Group Sales Manager - Fairfield Inn & Suites Magnificent Mile

Sales Manager – Fairfield Inn & Suites Magnificent Mile

Department: Sales 
Reports To: Director of Sales & Marketing 

Position Summary 

Fairfield Inn & Suites Magnificent Mile is seeking a dynamic, results-driven, and relationship-focused Sales Manager to join our sales team. This position is responsible for generating and managing business opportunities, developing new accounts, building strong client relationships, and driving revenue for guestrooms, meeting space, food & beverage, and audio-visual services. 

The ideal candidate is passionate about hospitality, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and possesses a strong understanding of the Chicago hospitality and sales market. This role plays a key part in creating exceptional guest experiences while achieving and exceeding hotel revenue goals. 

Key Responsibilities 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

1. Represent Fairfield Inn & Suites Magnificent Mile in a professional and positive manner at all times. 

1. Prospect, solicit, and secure new business opportunities through proactive sales efforts, account development, and relationship building. 

1. Manage incoming leads and respond promptly to inquiries, referrals, and existing clients with proposals, contracts, and follow-up communication, preferably within four (4) hours. 

1. Conduct hotel site tours, client presentations, and on-site meetings with prospective clients, organizations, companies, groups, and event planners. 

1. Establish and maintain strong relationships with clients before, during, and after their stays or events to encourage repeat business and client retention. 

1. Generate proposals, contracts, and deposit/payment schedules while ensuring all agreements align with hotel revenue strategies and brand standards. 

1. Meet and exceed monthly, quarterly, and annual revenue goals for guestrooms, group business, meeting room rental, and audio-visual services. 

1. Maintain accurate account information, sales activity, forecasting, and lost business documentation in designated sales systems. 

1. Effectively track sales activities, future outreach efforts, account development, and prospecting initiatives to maximize account saturation and revenue opportunities. 

1. Collaborate closely with the Director of Sales & Marketing, Sales Managers, Sales Coordinator, Front Office, and Operations teams to ensure successful execution and guest satisfaction. 

1. Attend networking events, industry trade shows, community functions, sales events, and client meetings to promote Fairfield Inn & Suites - Streeterville and increase referral and new business opportunities. 

1. Develop and maintain knowledge of competitors, market trends, local businesses, corporate accounts, and market opportunities to maximize revenue potential. 

1. Review in-house and arrivals reports to identify potential business opportunities within assigned market segments. 

1. Participate in daily stand-up meetings and weekly sales and revenue strategy meetings. 

1. Follow the prescribed Marketing Action Calendar and assist in developing future Marketing Action Plans. 

1. Maintain a team-oriented approach with all hotel departments and contribute positively to hotel culture and operations. 

1. Comply with the hotel’s Standard Code of Conduct, Employee Handbook, and all policies and procedures established by management. 

1. Be knowledgeable of the hotel’s emergency procedures and safety protocols. 

1. Celebrate and contribute to Fairfield Inn & Suites - Streeterville’s culture of engagement, teamwork, individuality, and exceptional guest experiences. 

1. Complete additional duties and special projects as assigned by the Director of Sales & Marketing. 

1. Management reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. 

Qualifications 

• Minimum 2–3 years of hotel sales experience, preferably within the downtown Chicago hospitality market. 

• Experience in corporate, group, business travel, or hotel sales preferred. 

• Strong knowledge of hospitality sales processes, revenue management strategies, account development, and contract negotiation. 

• Excellent communication, presentation, organizational, and negotiation skills. 

• Ability to manage multiple accounts, leads, projects, and priorities in a fast-paced environment. 

• Strong attention to detail and consistent follow-through. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and hotel sales systems. 

• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with guests, clients, vendors, and team members. 

• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative sales and hotel environment. 

• Must be able to work nights, weekends, holidays, and special events as business demands require. 

Desired Skills 

• Relationship building and client retention. 

• Prospecting and new business development. 

• Corporate and group account management. 

• Event and meeting coordination knowledge. 

• Revenue-focused sales mindset. 

• Strong negotiation and closing skills. 

• Professional and polished demeanor. 

• Excellent time management and organizational skills. 

• Team-oriented attitude and collaborative work style. 

Reasoning & Decision-Making Ability 

This role requires the ability to solve practical problems, make sound business decisions, prioritize sales opportunities, and adapt to situations with varying levels of complexity and standardization. Candidates must demonstrate strong judgment and knowledge of hospitality sales, account management, revenue strategies, and hotel operations. 

Work Environment & Schedule 

Hospitality is a 24/7 business, and flexibility is essential. Candidates must be available to work a varied schedule based on hotel business demands, including evenings, weekends, holidays, networking events, client functions, and other sales-related activities. 

Benefits
Fairfield Inn & Suites offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees, including:

• Multiple medical plan options

• Dental and vision insurance coverage

• Paid time off for work-life balance

• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions

• Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care

• Employer-provided life, accidental death & dismemberment, and short-term disability insurance

• Voluntary long-term disability coverage

• Commuter benefits

• Optional pet insurance

Eligibility for certain benefits may vary based on employment status. Detailed information will be provided during onboarding or upon request.