Sales Manager - SMERF Market (Chicago)

Club Quarters Hotels is a privately held hospitality company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. The company operates a portfolio of full-service hotels located in prominent urban areas throughout the United States and London. Purpose-built for urban travelers, Club Quarters Hotels integrates accommodations, amenities, and services aimed at creating productive, memorable, and distinctive experiences for its guests. With a strong commitment to cultivating a dynamic and growth-oriented environment, the company values inclusive corporate culture and seeks to embrace diverse experiences and individual perspectives among its team members.

The SMERF Sales Manager position, reporting to the Director of Global Membership and Group Sales for the Midwest and Western US, is based in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs. This role focuses on driving growth within the Social, Military, Educational, Religious, and Fraternal (SMERF) market segments for Club Quarters Hotels in Chicago, targeting sustained revenue increase and market presence. This position requires a market-savvy and results-driven sales professional capable of taking full ownership of the SMERF market segment. The ideal candidate will excel at building strong and lasting client relationships, proactively developing business opportunities, and enhancing Club Quarters' competitive position in the Chicago hospitality market.

Responsibilities of this role include creating and implementing both short-term and long-term sales strategies specifically designed for the SMERF segments to optimize revenue and maximize profitability. The SMERF Sales Manager will actively engage in inside and outside sales initiatives to build a robust client base and secure group business that exceeds revenue goals. They will target key accounts to identify and solicit group room-night potentials while leveraging competitive market intelligence to maintain an edge in the marketplace.

Key aspects of the role involve negotiating and executing group contracts compliant with hotel sales guidelines, conducting site inspections, hotel tours, and client presentations, and nurturing collaborative relationships with customers, local community organizations, regional sales offices, and hotel staff. The candidate will be responsible for ensuring excellent client satisfaction to secure repeat business and will represent Club Quarters Hotels professionally at various networking and industry events.

Furthermore, the SMERF Sales Manager will utilize data analytics and Group Rooms Control reports to track opportunities and adapt sales strategies. They will collaborate closely with hotel operations to ensure seamless group event execution and troubleshoot operational challenges impacting sales. The role also includes supporting the sales coordinator during high-demand periods and managing client data with adherence to departmental procedures and compliance standards.

This position offers a competitive salary range of $85,000 to $95,000 annually, with a potential 20% bonus based on performance and experience. Club Quarters Hotels provides a comprehensive benefits package supporting employees’ health, lifestyle, and professional growth. The company fosters a supportive and inclusive work environment dedicated to employee career advancement and well-being.