Group Sales Manager

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a renowned luxury hotel brand with a global presence and a commitment to creating lasting memories for our guests. With over 30,000 colleagues worldwide, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional service, fostering a culture of excellence, and making special happen.

Hotel Overview:

Located in the heart of downtown Fairmont New Orleans will be an impressive new addition to Fairmont’s luxury portfolio, offering 250 luxury guest rooms, four food & drink venues, a rooftop pool with expansive views of the city, more than 19,000 square feet of function space, and a 10,000 square-foot spa.

This property is destined to become an illustrious destination in the Central Business District, nearby the city’s renowned and historic French Quarter.

SUMMARY

You are an ambassador of the engaging service and authentically local experiences we offer in places of unrivalled presence. As a Group Sales Manager you will develop your market and coordinate with a passionate team. Your interpersonal, service and entrepreneurial strengths will ensure exceptional operating results and guest satisfaction.  This role reports to the Director, Group Sales.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITES 

Include but are not limited to the following:

• Accountable for the Group Sales effort by prospecting and contracting business within defined territory
• Strategically sells hotel rooms, conference space, including related services, and food and beverage needs to individuals, groups and companies
• Evaluate every group event business opportunity to maximize revenue and profitability while achieving customer expectations
• Travel into markets as required for Sales Calls, Tradeshows, Events and Conferences
• Collect market and competitive intelligence to maximize group sales opportunities
• Building and maintain relationships with new and existing clients, providing exceptional service and identifying potential opportunities for growth
• Build relationships with all relevant stakeholders, namely Accor Global Sales Office(s), the New Orleans & Co. and offsite venues
• Partner with regional and national sister hotels to optimize Accor exposure and build incremental business
• Develop a monthly sales strategy and action plan
• Achieve/exceed monthly, quarterly, and annual budgeted sales goals by performing direct sales solicitation while developing new accounts and maintaining existing accounts; managing account details and preparing reports; responding to all telephone and in-person inquiries
• Maintain positive customer relationships and ensure timely responses to all inquiries for space or service needs
• Assist with the budgeting, planning and organizing of site inspections, FAMS, sales trips and industry trade shows
• Utilize OperaCloud Sales System to track, solicit, book and follow up on accounts
• Quoting and negotiate rates within established parameters
• Coordinate and follow up with convention services, catering and/or other hotel departments to ensure delivery of hotel's promised services
• Maintain a professional image at all times through appearance and dress
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Minimum of two years of sales experience
• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Proven ability to build relationships and find new business: prospecting, networking, site inspections and sales calls
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong attention to detail
• Excellent time management skills
• Keep abreast of industry trends and share information with all staff
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and juggle many tasks simultaneously
• Superior problem-solving/strategizing skills
• Excellent overall computer skills including Microsoft applications, with advanced knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint, and OperaCloud/ Sales & Catering systems.
• Proactive mindset to anticipate and support changes in our business
• Conformity to the highest standards of personal integrity and ethical behavior
• Exceptional customer service abilities

• If creating memories and being part of an exceptional guest experience appeals to you, perhaps you would be interested in joining the outstanding team of hospitality professionals at The Fairmont New Orleans. 

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:
We are an inclusive company and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent.