Director of Sales

Located in a beautiful West Norwalk residential neighborhood, LaKota Oaks is the ideal retreat for weddings and private events. Come join a fun team with a fun culture! The property currently consists of our 120 room recently renovated hotel, 10,500 square feet of event space, an indoor swimming pool, basketball court, racquet ball courts, and much more.

Perks for being a team member:

• Benefits for Full-time team members
• 401k for Full-time team members
• Discounted merchandise and dining
• Fun work culture

Summary:

Our Director of Sales will oversee the strategic oversight of the weddings and social events segments including business development, partner relations, sales strategy, creation, and oversight of standard operating procedures. This role will be a hands-on role and will also oversee the sales department at another future property.

Responsibilities:

• Know, understand, and adhere to company established policies and procedures.
• Ensures guest interactions are always positive. Smiles with every guest.
• Handle sensitive information in a confidential manner.
• Schedule and follow through with appointments for our guests to view our facilities and give an overview of our packages and Resort options.
• Inspects all meeting rooms for cleanliness and repairs. Ensure all meeting rooms are guest ready.
• Achieve growth and hit sales targets by successfully managing the Sales team.
• Present sale and revenue reports and realistic forecasts to the management team.
• Provides leadership to the sales team.
• Motivates and encourages sales team to ensure quotas are met.
• Reviews and analyzes sales and operational records and reports; uses data to project sales, determine profitability and targets, and identify potential new markets.
• Identifies and analyzes guest preferences to properly direct sales efforts.
• Consults with potential guests to understand their needs; identifies and suggests equipment, products, or services that will meet those needs.
• Resolves guest complaints, staffing problems, and other issues that may interfere with efficient sales operations.
• Collaborates with executive leadership to develop sales quotas and strategies.
• Prepares sales budget; monitors and approves expenses.
• Acts as company representative at trade association meetings.
• Establish the creative approach and provide creative insights and leadership across all touch points of the Wedding category.
• Understand the target market segment(s) and sales plan (by segment, year, and month) for achieving the established sales booking goal.
• Assist the Sales team in upselling the guests with themes, décor, menu selection, space planning over and above the contracted food and beverage minimum and to deliver the desired experience.
• Establish lead sources for each target market segment and develop solicitation plan to meet weekly sales activity quotas: calls, tours, and outside calls.
• Meet or exceed all annual sales goals for the department.
• Partner with the Catering team and vendor relations for flawless execution.
• Guide the team by providing clear direction and identifying training opportunities. Not only develop the strategy but be comfortable in executing as well.
• Cultivate sales relationships with vendors identified as realistic sources of business and use sales and marketing entertainment allocated funds effectively.
• Assist when needed in Preparing and distributing accurate and timely Banquet Event orders (BEOs).
• Attend weekly BEO and sales meetings.
• Actively participate in sales presentations, property tours, and customer meetings
• Professionally represent the property in the community, at industry organizations, and events and while entertaining guests.
• Oversee the development design of all wedding packages.
• Ensure flawless execution of the bride/groom’s journey from sale to the event execution.
• Responsible in ensuring we receive Five Star reviews from all wedding parties in all events (i.e., wedding, rehearsal dinner, etc.)
• Acts as an advisor for weddings at other properties in the Madison Resorts portfolio.
• Oversight of wedding marketing to include brand marketing, digital advertising, and social media.
• Look out for the safety of our staff and guests.
• Ensure that our guests enjoy their stay with us.

Requirements:

• 3-5 years’ experience in Sales Management, Catering, Events or related field.
• Strong leadership, dynamic personality, excellent interpersonal skills, a reputation for integrity and proven role model.
• Knowledgeable in Profit and Loss statements.
• Time management and organization in order to meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to recognize trends and stay ahead of them.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills (multi-lingual as necessary).
• Computer/Office skills required.
• Ability to work weekends/holidays/evenings.
• Ability to work outdoors.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Needs to distinguish the various priorities as they relate to both guests and team members.
• Must have ability to work with others to create attention to detail, speed, accuracy, follow-through, courtesy, and cooperativeness.
• Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds.