Sales Manager

SUMMARY: 

Sales Manager is responsible for promoting DuPage County as a premier destination for meetings, conferences, and group business across designated market segments to maximize hotel revenue opportunities and overnight stays. This role serves as a primary point of contact for assigned markets and works closely with member hotels and partners to secure business through lead generation, proposal development, site visits, and client engagement initiatives.

The ideal candidate is service-oriented, highly motivated, organized, and results-driven, with a strong understanding of the hospitality, meetings, and tourism industries. This is a full-time exempt position with quarterly and annual sales goals and eligibility for bonus payouts based on performance against those goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with Director of Sales to develop and execute strategic sales and marketing initiatives that generate qualified leads and business opportunities for member hotels and partners.
• Actively promote DuPage County through trade shows, client presentations, site visits, sales blitzes or missions, familiarization (FAM) tours, networking events, marketing campaigns, presentations, and other sales initiatives targeting meetings, events, and group business.
• Manage day-to-day workflow as it relates to their markets of responsibility, to include lead generation, trade shows, site visits, FAMs, client outreach and engagement, proposal development, account management, and follow-up communications that ultimately support the department sales and marketing strategy.
• Coordinate and execute site visits, FAM tours, conference services, and client experiences that showcase DuPage County’s hotels, venues, and attractions.
• Register for, schedule appointments, and represent DuPage County at industry trade shows and events to cultivate relationships and drive future business opportunities.
• Lead efforts to establish and maintain positive and professional relationships with all DuPage CVB partners, primarily as it relates to hotels, as well as other relevant stakeholders, to assist and support the promotion and selling their properties and assets to targeted and qualified business opportunities.
• Partner with the Marketing Department to develop sales collateral, promotional materials, and ensure awareness of upcoming high-profile events or conferences booked to be integrated into media and PR communications for markets of responsibility.
• Utilize CRM systems, Cvent, prospecting tools, and industry databases to identify new business opportunities and maintain an active sales pipeline.
• Promote Tourism Incentive Program, partnership benefits, and other support services.
• Accurately document sales activities, traces, leads, bookings, and client interactions within the CRM system.
• Maintain proficiency and continued growth in the use of CRM and sales technology platforms to improve efficiency and reporting.
• Stay informed on industry trends, best practices, and market developments through continuing education, professional associations, and industry events.
• Attend bureau functions, partner events, client meetings, and industry-related activities as required.
• Support the Director of Sales and department initiatives with additional duties and special projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of 4 years of progressive sales experience within hospitality, tourism, meetings, conventions, or event management.
• Existing network of industry contacts and demonstrated ability to develop new business relationships preferred.
• Proven success in achieving sales goals and managing client relationships.
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Self-motivated, proactive, outgoing personality and team-oriented professional with a positive attitude.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, CRM systems, and sales software applications; experience with Simpleview and Cvent preferred.
• Knowledge of tourism and hospitality industry trends and social media platforms is a plus.
• Must be willing and able to travel as needed.
• Strong communicator and leadership skills.
• Ability to present to groups and individuals.

EDUCATION: 

Associate or bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in hospitality, tourism, marketing, communications, business, or a related field preferred.

WORK STATUS: 

Full-time, exempt position.

WORK SCHEDULE: 

This is a full-time exempt position generally operating Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some evenings and weekend hours are required based on events, client needs, industry functions, and departmental initiatives.

The DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau currently offers a hybrid work schedule that includes one designated remote workday per week, subject to business needs and organizational policy.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: 

Overnight, airline and automobile travel required to support sales initiatives, attend trade shows, and client events. Estimated travel includes approximately 8 trips and 25 travel days annually. Must possess a valid driver’s license and passport/Real ID, reliable transportation, and current automobile insurance. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

This position may require extended periods of sitting, computer work, phone usage, walking, standing, heavy lifting, and attending events for lengthy periods of time.

COMPENSATION: 

Competitive salary with eligibility for bonus payouts based on the achievement of quarterly and annual sales goals, as well as annual performance evaluations. Comprehensive benefits package includes: PTO, Vacation, Holidays, 401(k), medical insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, and additional employee benefits.

REPORTS TO: 

Director of Sales.

Interested candidates should contact Kellene O’Connell at kellene@discoverdupage.com.