Director of Sales

The Hilton Akron/Fairlawn is transitioning into the DoubleTree of the Akron area!

POSITION PURPOSE:

Train, supervise and work with all Sales and Catering staff in order to solicit and book business resulting in customer satisfaction and profitability.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Select, train, supervise and monitor performance of Sale/Catering Staff.
• Schedule and assign in detail, specific duties to all employees under supervision, for the efficient operation of the Sales and Catering department, ensure coverage of functions in accordance with productivity standards.
• Administer the staffing, training an performance reviews for the Sales/Catering department. Ensure training programs are conducted regularly and Hilton’s standards of performance are met. Give guidance and counsel staff toward improvement.
• Organize, conduct and or attend Sales department meetings.
• Compiles and/or directs the preparation of reports pertaining to the operation of the Sales/Catering department to include, but not limited to the annual and monthly forecast, marketing budget, lead management system, booking report, answer net reports and sales meeting minutes.
• Coordinate ongoing research of the travel industry to detect market trends and related information for development of new marketing strategies. Make reasonable recommendations to improve potential from various markets.
• Develop and conduct persuasive verbal sales presentations to prospective clients. Internally promote Hilton Hotels Corporation CORE programs. Meet with and entertain clients some of which will require travel.
• Initiate preparation of computerized annual Market Plan and execute plans as outlined, critically examining and adjusting as deemed necessary by current market conditions.
• Direct the solicitation efforts of the sales staff through effective oral and written communication while overseeing rate, date and space commitments for group room sales and banquet space within the hotel.
• Negotiate, prepare, write contracts and proposals, enter information into Delphi, and appropriately maintain files.
• Follow individualized Marketing Action Plan for Director of Sales
• Develop marketing promotions and advertising for the hotel.

Other:

Regular attendance in conformance with the standards, which may be established by Hilton from time to time, is essential to the successful performance of this position. Employees with irregular attendance will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Due to the cyclical nature of the hospitality industry, employees may be required to work varying schedules to reflect the business needs of the hotel.

Upon employment, all employees are required to fully comply with Hilton and RDA Management rules and regulations for the safe and efficient operation of hotel facilities. Employees who violate Hotel rules and regulations will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

SUPPORTIVE FUNCTIONS:

In addition to performance of the essential functions, this position may be required to perform a combination of the following supportive functions, with the percentage of time performing each function to be solely determined by the supervisor based upon the particular requirements of the hotel.

• Conduct property site tours.
• Travel to industry related trade shows.
• Participate in key organizations as recommended by management
• Input and retrieve information from computer system/Delphi
• Promptly answer telephone using positive and clear English. Operate a fax machine and copier.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Owner, General Manager and/or Regional Director of Marketing.
• Attend menu, staff and other hotel meetings.
• Manage vacation schedule for department to ensure proper staffing.

SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Knowledge of travel industry, current market trends, and economic factors. Knowledge of food and beverage products, proper preparation and presentation of foods and beverage items.
• Knowledge of a hotel structure and how all departments interact.
• Ability to create special themes, packages, parties or menus.
• Ability to effectively deal with internal and external customers, some of whom require high levels of patience, tact and diplomacy to defuse anger, collect accurate information and resolve conflicts.
• Ability to negotiate pricing, and possess basic mathematical skills to complete reports.
• Ability to work under time pressures and extensive hours at times.
• Attend tastings and evaluate client’s feedback.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

Education:

Any combination of education, training or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. High School diploma required. College education preferred.

Experience:

Minimum of three years sales or catering AND 2 years of supervisory experience required. Prior hotel or hospitality experience preferred.