Director of Group Sales

Executive Director of Group Sales

Lead Sales for One of the Southeast's Premier Resort Destinations

Imagine leading group sales for a destination that spans 2,400 acres from bay to beach, features four championship golf courses, a full-service marina, luxury spa, private beach club, tennis facilities, vibrant retail and entertainment districts, Hotel Effie – an Autograph Collection Hotel, and more than 90,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort is seeking an accomplished Executive Director of Group Sales to drive strategic growth, expand market share, and lead a high-performing sales organization. This is an exceptional opportunity for a proven hospitality sales executive who thrives in large-scale resort environments and understands the complexity of selling multi-dimensional destination experiences.

We are seeking a leader who has successfully generated significant group revenue at a large resort destination with diverse amenities such as golf, marina, spa, multiple lodging products, recreation, food and beverage outlets, and extensive meeting space. Experience limited to stand-alone hotels or boutique properties will not provide the breadth of expertise required for this role.

Position Overview

The Executive Director of Group Sales will be responsible for the strategic leadership, development, and execution of all group sales initiatives for Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort. Reporting as a key member of the resort's commercial leadership team, this executive will oversee the group sales organization, cultivate high-value client relationships, drive market expansion, and maximize revenue opportunities across corporate, association, incentive, sports, SMERF, and specialty group segments.

This highly visible leadership role requires a dynamic sales strategist capable of positioning Sandestin as a premier destination for meetings, conferences, conventions, and group events throughout the Southeast and beyond.

This is an onsite leadership position based in Miramar Beach, Florida.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Revenue Growth

• Develop and execute comprehensive group sales strategies that drive revenue growth and market share.
• Identify new business opportunities and emerging market segments while expanding existing accounts.
• Establish annual sales goals, budgets, forecasts, and performance metrics.
• Drive achievement of aggressive group room night, banquet, catering, and overall revenue objectives.

Resort & Destination Sales

• Position Sandestin's unique combination of accommodations, golf, marina, beach access, dining, recreation, and meeting facilities as a comprehensive destination experience.
• Promote more than 90,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, including conference facilities, ballrooms, executive boardrooms, and unique event venues.
• Lead efforts to secure large-scale corporate meetings, conventions, incentive programs, association events, and destination group business.

Executive Client Relations

• Build and maintain relationships with key decision-makers, meeting planners, third-party intermediaries, associations, and corporate accounts.
• Conduct high-level presentations, site inspections, and contract negotiations.
• Foster long-term partnerships that generate repeat business and strategic growth opportunities.

Team Development & Leadership

• Recruit, mentor, coach, and inspire a high-performing group sales team.
• Create a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Develop succession plans and professional growth opportunities for sales team members.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Resort Operations, Revenue Management, Marketing, Catering, Conference Services, Hotel Leadership, Golf Operations, Marina Operations, and Food & Beverage teams.
• Ensure seamless execution of group programs while maintaining exceptional guest experiences.
• Align sales initiatives with overall resort objectives and strategic plans.

Market Intelligence & Business Development

• Analyze market trends, competitive activity, economic conditions, and industry developments.
• Represent Sandestin at industry trade shows, conferences, and networking events.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen brand awareness and increase market penetration.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• Minimum 10 years of progressive group sales leadership experience within the hospitality industry at a Resort similar in size and breadth.
• Minimum 5 years leading group sales efforts at a large, full-service destination resort.
• Demonstrated success generating substantial group revenue within a resort environment featuring multiple amenities and revenue streams.
• Proven experience managing sales teams and driving measurable revenue growth.

Highly Preferred Experience

Candidates should have experience with resorts that include several of the following:

• Championship golf operations
• Marina or waterfront recreation
• Multiple lodging products
• Luxury or upscale accommodations
• Spa operations
• Multiple food and beverage venues
• Private clubs or membership components
• Significant meeting and convention facilities
• Large-scale leisure and group business mix

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic planning and business development expertise
• Exceptional leadership and team-building abilities
• Advanced negotiation and contract management skills
• Strong financial acumen, forecasting, and budgeting capabilities
• Outstanding presentation and communication skills
• Experience with CRM systems, sales technologies, and hospitality software platforms
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, results-driven environment

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Frequent movement throughout a 2,400-acre resort environment.
• Ability to conduct site inspections and property tours across multiple resort venues.
• Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds for sales materials, displays, and event resources.
• Ability to travel as needed for client meetings, industry events, and business development opportunities.
• Flexibility to attend evening and weekend functions as business needs require.

Why Sandestin?

Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort is unlike any other destination on Florida's Emerald Coast. With accommodations spanning from bay to beach, four championship golf courses, a marina, luxury hotel, spa, private clubs, extensive dining options, and 90,000 square feet of event space, we offer our guests—and our leaders—an unmatched resort experience.

This is an opportunity to join a respected executive team, influence the future growth of a premier destination resort, and make a lasting impact on one of the most diverse and successful hospitality properties in the Southeast.

If you are a proven sales leader with experience driving results at large-scale resort destinations, we invite you to bring your expertise to Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort.

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