As Director of Sales, you will lead the strategic sales efforts for Hotel Viata, driving revenue growth across group, corporate, catering, wedding, and leisure segments. You will be responsible for developing and executing sales strategies that maximize market share, strengthen client relationships, and position Hotel Viata as a premier luxury destination in Austin.
You will foster a high-performing sales culture built on accountability, collaboration, innovation, and results. By leading, coaching, and developing the Sales team, you will ensure revenue goals are achieved while delivering exceptional service and memorable experiences for clients and guests. This role partners closely with Revenue Management, Marketing, Catering, and Operations to drive profitability and support the overall success of the property.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead, coach, and develop the Sales team to achieve individual and departmental revenue goals.
- Create a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Recruit, hire, train, and mentor sales professionals while supporting career development and succession planning.
- Conduct performance evaluations, provide ongoing feedback, and address performance concerns when necessary.
- Establish department goals, priorities, and action plans that align with hotel and company objectives.
2. Business Development & Revenue Generation
- Actively solicit new business opportunities through prospecting, networking, client visits, industry events, and strategic partnerships.
- Identify and secure new group, corporate, catering, wedding, and leisure business opportunities that align with Hotel Viata's revenue goals.
- Maintain strong relationships with existing clients while expanding market penetration and account production.
- Represent Hotel Viata within the Austin hospitality community and participate in local and industry organizations to generate business and increase brand awareness.
- Develop and execute strategic sales plans to drive occupancy, ADR, and overall revenue growth.
3. Strategic Planning & Market Analysis
- Analyze market trends, competitive activity, customer demand, and business intelligence to identify opportunities and mitigate risks.
- Collaborate with Revenue Management to develop strategies that maximize revenue and market share.
- Utilize forecasting, reporting, and sales analytics to evaluate performance and make informed business decisions.
- Ensure accurate and timely sales reporting, account management, and pipeline tracking.
- Develop and manage annual sales budgets, forecasts, and revenue goals.
- Monitor departmental performance against budget and implement corrective action plans when necessary.
- Support sales initiatives, client entertainment, trade shows, and sales missions while ensuring appropriate return on investment.
- Utilize company systems and reporting tools to analyze revenue performance and identify opportunities for growth.
5. Guest & Client Experience
- Partner with Operations, Catering, Revenue Management, and Marketing to ensure seamless execution of client and guest expectations.
- Maintain strong client relationships throughout the sales cycle and ensure a smooth transition from sales to event execution.
- Address client concerns promptly and professionally while seeking opportunities to enhance satisfaction and loyalty.
- Champion service excellence and uphold Hotel Viata's luxury service standards.
WHAT YOU WILL BRING
- Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, Business, Marketing, or related field preferred.
- Minimum of five years of progressive hotel sales leadership experience, preferably within a luxury, resort, lifestyle, or independent hotel environment.
- Proven success driving group, corporate, catering, wedding, and leisure revenue growth.
- Experience leading and developing high-performing sales teams.
- Strong understanding of hotel revenue management principles, market segmentation, and sales strategy.
- Experience with Delphi, CI/TY, STR reports, and hotel sales reporting systems preferred.
- Strong negotiation, presentation, networking, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and develop strategic action plans.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities.
- Knowledge of the Austin market and established industry relationships preferred.
- Experience working within an independent luxury hotel environment is highly desirable.