Associate Director of Sales | Costa Mesa Hilton (Salary Range: $100K - $110K)

The Associate Director of Sales at Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa is a strategic and results-driven leader responsible for managing a high-performing sales team while also serving as a key sales producer. This role oversees two Senior Sales Managers and plays a pivotal role in driving group sales revenue for the hotel’s expansive 48,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including the 12,160-square-foot Pacific Ballroom. With 486 guest rooms and 12 suites, the property is one of the largest and most versatile venues in Orange County, ideal for conventions, corporate meetings, and social events. The Associate Director of Sales will collaborate closely with the Director of Sales & Marketing to execute sales strategies, grow market share, and ensure exceptional client experiences.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, coach, and support two Senior Sales Managers to achieve individual and team sales goals.
• Actively manage and grow a portfolio of large group accounts, with flexibility to pursue opportunities across any segment—including corporate, association, SMERF, government, sports, entertainment, and third-party—based on market trends, hotel need periods, and revenue potential.
• Develop and execute strategic sales plans to maximize revenue across all group segments.
• Partner with revenue management to optimize pricing, inventory, and forecasting.
• Represent the hotel at trade shows, client events, and industry functions.
• Maintain accurate records in sales systems (Delphi, OnQ, etc.) and ensure CRM data integrity.
• Collaborate with catering, events, and operations teams to ensure seamless execution of group business.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activity to identify new opportunities. 
• Conduct a successful, aggressive solicitation process involving outside sales calls, inside appointments, telephone calls, individual letter and direct mail. As a proactive sales manager, 80% (eighty) of time should be spent in active sales solicitation.
• Assist the Director of Sales in the preparation of the annual marketing plan, including the action plans covering assigned market segments.
• Send proposals on all leads which fit the profile of the property and actively follow through to convert from proposal to definite status. 
• Obtain, document and route all necessary information on definite groups, including billing information, credit application, rooming list and VIP arrangements. Details on meeting arrangements, menus, audio-visual arrangements, etc., should be documented and passed on to catering manager for follow up.

Qualifications

What we are looking for

• Minimum 5 years of hotel sales experience, with at least 2 years as a Senior Sales Manager, leadership or supervisory role.
• Group sales experience is required, preferably in a full-service or convention hotel environment.
• Preferred: Experience managing large group business, such as corporate conferences, multi-day conventions, or association meetings with 300+ peak room nights or 1,000+ attendees.
• Preferred: Strong background in managing meeting space of at least 25,000 square feet, with experience in high-volume event coordination and multi-room setups.
• Familiarity with Southern California convention markets—including San Diego, Ontario, Anaheim, and Convention Center-based group business—is highly desirable.
• Proven success in navigating complex room blocks, large-scale catering operations, and high-touch client relationships.
• Strong understanding of sales systems and tools (Delphi, OnQ, Salesforce).
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to lead teams and produce individual sales results.
• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, business, or related field preferred.
• Schedule flexibility required to support business needs, including occasional evenings, weekends, and travel for client events or trade shows.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Base Salary Range: $100,000 – $110,000 annually, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and market alignment
• Incentive Plan: Eligible for a maximum quarterly payout of 30% based on paid and earned wages, tied to performance metrics and revenue goal
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Career development and advancement opportunities
• Discounted hotel stays across the portfolio
• A dynamic, people-first culture focused on excellence and innovation