Sr. Area Sales and Conference Service Manager

The Senior Sales & Events Manager is responsible for driving revenue growth, developing new business opportunities, managing client relationships, and overseeing the successful execution of group business and special events at Grand Beach Hotel.

This position requires a motivated, results-driven hospitality professional with strong leadership, communication, sales, and organizational skills. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to take ownership of assigned business opportunities from initial inquiry through contract negotiation, event planning, and post-event follow-up, while ensuring an exceptional experience for our clients and guests.

As a senior member of the Sales & Events team, this individual will serve as a role model and resource to colleagues, demonstrating professionalism, accountability, initiative, and a collaborative leadership approach. The position requires a hands-on leader who can balance strategic sales development with the day-to-day responsibilities of event management and hotel operations.

Key Responsibilities

1. Sales Leadership & Business Development

• Proactively identify, develop, and secure new business opportunities to achieve assigned revenue goals and departmental objectives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with corporate clients, meeting planners, event professionals, travel partners, third-party agencies, and local businesses.
• Manage an assigned portfolio of accounts and develop strategies to maximize repeat business, account production, and overall revenue contribution.
• Conduct property tours, client presentations, site inspections, and sales appointments to promote the hotel's accommodations, meeting facilities, and event capabilities.
• Prepare proposals, negotiate rates and contractual terms, and manage business opportunities in accordance with established hotel guidelines and revenue strategies.
• Maintain an active sales pipeline and consistently follow up on inquiries, tentative business, and prospective opportunities.
• Collaborate with Revenue Management and hotel leadership to ensure pricing strategies align with market demand, occupancy, and overall business objectives.

2. Event Management & Operational Execution

• Oversee the planning and coordination of assigned meetings, conferences, social events, weddings, and group programs from initial inquiry through event completion.
• Ensure all event details, contracts, Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), rooming lists, and client requirements are accurately documented and communicated.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned clients, ensuring clear communication, timely follow-up, and a seamless planning experience.
• Conduct pre-conference meetings, event planning meetings, and operational reviews to ensure all departments are prepared for successful execution.
• Work closely with Food & Beverage, Banquets, Front Office, Housekeeping, Engineering, and other hotel departments to ensure client expectations and contractual commitments are fulfilled.
• Proactively identify potential service challenges and work with the appropriate departments to develop solutions before and during events.
• Conduct event follow-ups and solicit client feedback to strengthen relationships and encourage repeat business.

3. Team Leadership & Development

• Demonstrate strong leadership by setting a positive example through professionalism, accountability, initiative, and a commitment to excellence.
• Provide guidance, support, and direction to fellow Sales & Events team members, encouraging collaboration and shared accountability.
• Assist with onboarding, training, and development of new team members, sharing best practices and departmental knowledge.
• Promote a team-oriented environment where communication, responsiveness, and follow-through are essential.
• Support departmental leadership with workflow management, prioritization of assignments, and the resolution of day-to-day challenges.
• Take ownership of responsibilities and demonstrate the ability to make sound decisions while knowing when to escalate matters appropriately.
• Foster positive working relationships with all hotel departments and encourage a culture focused on service excellence and revenue performance.

4. Financial Performance & Administrative Responsibilities

• Achieve established individual sales, room revenue, catering, and event production goals.
• Monitor assigned business opportunities and maintain accurate records of sales activities, account production, and revenue forecasts.
• Ensure proposals, contracts, event documentation, and client correspondence are completed accurately and within established timelines.
• Maintain current and accurate information within the hotel's sales, catering, and property management systems.
• Monitor event financial performance, identify opportunities for incremental revenue, and ensure contracted services and billing arrangements are properly communicated.
• Support collection efforts, deposit schedules, and final billing coordination as required.
• Maintain compliance with hotel policies, procedures, contractual guidelines, and established operating standards.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in hotel sales, event management, catering sales, or a related hospitality management position.
• Previous experience managing group business, corporate accounts, meetings, social events, or special event programs.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, with the confidence to guide colleagues, take initiative, and serve as a positive example within the department.
• Strong sales, negotiation, client relationship management, and business development skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with clients, colleagues, and senior management.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple projects, deadlines, and client commitments simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and take ownership of assignments from beginning to end.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; experience with hotel sales, catering, and property management systems preferred.
• A professional demeanor, positive attitude, and commitment to delivering exceptional guest and client experiences.

Leadership Competencies

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following qualities:

• Leadership & Accountability: Leads by example, takes ownership, and consistently follows through on commitments.
• Initiative & Problem-Solving: Anticipates challenges, identifies solutions, and approaches situations with a proactive mindset.
• Business Acumen: Understands the relationship between sales performance, revenue generation, hotel operations, and profitability.
• Client Focus: Builds trust and lasting relationships by understanding client needs and delivering on expectations.
• Team Collaboration: Works effectively across departments and contributes positively to the overall success of the hotel.
• Adaptability: Performs effectively in a fast-paced hospitality environment where priorities and business demands may change.
• Professionalism: Represents Grand Beach Hotel with integrity, confidence, and a commitment to service excellence.

Position Expectations

The Senior Sales & Events Manager is expected to operate with a high degree of independence, accountability, and professionalism. This individual must be comfortable balancing business development responsibilities with the detailed coordination and operational demands of event management.

Success in this position will be measured by the ability to generate business, achieve revenue objectives, maintain strong client relationships, execute successful events, and contribute positively to the leadership and performance of the Sales & Events department.