Group Sales Manager

About Four Seasons:

Four Seasons is powered by our people. We are a collective of individuals who crave to become better, to push ourselves to new heights and to treat each other as we wish to be treated in return. Our team members around the world create amazing experiences for our guests, residents, and partners through a commitment to luxury with genuine heart. We know that the best way to enable our people to deliver these exceptional guest experiences is through a world-class employee experience and company culture.
At Four Seasons, we believe in recognizing a familiar face, welcoming a new one and treating everyone we meet the way we would want to be treated ourselves. Whether you work with us, stay with us, live with us or discover with us, we believe our purpose is to create impressions that will stay with you for a lifetime. It comes from our belief that life is richer when we truly connect to the people and the world around us.

About the location:

A Manhattan landmark on Billionaires' Row. Experience five-star, New York hotel living in our modern-deco landmark designed by famed architect I.M. Pei. Located on “Billionaires’ Row” at the city’s most prestigious address between Park Avenue and Madison Avenue, you’re just steps from Central Park and Madison Avenue shopping. Come and unwind in our sun-filled suites (some of the largest in Manhattan), take in the unparalleled city and park views, and experience serenity and luxury high above Manhattan’s exhilarating whirlwind.

The Opportunity: Four Seasons Hotel New York is looking for an experienced Group Sales Manager. This role will be responsible for business generation as it relates to prospecting and securing group business on behalf of the hotel in accordance with the goals and strategies outlined in the annual Marketing Plan and in concert with our Worldwide Sales Office effort. Group Sales Managers are accountable for ensuring quotas and goals are met and to ensure that direct sales activities are focused on generating the maximum revenue per available room for the overall hotel’s success. This position requires a high degree of independent judgement and discretion on decision-making.

Responsibilities: To develop accounts (new and existing) by mapping specific business and buying tendencies. Perform regular solicitations to new and existing accounts and third party planners. Promote awareness to markets via travel to respective regions in the country providing presentations and personal sales calls. Maintain communication/relationship with WSO network, as well as other Four Seasons hotels toward achieving pre-determined revenue goal. Create and execute direct sales plan specific to market assignment. Promote local awareness through maintaining relationships with new and existing accounts and planners. Conduct regular tours of property to clients while informing of all hotel services available. Entertain clients on property during site inspections and outside of site inspections. Coordinate all sales related activity through the direction of the director of sales; achieve maximum profitability while satisfying guest needs. Excellent knowledge of Golden Sales and Catering account management system to achieve Four Seasons minimum standards, while utilizing technology as an account/organizational tool; have a working knowledge of local and regional competition.

Essential Functions and Activities:

• Identify and target corporate event segments and organizations that will generate business but not conflict with WSO efforts.
• Negotiate room rates, function room rental, and food and beverage minimum spend in order to maximize revenue.
• Utilize business intelligence tools such as Cvent and Knowland to create and execute account plan for top 20 accounts.
• Use company wide programs, arrival reports, sales developments, prospecting projects, WSO customer events and reporting for group business development.
• Follow up on all business inquiries and leads and qualify business to generate group room nights.
• Create and execute account plans for assigned market territory to ensure maximum corporate group revenue and budgeted targets are achieved for the property.
• Achieve monthly, quarterly, and annual revenue and direct sales goals including outside sales calls, prospecting calls, site inspections, and entertainment as outlined.
• Assist Director of Sales in the development of new programs and campaigns to obtain additional sales from the various market niches.
• Assist Director of Sales with the implementation, follow-through and updating of the quarterly action plans.
• Proven relationships in the luxury group and events industry. o Explores new ways to increase revenue.
• Strong and effective interpersonal skills, outstanding communication and presentation skills.
• A self-starter that can multi-task and prioritize.
• Treat active selling, solicitation, and business development as #1 job priority.
• Protect the golden selling hours and allocate time and resources as appropriate for account development.
• Schedule activities effectively and meet deadlines.
• Handle sales calls and trips in a cost and time efficient manner.
• Ability to plan activities in advance. Ability to coordinate special events, promotions and other required management duties as assigned.
• Participate in local industry organizations and networks as needed.
• Track and focus on conversion to ensure hotel revenue objectives are impacted and achieved.
• Write clear and effective sales correspondence.
• Make a strong and positive impression on clients in individual and group settings.
• Cross sell with catering, leisure managers, and other Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts where appropriate. Use P2P program for cross hotel selling.
• Establish and maintain strong GSC hygiene including account creation, account traces, contact information, and sales activities in accordance with Four Seasons standards.
• Participate in sales meetings, pipeline, and leadership meetings as required.
• Keep supervisors informed of any and all potential problems so corrective action can be taken.
• Maintain a professional appearance and conduct personal behavior in a mature, professional business manner where representing the hotel or company.
• Have a strong attention to detail, monitor quality, and obsessively service oriented.
• Be a team member and assist as needed within the department or hotel.
• Communicate industry trends or market data as needed to better understand our marketplace and business.
• Manage, coach, and guide coordinator.
• Receive and share constructive feedback.

Minimum Requirement 

• Knowledge of Delphi/Meeting Broker/OPERA systems is preferred. 
• Proficient in computer skills (including Windows, Microsoft Suite) necessary to complete any correspondence such as proposals, letters, and office communications. 
• Excellent telephone manner and ability to communicate with clients and all levels of management. 
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and handle several projects/deadlines. 
• Strong organizational and self-guided multi-tasking skills. 

Compensation

Starting at $92,000 plus incentive plan

Comprehensive Benefits 

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance 
• Vacation, holiday, and sick pay 
• 401k participation with company matching program 
• Complimentary stays at Four Seasons worldwide, subject to availability 
• Complimentary meal prepared by the culinary team 
• Complimentary dry cleaning of work attire

Four Seasons is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. To access the 'EEOC is The Law' Information poster please visit this website - https://eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf