Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent experience in sales, business development, hospitality, sports, or recreation.
3-5 years of sales or business development experience, ideally in events or hospitality.
1-2 years of supervisory or team-lead experience preferred.
Proven success in booking and executing corporate functions and community events.
Experience in developing sales campaigns and strategic partnerships.
Familiarity with regional tourism organizations and sports commissions preferred.
Strong knowledge of sales techniques and CRM tools.
Responsibilities
Manage daily business development and sales activities, including sponsorship and event sales.
Supervise and support sales team members, ensuring consistent processes and customer service.
Develop and implement outbound sales campaigns to boost event bookings and revenue.
Coordinate and execute a minimum of eight signature non-sport events annually.
Build and maintain relationships with local businesses and strategic partners.
Manage sponsorship sales and adjust outreach strategies based on performance.
Track sales activity and provide regular updates to facility leadership.
Benefits
Full-time exempt position with a focus on professional growth.
Opportunity to lead and develop a sales team.
Engagement with diverse community segments and events.
Access to networking opportunities within the sports and events industry.
Full Job Description
SALES DIRECTOR - Footlab OC
Sports Facilities Management, LLC
LOCATION: Santa Ana, CA
DEPARTMENT: EVENTS
REPORTS TO: GENERAL MANAGER
STATUS: FULL-TIME (EXEMPT)
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Sales Manager is responsible for driving venue revenue through tournament sales, event sales, sponsorships, referrals, rebooking strategies, banquet and facility rentals, equipment rentals, and pre-sold merchandise for groups. This position develops new business, manages client relationships, supports marketing and partnership efforts, and coordinates with Operations to deliver successful events while achieving annual revenue and booking goals.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:
Manage day-to-day business development and sales activities, including sponsorship sales, sport and non-sport event sales, facility rentals, banquet sales, and marketing support
Supervise, train, coach, and support sales team members as assigned; communicate expectations and help maintain consistent sales processes and customer service standards
Develop and implement outbound sales campaigns to increase event bookings, sponsorships, registrations, and overall facility revenue
Develop, coordinate, and execute a minimum of eight signature non-sport events annually to increase traffic and revenue
Design and execute targeted sales campaigns for corporate, church, nonprofit, education, and other community segments
Build and maintain relationships with local businesses, convention and visitors bureaus, regional sports commissions, and other strategic partners
Manage sponsorship sales and adjust outreach strategies based on available inventory, client needs, and performance results
Implement the approved annual marketing plan and monitor marketing KPIs in coordination with facility leadership and marketing partners
Organize and attend networking events, trade shows, community events, and other activities to promote facility offerings and generate leads
Develop and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective clients through cold calling, referrals, lead generation, CRM activity, and community outreach
Respond to event inquiries, conduct site tours, and prepare customized proposals, contracts, and other sales materials
Manage the client relationship before and during events, support retention and rebooking efforts, and identify opportunities for additional business
Coordinate with Operations and other departments on event logistics, facility needs, and event execution to ensure a high-quality client experience
Serve as the primary sales contact for assigned events and work with internal teams to address client needs and resolve issues
Represent the facility as Manager on Duty as needed and assist with event setup, execution, and other operational functions when required
Track sales activity, bookings, revenue performance, and progress toward annual goals; provide regular updates to facility leadership
All other duties as assigned by management
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree preferred, or equivalent experience in sales, business development, hospitality, sports, recreation, or a related field
Three to five years of sales or business development experience, preferably in events, hospitality, sports, or recreation
One to two years of supervisory, team-lead, or department-lead experience preferred
Proven success booking and supporting the execution of corporate functions, banquets, tournaments, community events, or other facility rentals