Bachelor's degree in hospitality, business, marketing, or related field, or equivalent experience.
Minimum five years of progressive hotel sales experience, particularly in corporate transient or business travel sales.
Strong knowledge of the Boston business travel market and corporate buying processes.
Proven ability to prospect, negotiate, and manage high-value accounts across multiple properties.
Excellent written, verbal, presentation, analytical, and relationship-management skills.
Proficiency in hotel sales, CRM systems, and Microsoft Office.
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and travel as needed.
Responsibilities
Develop and execute the business travel sales strategy for AKA Boston hotels.
Lead account acquisition and retention across various business segments.
Build and maintain relationships with corporate travel buyers and local partners.
Create and manage a strategic sales plan with measurable goals.
Prospect through calls, site visits, networking, and industry events.
Negotiate corporate agreements in collaboration with revenue management.
Achieve annual targets for room-nights and revenue for assigned hotels.
Maintain accurate records and provide regular production reports.
Analyze market trends and adjust sales strategies accordingly.
Collaborate with hotel teams to ensure client commitments are met.
Represent AKA at trade shows and networking events.
Conduct presentations, property tours, and client entertainment.
Mentor sales team members and promote collaboration and service excellence.
Travel locally and occasionally outside the market for business development.
Benefits
Comprehensive health and wellness programs.
Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
Flexible work schedule to accommodate personal commitments.
Access to employee discounts and perks within the hospitality industry.
Full Job Description
RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop and execute the business travel sales strategy for AKA Boston hotels, aligned with portfolio revenue goals and market priorities.
Lead account acquisition, development, and retention across corporate transient, negotiated rate, extended-stay, relocation, project, and crew business.
Build and maintain senior-level relationships with corporate travel buyers, travel management companies, consortia, relocation firms, and local business partners.
Create and manage a strategic sales plan, including target account lists, call plans, market activity, and measurable production goals.
Prospect consistently through sales calls, site visits, networking, referrals, market research, and industry events.
Negotiate corporate agreements and preferred rate programs in partnership with revenue management and property leadership.
Own and achieve annual room-night, revenue, and account-production targets for assigned hotels and market segments.
Maintain an accurate pipeline, account plans, activity records, and forecasts; provide regular reporting on production, pace, opportunities, and risks.
Analyze market trends, competitive activity, account performance, and booking behavior to identify opportunities and adjust sales strategy.
Collaborate with revenue management to establish pricing, need periods, account value, and displacement considerations.
Partner with hotel teams to ensure negotiated account details, client preferences, and service commitments are communicated and delivered.
Represent AKA at client appointments, trade shows, association meetings, networking events, and hosted functions.
Plan and conduct compelling presentations, property tours, quarterly business reviews, and client entertainment.
Mentor and support sales team members, share market intelligence, and promote accountability, collaboration, and service excellence.
Travel locally and periodically outside the market for client meetings, sales events, and business development.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in hospitality, business, marketing, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
Minimum five years of progressive hotel sales experience, including demonstrated success in corporate transient or business travel sales.
Strong knowledge of the Boston business travel market, including major demand generators, travel management companies, and corporate buying processes.
Proven ability to prospect, negotiate, close, and grow high-value accounts while managing multiple properties or complex stakeholder relationships.
Excellent written, verbal, presentation, analytical, and relationship-management skills.
Proficiency with hotel sales, customer relationship management, reporting, and Microsoft Office systems.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, holidays, and travel as business needs require.
