave: Dedicated paid leave for jury duty and bereavement.
• Hotel Discounts: Exclusive hotel discounts across our portfolio.

Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity

Committed to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive culture, our company reflects the richness of our communities, creating a welcoming environment.

We know that we're better together, embracing the unique experiences and individual perspectives of each member of our team.

About Club Quarters Hotels

Club Quarters Hotels is a privately held company based in Stamford, Connecticut, managing a portfolio of full-service hotels in world-class cities across the United States and London. Purpose-built for urban travelers, our hotels seamlessly blend accommodations, amenities, and services to deliver productive, memorable, and distinctive experiences for our guests. We are dedicated to cultivating a dynamic, growth-oriented environment for our team members.