Group Sales Manager - The Langham, Chicago

Primary Objective Of Position:

Primary responsibility is to generate rooms and banquet revenue for the hotel within the designated market(s) through goals set by the Director of Sales and Marketing. This position balances reactive and proactive group sales activities—primarily covering the small meetings market, wedding room blocks, and the development of an identified geographic/vertical market (regardless of size). Business development is a critical aspect of this position.

Responsibilities And Job Duties:

• Maintain complete knowledge of all hotel services/features and hours of operation.
• Maintain complete knowledge of and comply with all hotel and departmental policies and procedures.
• Set up workstation with necessary supplies and resource materials; maintain cleanliness throughout shift.
• Develop and execute new account/business solicitation plan, while continuing to cultivate and grow existing accounts.
• Handle inquiry calls according to departmental procedure.
• Handle guest complaints by following instant pacification procedures ensuring guest satisfaction.
• Promote positive relations with guests and employees.
• Maintain high level of knowledge in reference to The Langham brand and philosophy.
• Maintain high level of knowledge of the competition's product.
• Meet solicitation and maintenance call requirements; make outside sales calls, handle all incoming inquiries.
• Anticipate and respond to all customer needs within a timely manner and acknowledge all customers.
• Follow-up with in-house guests to ensure on-property events are being executed as sold.
• Attend departmental and hotel meetings as required. 
• Process paperwork to clients, other departments, etc., within a timely manner. 
• Conduct elevated site inspections throughout property.
• Meet group sales booking goals to achieve budget and crossover.
• Maximize revenue by selling all facets of the hotel.
• Negotiate with clients to secure business for the hotel. 
• Develop and implement sales activities within market segment to achieve budgeted goals.
• Present proposals to achieve maximum profit while satisfying client needs.
• Follow up on assigned sales leads in a timely manner.
• Contact customers in-house to promote goodwill and foster additional business, repeat bookings, or referrals to other Langham properties.
• Participate in business review meetings, special events, sales blitzes, and sales meetings.
• Is familiar with operations and standard of the Hotel’s relevant computer systems for SEP, Ideas, and Amadeus Advanced.
• Other duties as assigned such as assisting with client requests on reservations.
• Maintain good relations with counterparts at competing hotels; promote all Langham Hotels whenever possible.
• Complete all assigned paperwork within a timely manner.
• Plan and prepare appointments for sales trips and follow up in a timely manner.
• Entertain clients in all outlets as necessary.
• Successfully complete the training process for this position.
• Build and maintain positive relations with Langham Hospitality Group Global Sales Offices.
• Actively participate in the Langham Pipeline lead referral program.
• Ability to properly qualify incoming leads using Master Connection Associates’ sales strategies and effectively achieve scoring on a mystery shop call.
• Handle account details so all pertinent aspects of solicitation and closing are complete and documented. 
• Prepare information for, meet with, and entertain clients as deemed appropriate by potential business from that account.
• Type contracts, letters, and reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor. 
• Upon employment, all associates are required to fully comply with Langham Hotel rules and regulations for the safe and effective operation of the hotel’s facilities. 

Special Skills Required:

Ability to perform job function with minimal supervision even under pressure.

Ability to ensure security and confidentiality of guests and hotel data.

Ability to enforce hotel's quality procedures, etc.

Ability to work independently without direct supervision or as a cohesive team.

Ability to be a clear thinker, analyze and resolve problems exercising good judgment.

Ability to input and access information into computer.

Ability to remain calm and courteous with demanding/difficult situations.

Desirable to have strong knowledge of the wedding market.

Desirable to have previous guest relations training.

Ability to do basic arithmetic.

Education Required:

Minimum of a four-year college degree or commensurate management experience in a luxury hotel preferred.

Experience Required:

Minimum of one year of catering or group sales experience—ideally in a luxury hotel.

Licenses Or Certificates:

None.

Salary Range:

$62,400-$78,000/annually, plus Sales incentive plan

Benefits Included For Full-Time Colleagues:

• Vacation Pay and Sick/Personal time (in accordance with Chicago Paid Leave and Paid Sick Leave Law)
• Paid Holidays
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your family (employee paid partial premiums)
• Basic Life Insurance, AD&D, and Short-Term Disability (company paid)
• Long Term Disability, Additional Life Insurance, Child Life, Spouse Life, Pet Insurance, ID Theft Protection Coverage, Prepaid Legal, Critical Illness, Hospital Care, Accidental Injury Supplemental Plans (available for purchase)
• 401k plan with Roth option and employer match
• Free meals while on duty
• Uniforms and cleaning of uniforms (for applicable positions)
• Free and discounted hotel stays
• Discounted parking
• Guidance Resources – company paid benefit for personal counseling

Eoe, Including Disability/Veterans

    About Langham Hospitality Group   A wholly owned subsidiary of Great Eagle Holdings, Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) comprises a family of distinctive brands, including The Langham Hotels and Resorts, Cordis Hotels and Resorts, Eaton Workshop and Ying’nFlo. With over 40 hotels and residences in operation or development, LHG has a global footprint that extends across Asia, Europe, North America, Australasia and the Middle East.   Majestic views of the cityscape, the Chicago River, and Lake Michigan. All housed in a skyscraper designed by renowned architect Mies van der Rohe. Situated in downtown Chicago, our hotel is mere minutes from the Loop, Grant Park, Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, and Navy Pier. Discover the perfect blend of convenience and stylish comfort only at The Langham, Chicago.

For more information about the property, please visit: https://www.langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/chicago/