What this role is all aboutPosition Summary
The Senior Account Director of Group Sales/ Associate Director of Group sales position is a wonderful opportunity to join a fast-growing team and company. Since 2020 Sonesta Hotels have seen huge growth from 250 hotels to 1200 hotels in North America and beyond. By accepting this role, you will be part of the 8th largest lodging company in North America that is on a major growth path. Here at Sonesta we take our teams' learning & development very seriously.
The Senior Account Director of Group Sales is a key leadership role within the resort sales organization, responsible for driving group revenue performance while providing strategic guidance and leadership to a sales team member. This position directly manages the Executive Meeting Manager, who is responsible for booking and serving executive meeting events for our resort.
What you'll be doingPrincipal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions) includeKey responsibilities would include selling guest rooms and meeting space within managed accounts and segments to groups for the Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island and supporting other Sonesta hotels group production through the Ignite program.
Sales and Leadership Responsibilities- Serve as the senior leader responsible for group room night and revenue production for the resort, ensuring goals are met or exceeded.
- Manage and mentor the Executive Meeting Manager, providing coaching, performance feedback, and guidance on lead generation, client development, and market strategy.
- Develop and execute a strategic sales plan for assigned market segments, targeting corporate, incentive, and association business.
- Explore new sources of business by developing contacts and maintaining key client relationships to expand the resort network and market share.
- Conduct market analysis and maintain awareness of competitor performance to inform pricing and positioning strategies.
• Maintain and update the resort's CRM system in accordance to Sonesta guidelines.
• Attend daily business review meetings, weekly revenue meetings, and monthly sales meetings.
- Organize and participate in familiarization visits, sales blitzes, entertain and conduct other business-generating activities as and when required
- Conduct on-site inspections for existing or prospective travel influencers, decision makers and end users.
- Be aware of current market trends and supply competitor activity information to the sales leadership.
- Participate in sales trips and, when required, complete all sales reports in accordance with Sonesta guidelines.
- Participate in any projects as and when assigned by the department head.
- Perform any other reasonable duties as required by the department head.
Administration and Reporting- Maintain accurate and timely information in the resort's CRM in accordance with Sonesta standards.
- Prepare and analyze monthly production reports and business plans to ensure accountability and consistent performance across the sales team.
- Ensure that all business is booked, serviced, and communicated with precision and within brand standards.
- Support on-property collaboration with Revenue Management, Catering, and Operations to maximize profitability and guest satisfaction.
Team Development- Foster an environment of communication, collaboration, and accountability between the on-property sales team and Sonesta GSO team members.
- Provide regular training and guidance to ensure compliance with Sonesta policies.
Guest and Service Excellence- Deliver Sonesta's "GUEST" service model, ensuring every client interaction reflects the resort's values of warmth, professionalism, and responsiveness.
- Lead by example in building long-term relationships with clients and colleagues based on respect, transparency, and integrity.
Qualifications and Skills- Minimum 5 years of resort group sales experience, including 2+ years in a senior or leadership role.
- Prior experience managing team members strongly preferred.
- College degree required.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams, PowerPoint).
- Experience with CRM platforms (Salesforce, Cvent, Ideas, or equivalent) preferred.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to travel up to 50% of the time
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Anticipated Pay Range & Additional Job InformationHow we reward youAt Sonesta, we know showing up for our guests starts with showing up for our people. That means supporting your health, your financial future, and everything in between.
Here's a snapshot of what we offer:
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with Company Match
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
- Paid Vacation & Sick Time
- Company-Paid Life Insurance
- Company-Paid Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
- Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness & Accident Insurance
- Sonesta Hotel Discounts (yes, you'll want to use these ✈)
- Additional Perks & Employee Discounts
Before You ApplyTo be considered, please complete the full application in addition to submitting your resume. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
