Inside Group Sales Specialist

Inside Group Sales Specialist

Job Summary : The Inside Group Sales Specialist is the first point of contact for reviewing and responding to City Wide events; assigning leads to group sales managers, and responding to the assigned vertical markets. The Specialist is responsible for effectively building relationships with selected demand generators contacts be it housing bureaus, venue management, and event organizers. The Specialist also serves as the technical specialist for creating (coding) reports within complex software systems. He / she is also responsible for prospecting and closing on assigned accounts / territory to positively impact the hotel's top line room revenues based on the goals assigned. Managing incoming leads and converts them into bookings. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, a strong understanding of the hospitality industry, and a passion for delivering exceptional customer service. As the first point of contact for potential guests, you will play a critical role in driving hotel revenue and ensuring a positive guest experience from the initial inquiry to booking confirmation.

Essential Job Functions :

Lead Management : Respond promptly and professionally to all incoming sales inquiries via phone, email, or online channels. Qualify incoming leads and assess customer needs to provide tailored solutions. Maintain a high level of responsiveness and ensure all potential guests receive timely follow-up communication.

Sales Conversion : Promote hotel facilities, services, and packages to potential guests to close bookings. Upsell additional services and upgrades (e.g., room types, special packages, events) where appropriate. Maintain detailed records of interactions with leads in the customer relationship management (CRM) system.

Customer Relationship Building : Build and maintain relationships with corporate clients, travel agents, and other business partners. Understand and anticipate guest needs to provide personalized recommendations. Ensure a seamless booking experience and offer support as needed during the reservation process.

Market Awareness : Stay informed of local events, promotions, and competitor offerings to identify opportunities to attract guests. Share relevant guest feedback with the sales and marketing teams to improve hotel offerings.

Reporting : Track and report lead status, booking conversion rates, and performance metrics. Provide insights on market trends and customer preferences to management. Create and distribute monthly and quarterly rollup reports for the company on production by all Sales related positions. Provides support to others in the organization as assigned.

Collaboration : Work closely with other hotel(s) to ensure bookings are fulfilled efficiently. Assist with coordination for group bookings, corporate events, and special requests.

Key Skills : Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills and customer-focused attitude presents a professional image. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other sales-related tools. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Results-oriented and goal-driven. Ability to manage multiple inquiries simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

Work Environment : Full-time position. Occasional weekends and holidays are required. Office-based with occasional travel for client meetings or events. Comply at all times with Shamin standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations. Make outside sales calls to clients and prospective clients. Perform other duties as requested by management.

Qualification Summary : High school diploma or GED certification required. Bachelor's Degree and / or extensive experience in a hotel or related field required. Proven experience in hotel sales, customer service, or hospitality sales experience preferred. Valid driver's license in Virginia. Driving record approved by insurance carrier guidelines. Must be able to work with and understand data, and possess basic mathematical skills. Reading, Writing, Basic Math. Computer skills. Brand systems.

Physical Requirements : The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of the job, the employee will be required to :

• Frequently stand, walk or sit for extended periods. Long and varied hours are often required (8+ hours).
• Ability to use hands to fingers, handle, feel, talk and hear.
• Bending, reaching, stooping or crouching on occasion.
• Light Work - Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to drive a vehicle and travel during the day frequently, overnight travel on occasion.

Mental Requirements : Must be able to convey information and ideas clearly, both oral and written in English. Must be able to evaluate and select among alternative courses of action quickly and accurately. Must be able to work well in stressful, high-pressure situations including the ability to handle guest complaints and disputes while resolving them even if the situation did not begin with them. Must maintain composure and objectivity under pressure. Must be effective in handling problems in the workplace, including anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving problems. Must have the ability to assimilate complex information, data, etc. from various sources and consider, adjust or modify to meet the constraints of the particular need. Must be effective at listening to, understanding and clarifying concerns and issues raised by team members and guests. Must be able to work with and understand financial information and data, and basic arithmetic function. Must be able to work with a myriad of personalities and levels within the hotel and outside sources. Must be able to negotiate with clients while understanding the budgeted goals of the hotel(s) that need to be attained.