National Sales Manager (Hospitality/Tourism/Conventions)

Company: Metropolitan Detroit Convention & Visitors
Location: Detroit
Posted on: April 1, 2025

Job Description:

POSITION DESCRIPTIONAbout the: National Sales Manager Position Purpose: The National Sales Manager will actively promote metropolitan Detroit as a premier destination for citywide conventions, meetings, and events. The individual will serve as an industry leader within the hospitality community on behalf of Visit Detroit. This position is accountable for the achievement of all critical success measures as defined by the Visit Detroit company mission and specific sales goals, including room nights, leads and site visit. A primary focus will be on securing business based on a specific market, region and peak room night allocation. Benefits: Visit Detroit offers a selection of benefits designed with your health and financial wellbeing in mind. We review our benefit programs each year to ensure we consider the best combination of benefit coverage, network access and affordability for employees. In addition to health and welfare benefits, we have 11 paid company holidays per year, plus 1 floating holiday and opportunities to earn additional time off by referring new employees. Paid Time Off allotment for new hires (Sick, Personal and Vacation Combined), is 17 days per year. This is prorated based on full months projected to work in the calendar year. We also provide up to 4 percent 401(k) matching contributions after a minimum 6 month waiting period, 100% vesting upon entry. We also pay for parking in a covered parking structure just across the street. Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in hotel, hospitality, or marketing management
• 8 -10 years of convention bureau or hotel sales experience (500 rooms or more)
• Sales experience specific to citywide destination marketing.
• Sales experience working with a convention center.
• Certified Meeting Planner designation Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in hotel, hospitality, or marketing management
  • 6-8 years of convention bureau, hotel (200 rooms or more) and/or industry sales experience
  • Ability to travel by airplane and operate a motor vehicle, access to reliable transportation.
  • Must maintain a qualifying credit history to be eligible for a company-issued American Express card, which is required for business-related travel and client entertainment expenses.
  • Valid, unrestricted Michigan driver's license. How You'll Contribute:
    • Develop and implement sales strategies to attract citywide conventions, meetings, and events to metropolitan Detroit.
    • Consistently meet and exceed established personal sales goals and demonstrate leadership in contributing to overall departmental team goals.
    • Focus on creating tailored, compelling offerings that showcase metropolitan Detroit's unique attributes as a premier event destination.
    • Participate in industry trade shows and promotional events to network and promote metropolitan Detroit as a destination. This role includes necessary business travel to represent the city and engage with potential clients.
    • Plan and coordinate site visits for qualified planners to showcase key attractions, including our convention facilities, hotels, and other city highlights.
    • Engage with potential clients through direct outreach, relationship building, and strategic presentations to secure bookings.
    • Develop effective relationships with local contacts, our member/partner members, and stakeholders to maximize relationship resulting in a successful sales effort while maintaining a high level of internal and external customer satisfaction.
    • Integrate Visit Detroit's core brand principles into all sales presentations to effectively educate potential clients on the city's advantages as a premier business meeting destination, strengthening its market appeal and competitive position.
    • Utilize IDSS system to manage assigned accounts and client interactions, track leads, and ensure follow-up.
    • Maintain a positive public image and build strong relationships with clients to ensure their satisfaction.
    • Plan and document all sales trips, compile detailed reports, and track new business opportunities to drive growth.
    • Participate in weekly sales meetings and business development sessions to stay updated on industry trends and maintain effective communication with local hospitality industry stakeholders.
    • Effectively meet goals while working from a home office and adhering to the Visit Detroit Telecommuting Policy and Hybrid Work Policy.
    • Complete efficiently and accurately payroll and expense reports in accordance with Visit Detroit's policies and procedures.
    • Committed to partnering with Visit Detroit in embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into company culture and operations, and actively contributing to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and stakeholders. Other Contributions:
      • Maintain active membership and participation in industry associations.
      • Maintain working knowledge of all member facilities, attractions, and services available to customers planning meetings in the Metro Detroit area.
      • Coordinate with Customer/Partner Services to effectively serve groups booked by Visit Detroit.
      • Complete and submit, on a timely basis, appropriate reports assigned by the Senior Director. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Characteristics:
        • High level of knowledge, understanding and proficiency of the sales process, specifically to the hospitality and tourism industry.
        • Proficient in strategic sales, negotiation and collaboration
        • Excellent presentation skills and ability to speak in front of groups of all sizes.
        • Expanded knowledge of industry trends
        • Prior experience with a CRM or data management system is a plus.
        • Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and follow-through.
        • Skilled in organizing, prioritizing, and analyzing multiple assignments simultaneously.
        • Excellent communication skills including the ability to clearly express thoughts, ideas, and concepts, verbally and in writing, in the English language.
        • Ability to adapt approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.
        • Strong people skills with ability to facilitate and bring parties together
        • Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, peers, colleagues, and external stakeholders.
        • Maintains a positive and professional work attitude, appearance, and behavior even in the most demanding situation.
        • Proficient in using personal computer software and applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
        • Ability to work effectively in both remote and in-person work environment; proficient using video conferencing software and other remote work tools.
        • Available weekends and outside of normal work hours for assignments and travel, as needed. Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:
          • Ability to work effectively in remote work environment, proficient use of video conferencing software and other remote work tools.
          • This position requires frequent weeknight and weekend assignments, often off-site, including occasional overnight stays.
          • Office work involves extended periods of sitting or working at a desk, utilizing repetitive typing motions on a computer or laptop, and reading text on a video display monitor.
          • Ability to perform extensive standing and/or walking for work-related assignments and events.
          • Ability to lift push, and or carry up to 40lbs. occasionally. Please ensure to regularly check your email spam folder for any communication from Visit Detroit to avoid missing important updates regarding your application status.The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements and does not imply a contract. I understand that my employment is at-will and that either you or I can terminate my employment at any time, for any reason. No oral or written contractual commitments have been made concerning my employment.
            
            
            
            
            
            PI935f199b80a0-37248-37006655

Keywords: Metropolitan Detroit Convention & Visitors, Detroit , National Sales Manager (Hospitality/Tourism/Conventions), Executive , Detroit, Michigan