The ideal candidate is a motivated, well-organized individual who has a deep understanding of prospecting and developing strong relationships with customers. RESPONSIBILITIESDoubleTree by Hilton Washington DC is seeking an energetic, self-motivated Group Sales Manager with a proven record of meeting and exceeding sales goals. The hotel is currently going through a multimillion-dollar renovation with all new meeting space and banquet equipment, guest accommodations, public space, restaurant and lounge. JOB REQUIREMENTS As a Group Sales Manager, you will be responsible for developing and cultivating business through pro-active direct sales, marketing, telemarketing, direct mail, appointment calls and tours of the hotel. The Group Sales Manager will identify areas of opportunity in performance and recommend tools and sales training to optimize performance of the sales team. You will develop strategic action plans to drive measurable sales revenue in the hotel's continuing effort to deliver outstanding guest service and financial profitability. Specifically, you would be responsible for performing the following tasks to the highest standards:Responsibly represent the hotel through conducting conferences, making proposals and other external sales presentations to prospective customers to solicit, explain, negotiate and close hotel sales. Utilize discretion and authority to negotiate contracts, commit company with customers, and establish agreements with vendors.Travel and engage in sales activities outside of the hotel to meet with and entertain customers and prospective customers, participate in tradeshows, and industry and community events to promote facilities, to make proposals, maintain contacts, and to close deals.Write proposals and/or contracts to advise prospective groups for meeting space and/or banquet date, space and rate availability for group accommodationsAttend weekly sales departmental meeting and other scheduled meetings to support business operations, eg, tentative review, lost business review, group-pick up, etc.Conduct site inspections and property tours with potential customers, visiting guest rooms, meeting space and banquet facilities, as well as other hotel facilities.Assess additional training needs based on data gathered and interaction with sales team from property visits.Builds and strengthens relationships with existing and new customers to enable future bookings. Activities include sales calls, entertainment, FAM trips, trade shows, etc.Develops relationships within community to strengthen and expand clientr base for sales opportunities.Manages and develops relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.Acquire and develop new business accounts and preparing sales proposals for clients.Closely following up on all business leads within a 24-hour response time line. QUALIFICATIONSExceptional communications skills where you are able to negotiate, convince, sell and influence professionals and hotel guests. You must be able to speak, read, write and communicate in English fluently to perform the duties of the job. Advanced knowledge of catering, hospitality, and food and beverage industries is expected: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Business3+ years' of sales experience in a Managerial role2+ years working in the Hospitality Industry with a known brand.