Job Abstract

GET TO KNOW THE HOTEL AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND:

The Hotel at the University of Maryland (The Hotel) is a AAA 4-Diamond independent property located directly across the street from the main campus of the University of Maryland. The Hotel is a market leader in service and guest experience and the team is focused on delivering highly personalized service. The Hotel has 297 rooms with 24 suites and over 45,000 sq. ft. of event space handling events from 10 to 1,500. The Hotel’s focus on culture creates an environment for team members to thrive and provides opportunities to grow responsibility and advance their careers which is part of our Southern Difference

GET TO KNOW THE HOTEL AT ARUNDEL PRESERVE:

The Hotel at Arundel Preserve (Hotel Arundel) is the premier independent hotel in the BWI\Hanover market close to Columbia, Baltimore, Annapolis and Washington DC. As an upscale property with two unique full-service restaurants an extensive fitness center and indoor pool along with 12,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, it is perfect for both business travelers, leisure guests and groups. We also host high-end weddings and corporate events and focus on delivering highly personalized service to all of our guests. As a part of Southern, we focus on providing the same experience to our team members through personal engagement, a comprehensive benefit program and unmatched training and growth opportunities. We are looking for high-energy, personally motivated leaders to help us make the Southern Difference both internally and for our guests and visitors.

GET TO KNOW THE CAMBRIA COLLEGE PARK:

The Cambria is a 150 room, select-service hotel branded through Choice Hotels but owned and operated by Southern. The hotel opened in September 2018 and quickly became the market leader for select service properties delivering the highest quality rooms paired with superior service. A multi-year award winning property from Choice for the highest guest intent to return scores highlights the connection the property team has with its guests and the property enjoys a market-leading RevPAR position making it the clear choice of travelers in the College Park area.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

The Area Director of Business Transient Sales solicits and secures new and existing Corporate/Leisure business in order to meet/exceed revenue goals of The Hotel at the University of Maryland (HUMD), The Hotel at Arundel Preserve (HAP) and Cambria College Park (CAM) through telephone solicitation, outside calls, sales trips, site inspections, and written communication. In addition, provides sincere service through actions that display self-confidence, grace and courtesy to guests and colleagues.

WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU:

• Excellent Time Management to equally share multi-property representation for three suburban properties, combine trips and synchronize sites (all activities) effectively and efficiently
• Achieve tactics outlined and agreed upon by DOSM and VP of Sales and Marketing, drive brand awareness, and meticulously identifying target accounts, partnerships and affiliations
• Solicits and secures new and existing leisure accounts to meet/exceed revenue goals of through telephone solicitation, outside calls, site inspections, and written communication
• Solicits and contract new and existing Local Corporate/Consortia/FIT accounts to grow each segment based on the parameters set for by each property
• Reworks and maintains old account files and solicits new accounts
• Responds to all correspondence from assigned areas and traces dates for reworking and follow up
• Conducts site inspections and entertains potential clients as appropriate. On property contact at each property will be available to conduct site inspections as needed
• Participates in sales presentations, trade shows, property site inspections and customer meetings
• Completes a weekly sales activity report identifying account activity and productivity on a weekly basis
• Maintains a constant contact with key travel managers, agencies and elite consortia
• Maintains a positive working relationship with all departments interacting with leisure clients when possible
• Utilize Delphi to maintain an account management information database that incorporates all communication with the client and the property
• Assists in facilitating resolutions on major challenges between individual travelers, travel managers, travel agents and properties as to ensure positive relationship with each entity
• Prepares and implement a quarterly action plan that details all activities of the position
• Comments on monthly production report of all leisure business booked at the properties
• Participates in marketing meetings and ROC meetings, quarterly sales meetings and management meetings as deemed necessary by the Director of Sales & Marketing
• Utilize all existing Southern Management resources for the prospecting of new corporate or leisure business
• Develops detailed proposals, contracts and correspondence and tailor them to the specific programs and their negotiated terms while maintaining profitability goals of the hotels
• Maximizes total IBT/leisure revenues by developing ideas that encourage up selling, creative planning, and service offerings
• Stays abreast of industry trends and makes recommendations of changes which would affect operations
• Maintains an up to date working knowledge of all property amenities as well as any special events
• Interacts with property staff in a professional manner, assisting other departments with necessary information
• Is a team player and interacts with all guests and fellow Associates in a positive and friendly manner
• Acknowledge all guests and respond promptly to their needs, however busy and whatever time of day. Ensure unresolved incidents are reported to Manager/Supervisor
• Familiarity with all hotel services/features and local attractions/activities to respond to guest inquiries accurately
• Contribute to the team's success by accomplishing tasks and assisting with projects as needed
• Maintain knowledge and compliance with departmental policies, service procedures, and standards
• Availability during peak operating times, i.e.: Weekends, Holidays and Special Events
• Work as a team member to ensure our guests have the best possible experience
• Understand company's emergency procedures and be able to apply them when necessary
• Report any incidents, property damage or injuries immediately to Manager/Supervisor
• Attend department meetings and training sessions as necessary
• Effectively manage staff through respectful communication, clear expectations, relevant training, productive coaching, holding regular team meetings, and appropriate performance management
• Lead by example, be a positive example for team in action and attitude
• Encourage effective teamwork
• Work collaboratively with others to analyze and improve work processes
• Positive interaction with all levels of management and vendors
• Stay abreast of industry trends
• Contribute to team/company engagement efforts
• Proficient with MS office
• Perform other duties as assigned by Manager and/or Supervisor

JOB KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Excellent computer skills
• Ability to work with all levels of staff and extensive client contact
• Strong time management discipline
• Understanding of hospitality operating systems
• Understanding of Sales and Marketing
• Solid judgment and ability to resolve conflicts effectively
• Operate effectively in stressful situations
• Ability to multi-task. Ability to perform a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature without loss of efficiency or composure
• Ability to adapt to changing guest needs
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Compute basic arithmetic and mathematical calculations
• Organized and detail oriented
• Excellent time management skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Sound leadership and managerial skills
• Ability to work effectively in stressful, high-pressure situations while maintaining composure and guest satisfaction
• Technical knowledgeable and competency in necessary systems and software: Outlook, Word, Excel, iHotellier, Delphi FDC, etc.

• 2-3 years demonstrated sales experience, preferably in a hospitality environment
• Associates degree or higher required
• Experience in high volume establishments
• Management experience preferred.
• Previous customer service experience required