Manager, Commercial Enterprise Sales

IN-PERSON - HOUSTON, TX.

Houston First recognizes and appreciates the importance of cultivating an environment that nurtures talent; that is equitable and values different perspectives and backgrounds; and, above all, is respectful to everyone. Our Mission is to create value and enhance economic prosperity by promoting the Houston region.

Houston First Corporation (HFC) is the official destination marketing organization for the City of Houston and is seeking an ambitious and strategic Sales Manager committed to driving economic impact for the region.

The Manager, Commercial Enterprise Sales leads business development and revenue generation across the Houston First enterprise. This role builds high‑value corporate and philanthropic partnerships and drives sales of integrated sponsorship programs, events, and enterprise‑wide initiatives. Leveraging Houston First’s extensive portfolio of assets, properties, and rights, the Manager creates mutually beneficial partnerships that elevate revenue, visibility, and community impact.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• ☒ This position has no supervisory responsibilities 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintains a prominent level of understanding of current business opportunities available through HFC-owned assets and HFC’s portfolio of assets.
• Builds prospect contact lists and opportunities through industry-leading technology systems and platforms, networking, and development of relationships
• Sells and markets multi-layered sponsorships/partnerships programs across an extensive and diverse portfolio of marketable assets, properties, and rights (as assigned by his/her supervisor).
• Crafts professional, customized, and tailored proposals and presentations that creatively and distinctly differentiate and communicate a value proposition to targeted prospects that drive revenue and profitability to HFC.
• Delivers mutually beneficial opportunities to targeted prospects that drive revenue, profitability, and value to HFC and its sponsors/partners.
• Negotiates agreements and related contracts that may include (but not be limited to) service rights, infrastructure assets, event/program rights, signage/branding rights, marketing/promotional rights, advertising rights (as assigned by his/her supervisor).
• Ensures seamless internal handoff, coordination, and execution of all sponsor agreements (and related deliverables) to enable Houston First to deliver first-class, professional service and support to its clients/partners.
• Responsible for achieving annual assigned budget goals (as assigned by his/her supervisor or the Chief Commercial Officer).
• Adheres to the Company’s contracting process and requirements so all HFC and department operating guidelines, policies, and procedures are being executed properly and effectively, including but not limited to contract format, legal terms and requirements, internal reviews and approvals, client invoices/billing, etc.
• Managers detailed reporting and pertinent data collection, proper and effective use of Company CRM software, systems, and tools provided, and any required assistance and/or support in connection with sponsor/client recaps or post-action reports.
• Maintains accurate, organized, detailed, and up-to-date records and files, including but not limited to sales databases, clients and prospect contacts, contracts, sales proposals/decks, recap reports, budgets, etc.
• Identifies, develops, and implements new strategic commercial business opportunities that grow revenues and align with the mission of HFC.
• Monitors market trends and provides competitor analysis as required.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Vice President of Sales & Service (or as directed by the Chief Commercial Officer).
• Meets and exceeds assigned department goals and KPIs

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in business-related studies, preferred.
• Minimum of three to five years of account management, business development, revenue generation, and/or direct sales experience
• Sponsorship sales and non-traditional revenue experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Capacity to understand “big picture” strategic objectives while managing and negotiating tactical executions at multiple levels.
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain outstanding client relationships – at senior levels and implementation levels
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively to clients’ needs and issues
• An ability to strategically conceptualize, develop, and implement value-add opportunities that build client brands and provide a foundation to drive business growth to clients/partners.
• Solid negotiating skills.
• Demonstrates problem-solving and solution skills
• Professional appearance and one that demonstrates a strong work ethic and a positive, can-do attitude
• A professional who is dependable, flexible, and able to pivot and adjust, as required quickly and effectively
• Ability to organize work and tasks; attention to detail and excellent follow-through.
• Ability to work and thrive in a fast-paced environment and execute effectively against multiple projects and deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, anticipate needs and exercise independent and sound judgment Demonstrated passion for learning new things, continuous improvement sharing best practices.
• Must be self-motivated and have analytical problem-solving capabilities.
• Manage confidentiality without exception.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• ☒ No major sources of discomfort; normal office environment
• ☒ Must be able to travel and occasionally work long or irregular hours as required
• ☒Required to work in the office Monday – Friday, with additional evenings and weekends as required