Resort Group Sales Manager, Hawaii

Summary

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Resort Group Sales Manager to join our team in Hawaii. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in driving revenue growth, developing new markets, and representing the heart of our brand. Your primary focus will be on strategically securing business across group, leisure, and corporate transient segments. As a key ambassador for our resort, you will cultivate lasting relationships and embody the spirit of aloha in every interaction, ensuring our sales efforts reflect the unique culture and beauty of the islands.

Key Responsibilities

As the Resort Group Sales Manager, you will be entrusted with a diverse range of responsibilities focused on maximizing revenue and market share.

• Sales Strategy & Execution: You will develop and implement comprehensive sales strategies to meet and exceed revenue targets across all assigned market segments, including MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), leisure wholesale, and corporate travel.
• Account Management: Nurture and expand relationships with existing key accounts while actively prospecting and developing new business opportunities to grow our client base.
• Group Sales Leadership: Drive the entire group sales cycle, from lead generation and qualification to proposal creation, contract negotiation, and finalization. You will manage incoming inquiries and proactively solicit new MICE business.
• Leisure & Consortia Management: Manage and grow relationships with key leisure wholesale partners, luxury travel consortia (e.g., Virtuoso, Signature), and top-producing travel advisors.
• Revenue Collaboration: Partner closely with the Director of Revenue Management to analyze market trends, ensure rate integrity, and optimize pricing strategies for all segments.
• Forecasting & Reporting: Maintain accurate sales forecasts, manage the sales pipeline using our CRM system, and provide regular reports on sales activity, pace, and performance against budget.
• Proposals & Site Inspections: Create compelling, customized proposals and presentations. You will also plan and conduct memorable site inspections and Familiarization (FAM) trips that showcase the unique offerings of our resort.
• Strategic Partnerships: Establish and strengthen partnerships with Destination Management Companies (DMCs), airlines, tourism organizations, and other local businesses to drive incremental revenue and enhance the guest experience.
• Marketing & PR Alignment: Collaborate with the marketing and public relations teams to ensure cohesive messaging and support for promotional campaigns and initiatives.
• Industry Engagement: Represent the resort at industry trade shows, networking events, and sales missions, both locally and nationally, to promote the property and the destination.
• Community Involvement: Actively participate in local community and hospitality industry organizations to build our network and reinforce our commitment to the destination.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive hotel or resort sales experience, with a proven track record of success in an upscale or luxury environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing group (MICE), leisure wholesale, and corporate transient market segments.
• Proficiency with industry-standard software, including STR, Delphi, Opera, and CRM platforms.
• Expertise with RFP management platforms such as Cvent.
• Strong contract negotiation skills and business acumen, with a data-driven approach to forecasting and strategy.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently between islands and to the mainland as required.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Flexibility to work weekends and holidays as dictated by business needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct sales experience within the Hawaiian hotel and resort market is highly preferred.
• Deep understanding of and respect for Hawaiian culture and local business practices.
• Established relationships within luxury consortia networks.
• Experience in the destination wedding market segment.

Performance Metrics (KPIs)

Success in this role will be measured by key performance indicators, including:

• Contribution to RevPAR and ADR growth.
• Achievement of targeted growth in assigned market segments.
• Lead-to-booking conversion rates.
• Sales pace and performance against budget and forecast.
• New account acquisition and penetration of existing accounts.
• Adherence to lead response time standards.

If interested, please send your resume to jay@geckohospitality.com