Wedding Sales Manager

Job Description

Compensation: $55,000 - $60,000 (based on related work experience).

Hire Date: Immediate

**EXICITING OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN THE TEAM OF HISTORIC HOTELS OF AMERICA’S FRANCIS MARION HOTEL***

Who we are

Steeped in fascinating history dating back to 1924, the Francis Marion Hotel heralded a new era of Charleston Hospitality amidst the Charleston Renaissance. Named for Revolutionary War Hero Francis Marion, the hotel became an iconic landmark recognized by Historic Hotels of America- featuring grand ballrooms, historic architecture and rich Charlestonian history. With its prime location across from Marion Square, the Francis Marion Hotel has been at the heart of the community as a major destination for weddings, galas, conferences and more. For nearly a century, the Francis Marion has been known for its exceptional hospitality and service.

Why Work for Us?

We practice daily core values of: “Anticipate, Exceed, Empower, Teamwork, and Preservation”. Our employees take pride in the work they do, are valued, and celebrated for their contributions. One of the ways employees are appreciated is by offering an extensive benefits package, to include Medical Insurance, Ancillary Group Benefits, Paid Time Off, and Paid Holidays, in addition to an Inspiring Leadership Executive Team, that promotes multiple opportunities of excellence such as “The Keys to Success”. The Francis Marion Hotel values community relationships and engagement with involvement in various organizations: The Thanksgiving Food Drive, Back to School drive, philanthropic partnerships with local organizations such as the March of Dimes, Historic Preservation Society, East Cooper Community Outreach, Toys for Tots, Breast Cancer Awareness, the Good Catch Program, and more.

Current Incentives

• Quarterly Sales Outings that promote team building and comradery

• Generous Incentive structure

• Parking Pass included with employment

• Daily staff meals provided to all staff from our in-house Chefs

• Encouraged attendance at area association and networking meetings

• Flexible schedules

• Discounts at Historic Hotels of America properties

• Great Friends and Family rates to share with your visitors from out of town

• Discounts to area restaurants, venues, and attractions

Overview

Solicit, book, plan, and coordinate wedding-related events, ensuring that the guests have a positive experience. Negotiate room blocks, room rates, function space, food, and beverage prices, and hotel services within approved departmental booking guidelines while maximizing available banquet space in an effort to meet and exceed established budgeted sales goals.

Functional Responsibilities

ü Solicit, negotiate, and book wedding business to meet/exceed established sales goals through various methods (e.g. outside sales calls, telemarketing, mailings, networking, etc.) and simultaneously maximize use of hotel banquet space.

ü Plan, up-sell, and detail functions with the client including: space requirements, times, equipment, menus, themes, and decorations; as well as tastings with clients, and culinary department.

ü Complete contracts, and prepare appropriate forms/processes to communicate expectations with client, and coordinate function details with all departments in the hotel. Prepare status, and period end reports to keep department, and hotel management abreast of activities.

ü Attend booked events, and assist in ensuring flawless execution by Banquet staff. Requires regular weekend presence in hotel. Resolve client, and guest challenges, and hurdles to ensure high quality of events, and unwavering client/customer satisfaction.

ü Maintain up-to-date knowledge of hotel procedures, and products, as well as the competition's product, strengths, and weaknesses to continually improve sales strategies, and promote the achievement of goals. Attend sales training as required to expand wedding sales knowledge, stay up to date on trends, and network within the wedding community to ultimately drive additional revenue to our property.

ü Organize, prepare, and attend area bridal tradeshows such as the Charleston Bridal Association, and Wedding Festival shows. Maintain wedding blog with updated bridal trends, wedding tips, and other creative content. Engage in local networking maintaining positive presence on wedding sites such as Wedding Wire, etc.

Desired Abilities, Skills, Education, and Experience:

Ø Ability to determine course of action based on hotel’s guidelines preferred.

Ø Ability to investigate and analyze activities and/or information in order to present logical conclusions, and recommendations required.

Ø Ability to maintain high standards of ethics, with the utmost upscale, and professional appearance. Must project an upbeat, yet sophisticated demeanor.

Ø Ability to drive to outside sales calls. Driver’s license required.

Ø Knowledge of the practices, and procedures of the wedding, catering, and hospitality professions required.

Ø Must possess strong communication skills in terms of the ability to negotiate, convince, sell and influence clients and guests.

Ø High school graduate or equivalent required. Four year college degree preferred.

Ø A minimum of one year experience in a sales position, specifically in wedding events is required. Strong Sales skills is highly desirable. Experience in a full-service hotel is preferred. Knowledge of Charleston’s history, and area is essential for this position.

Ø Experience with hotel meeting software preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft Suite software programs required.

Physical Demands in the Work Environment

Required to stand, walk and sit; talk or hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands to finger, handle and feel objects or controls; reach with hands and arms. Regularly required to stoop, kneel, bend, crouch and lift up to 25 pounds.

The Francis Marion Hotel is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.Company Description

Steeped in fascinating history dating back to 1924, the Francis Marion Hotel heralded a new era of Charleston Hospitality amidst the Charleston Renaissance. Named for Revolutionary War Hero Francis Marion, the hotel became an iconic landmark recognized by Historic Hotels of America- featuring grand ballrooms, historic architecture and rich Charlestonian history. With its prime location across from Marion Square, the Francis Marion Hotel has been at the heart of the community as a major destination for weddings, galas, conferences and more. For nearly a century, the Francis Marion has been known for its exceptional hospitality and service.