Location: Charlottesville,VA, USA
The role of the Leisure and Social Events Sales Manager is to generate leads for both the Birdwood Mansion (opening late 2025) and Boar's Head Resort. A significant emphasis will be placed on generating leads from the high-end wedding market and the corporate and social group markets. A strong focus will be developing relationships with connections that plan lavish celebrations and events that can take advantage of the Birdwood Mansion venue and all that it offers. Target markets would include, but not limited to, all East Coast cities (NYC, DC, Philadelphia, Charlotte, etc.) and third-party planners responsible for booking weddings and incentive trips. This position would provide site inspections and tours for all interested parties and handle the proposal and contract process. Experience selling and crafting extravagant celebrations that offer unmatched luxury is needed. Contacts and relationships with high-end planners who work nationally or globally are desired. Additional responsibilities will be to call on travel agencies and corporations to drive leisure, social or business travel to both the Birdwood Mansion and Boar's Head Resort.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
* Work with DOSM to increase leads for high-end weddings, corporate retreats, incentive events, reunions, and social groups that would use the Birdwood Mansion and Boar's Head Resort venues.
* The focus is on third-party planners who create bespoke or epicurean events that would buy out the Birdwood Mansion and host on-site large-scale catering events.
* Call on agencies or corporations to develop leisure and corporate travel.
* Handle all proposals and contracting for groups interested in the Mansion or the Resort.
* Review daily business status, schedules, priority assignments, bookings, and all information pertinent to the department's operation.
* Organize traces for follow-up, including compiling, analyzing, and in-putting tracking data of long-term and new business relationships.
* Monitor and handle all calls promptly, actively solicit, and book business following resort standards. Handle site inspections for all leads as needed.
* Travel to major cities and meet with third-party planners and potential clients.
* Participate in problem resolution with other departments regarding space conflicts.
* Maintain consistent verbal and written communication with clients.
* Meet with clients to determine their requirements for lodging, meeting space, food and beverage, and other resort offerings.
* Participate in weekly sales meetings.
* Maintain strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Delphi, and V1 Hotel Management systems.
* Know competitors, rates, and what it will take to obtain business.
* Maintain a reputation as an accomplished team player that others seek out for assistance.
* Possess a positive attitude, desire to succeed, and a polished appearance representative of a luxury upscale resort.
* Act as a liaison between the resort and clients to build rapport and capture future business.
* Block meeting space and guest rooms in Delphi. Manage room blocks.
* Work collaboratively with peers to ensure sound business strategies are met.
* Contribute to overall resort team effort by completing additional duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
* Significant third-party relationships and contacts that have a focus on weddings and incentive events
* Relationships and experience with the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners and Wedding Industry Professional Association
* Resort sales and wedding servicing experience
* Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to act as a liaison between customers and all operating departments.
* Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
* Good computer skills and proficiency with Delphi, Excel, and Word are a plus.
* Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
* Demonstrate ability to plan and organize projects, meetings, and events.
* Good problem-solving skills and ability to use independent judgment as needed to meet client and guest requests.
* Knowledge of food and beverage, meeting room set-ups, audio-visual equipment, and other elements common to meeting room requirements is a plus.
* Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.
* Ability to react and resolve challenges quickly and in a professional manner.
* Ability to anticipate the customer's needs prior to service delivery and maximize productivity and efficiency in the workplace.
* Analytical and quantitative skills for contract analysis.