Choice Hotels

Director of Business Travel Sales

Chicago IL - Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago Full time

Choice Hotels International, Inc (NYSE: CHH) is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. A challenger in the upscale segment and a leader in midscale and extended stay, Choice® has more than 7,400 hotels, representing over 625,000 rooms, in 45 countries and territories. A diverse portfolio of 22 brands that run the gamut from full-service upper upscale properties to midscale, extended stay and economy enables Choice® to meet travelers' needs in more places and for more occasions while driving more value for franchise owners and shareholders. The award-winning Choice Privileges® loyalty program and co-brand credit card options provide members with a fast and easy way to earn reward nights and personalized perks. For more information, visit www.choicehotels.com

The ability to model Choice’s Cultural Values: Welcome and Respect Everyone, Be Bold, Be Quick, Listen, Be Curious and Show Integrity are key to our success in inspiring Loyalty, Growth, and the Hospitality Spirit.

Our managed hotels portfolio includes Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson Red, Park Plaza, and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson.

Unique.  Stylish.  Entirely Radisson Blu.   Upper Upscale by industry definition.  First class in any other language.  High on design and style, all wrapped up in a Yes I Can! Attitude.  The Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago is looking for their next sales expert to join the team as the Director of Business Travel Sales.

Salary Range: $86,000 - $115,000 annual

Benefits When You Make It Your Choice:

  • Employee discounts on thousands of hotels

  • Enjoy a complimentary meal in the associate cafeteria during your shift

  • Free Parking

  • Paid Vacation and Sick Time

  • 8 Paid Holidays

  • Paid Bereavement

  • Paid Floating Holidays

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Full benefits package to our full-time employees, including health, dental, vision, short & long term disability, auto insurance, and so much more!

Key Responsibilities

Participates in the development and implementation of business strategies for the hotel which are aligned with Radisson Blu’s overall mission, vision values and strategies

  • Develops and implements strategies for achieving individual sales goals

Achieves market share and revenue goals by working with the Director of Sales and Marketing and Director of Corporate Accounts & Partnerships, Managed Hotels on individual and team goals within assigned market segments

  • Develops data and recommends programs to meet clients' needs

  • Prepares proposals and contracts that are geared to maximize profit while satisfying client needs

  • Solicits files on a timely basis to confirm business

  • Uses outside sales calls, prospecting, hotels tours and hosting of clients to solicit new business

  • Contacts in-house customers to retain and grow existing business, repeat bookings or referrals to other Choice Hotels

  • Reviews individual and team goals on a weekly basis; recommends and takes appropriate actions to achieve objectives in key result areas

  • Ensure all materials used are in accordance with brand standards

Maintains proper flow of information to sales team, reviews sales work file of assigned accounts

  • Communicates clients' requests to all departments in an effective and timely manner

  • Insures maximum occupancy on a daily basis by performing follow-ups on progress of groups booked with events services team

  • Assists with the completion of monthly booking report(s)

  • Prepares reports as necessary to improve management decision making and critical evaluation of work activities

Creates 100% guest satisfaction by providing the Radisson Blu experience through performance that demonstrates the standards of, genuine hospitality and exceeding guest expectations

Requirements/Skills

  • Minimum one - three years hotel sales experience

  • Local market knowledge preferred

  • High school diploma required, bachelor’s degree preferred

  • Experience managing to brand standards

  • Able to collaborate effectively with other hotel employees and managers to ensure teamwork

  • General knowledge of contract laws

  • Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office suite

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills

  • Strong negotiation skills

  • Ability to travel

Physical Demands

  • Sitting for extended period of time

  • Occasional long periods of standing

  • No heavy lifting expected, exertion of up to 25 pounds of force occasionally may be required

  • Good manual dexterity for the use of common office equipment

Ability to model Choice’s Cultural Values: Welcome and Respect Everyone, Be Bold, Be Quick, Listen, Be Curious and Show Integrity are key to our success in inspiring Loyalty, Growth, and the Hospitality Spirit.

Choice Hotels International is an equal opportunity employer and affirmative action employer. Employment practices and decisions are not influenced by an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or express, disability veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, this offer of employment is conditional upon your presenting documents verifying your identity and legal authorization to work in the United States.  All offers of employment are conditional upon the satisfactory completion of a background check and E-Verify.