Sr Sales Manager-Resorts

Disney Destinations are more than just a leisure destination; they can all be catalysts for transformational experiences for any organization. When collaborating with the Disney Meetings & Events sales team, planners can create moments of real magic, leaving lasting impressions to create once in a lifetime meeting & event experience. Disney Meetings and Events is home to award-winning, world-class meeting and event venues. We offer unique, unforgettable experiences with unparalleled products and services.

As a Resort Sales Senior Sales Manager for the Disneyland Resort Hotels and Theme Parks, you are the gateway for Guests who are seeking a new, different, and unique meeting and event experience. This role requires a keen knowledge of group sales/convention sales markets in the lodging industry. Of crucial importance is the ability to identify and articulate sales strategies to expand business and revenue opportunities for an assigned market. The Senior Sales Manager will collaborate with many internal resource partners including but not limited to, Catering and Convention Services, Audio Visual team, culinary and banquet teams, Disney Entertainment along with Hotel and Theme Park Operations. A pro-active approach to developing new bookings and accounts is a priority for this role.

 What Will You Do?

• Actively engage in meaningful upfront discovery to learn about the Client’s event vision and needs.
• To achieve annual sales goals, strategically build and nurture client relationships to drive incremental business and execute individual in-market sales plan while understanding and contributing toward the annual revenue goal.
• Actively develop sales initiatives to drive new business opportunities.
• Host site inspections, preplanning meetings, and product orientations as part of the new business development tactics.
• Manage contract process, accountable for timely forecasting of key metrics.
• Develop meeting opportunities through new business outreach, sales calls, tradeshow, and other sales activities.
• Create and maintain internal relationships, using them to collaborate in decision-making, problem-solving and sharing information with clients, peers, and partners.
• Achieve assigned sales goals.
• Always maintain company standards of safety with the highest level of professionalism.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum of 7+ years sales experience in lodging group sales markets, preferably with major convention hotels.
• Demonstrated strong client management and partnering abilities.
• Demonstrated strong knowledge of group sales markets and industry standards.
• Ability to discover, understand and communicate Client needs and effectively create compelling proposals for consideration.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated strong relationship and influencing abilities.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency within a Windows environment and willingness to learn new software applications.
• Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to be flexible with work schedule, including weekends and holidays.
• Represent the Disney brand in all internal and external client interactions with a high degree of professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven knowledge and expertise with a variety of software programs including Delphi/Salesforce, Dow Jones Factiva, Sales LinkedIn Navigator, & Cvent.
• Understanding of the meetings and events industry with experience in client forums and/or trade associations relevant for meeting planners.
• Strong relationships with major intermediaries in the industry.
• Demonstrates strong knowledge of the Disney brand, its product offerings and understanding of the competitive marketplace.
• Spanish speaking desirable.
• CMP certification.
• Participation in professional industry associations: MPI, PCMA, SITE
• Experience with Meetings Industry 3rd party organizations involved in site selection and contracting.
• Developed analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Understanding of The Counselor Sales approach.
• Ability to create and deliver compelling sales presentations to prospective clients.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience.