Area Group Sales Manager, NE

Company Description

A beloved local landmark for over 150 years, White Barn Inn is synonymous with warm New England hospitality, rustic charm and uncompromising attention to detail. Constructed in the 1860s, White Barn Inn’s original farmhouse has offered superb hospitality since the days of the Civil War. It has operated as the White Barn Inn since 1973. In October 2018, White Barn Inn was acquired by Auberge Resorts Collection, a unique portfolio of the world’s best-loved boutique luxury hotels and resorts. Just a 90-minute drive north of Boston, the inviting property is renowned as one of the country’s most distinctive getaways and features several room types, a pool, massage and spa treatments, gardens and a prime location near the sandy beaches and classic coastal town of Kennebunkport, Maine.

Job Description

The Group Sales Manager is responsible for identifying and sourcing group business in a specific geographic area in accordance with the collection’s strategic plan to maximize room revenue during peak and nonpeak periods. Group Sales Manager is responsible for the overall management, productivity and achievement of sales goals for the assigned region. Group Sales Manager reports directly to the Area Director of Sales to ensure that sales and booking strategy is in line with properties business needs.  The ideal candidate would be highly motivated, organized, enjoy leading and developing associates and interacting with guests.

The Group Sales Manager also works as a team member with the sales and catering staff and is in close contact with support staff. Solicits, through direct sales and marketing contacts, the most complex accounts, which exhibit potential for business.  

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Oversee account and booking goals in the assigned region. 
• Organize and schedule direct sales efforts via phone, email and in person, average of 100 proactive sales activities per month. 
• Create and conduct curated site visits on property.
• Evaluate and initiate opportunities for developing new sources of business. 
• Plan and execute a 12-month strategic business plan. 
• Support and participate in daily business reviews, weekly GRC calls and monthly conference calls with the Director of Sales and property specific calls as needed. 
• Accurately maintain and build a database of clients. Responsible for overall accuracy of regional databases. 
• Keep department heads informed of problems in order to ensure prompt correction and ensure guest satisfaction. 
• Be available to work on property as required to host VIP site visits and key client program operation. 
• Log all daily activities into Delphi. 
• Provide feedback and goals and objectives in preparation of annual sales plans and budgets. 
• Ensure effective group pricing strategies are properly communicated to group clients. 
• Develops regional planning and strategies to increase brand exposure. 
• Evaluates promotional events, trade shows, community and industry events to make sure attendance produces the proper return on investment. 
• Maintain customer, trade, industry and staff relations. 
• Maintain ethical and professional standards of sales service. 
• Maintain professional appearance and demeanor and to conduct personal behavior in a mature and professional business manner while representing the company. 
• Travel and work flexible days and hours.
• Perform other duties as directed, developed or assigned.

Qualifications

• Four-year college degree or equivalent education/experience. 
• Minimum 5 years sales experience in a related position in a luxury hotel sales environment. 
• Demonstrated record of driving sales revenues in a luxury hotel environment.
• Ability to be on property for site visits

Desirable: 

• Prior experience selling Auberge Resorts brand or top competitor. 
• Prior experience selling multiple properties. 
• Prior experience working with professional organizations that support group business (SITE, MPI, FICP, Cvent, IMEX) etc.

SKILLS 

Required:

• Ability to negotiate, convince, sell and influence group business decision makers and influencers. 
• Ability to research and identify top prospects for growth of an existing account and develop new accounts. 
• Ability to be self-motivated and achieve goals with minimal direct supervision. 
• Ability to manage extensive amounts of information. 
• Knowledge of sales procedures associated with the hotel industry. 
• Excellent written skills sufficient to produce sales and marketing communication. 
• Strong computer skills (Gmail, Excel, Google Docs/Sheets, PowerPoint, LinkedIn, Salesforce). 
• Excellent spoken and presentation skills (in-person and virtual). 
• Strong ability to listen effectively. 
• Ability to work effectively both independently and with a team from a remote sales office. 
• Ability to present clear, concise and meaningful information to owners, guests, executives, managers and employees. 
• Ability to effectively present information in one on one, small group situations to customers, clients and other employees of the organization. 
• Ability to sell ideas persuasively and energetically. 
• Ability to analyze, interpret and understand financial data. 
• Ability to maintain a high level of organization. 
• Ability to embody the company's mission, vision & culture. 
• Ability to use systems and equipment including personal computer, fax machine, copier, calculator, Google Suite, property management system, and other software/machinery as required. 
• Ability to plan and execute sales trips on budget and in compliance with corporate travel policy. 
• Ability to perform job functions with attention to detail, speed and accuracy, prioritize, and organize. 

Desirable:

• Delphi/Salesforce global database system. 
• Opera PMS  (or similar)

Travel Requirements

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Seated work at office at office workstation makes up the majority of physical activity.  
• Periodic walking for site visits and client visits.
• Some driving or air travel required

Additional Information

Auberge Resorts Collection is a portfolio of extraordinary hotels, resorts, residences, and private clubs. While each property is unique, all share a crafted approach to luxury and bring the soul of the locale to life through captivating design, exceptional cuisine and spas, and gracious yet unobtrusive service. With hotels and resorts across three continents, Auberge invites guests to create unforgettable stories in some of the world’s most desirable destinations. Please visit aubergeresorts.com to learn more about our Collection. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Linkedin, Facebook and Pinterest: @AubergeResorts and #AlwaysAuberge.

US Hotels New England LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V. US Hotels New England LLC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all team members and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, US Hotels New England LLC complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.