Job Description

There are certain properties that require more than sales leadership — they require a passion for hospitality, an appreciation for history, and the ability to create meaningful relationships within a community.

We are currently seeking a seasoned Director of Sales to lead the sales efforts at the historic Deer Path Inn, one of the most iconic luxury boutique hotels on Chicago’s North Shore. Established in 1929 and inspired by a 15th-century English manor house, Deer Path Inn is renowned for its timeless charm, exceptional service, award-winning dining experiences, and rich tradition of hospitality. The Inn has become a beloved destination for discerning travelers, corporate gatherings, weddings, celebrations, and community events.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic and relationship-focused sales leader who thrives in a luxury environment. This individual will be responsible for driving revenue across all market segments, cultivating strong client partnerships, identifying new business opportunities, and leading a high-performing sales culture that reflects the Inn’s commitment to excellence.

The Director of Sales is responsible for the daily sales efforts and the overall positioning of the hotel, brand communication and the development of customers for the property including, rooms, dining outlets, and event space. In addition, they are responsible for rental revenue, yield strategies, implementation, market performance and meeting budget, forecast, and optimal business mix targets. Strategies will include pricing, status, direct sales, market mix, marketing, and public relations. Candidates must have a dynamic leadership style, possessing excellent communication and decision-making skills and an astute business acumen.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Prepares Sales Reports and Annual Sales & Marketing Plan
• Creates effective Sales Programs that will increase awareness and positive perception of the Hotel, its activities, culinary services, and personnel
• Ability to access, understand and accurately input information using a moderately complex computer system
• Assist General Manager in preparation of the marketing, advertising, sales plans, programs and annual budget; manages within approved plans and budgets
• Develop rates, group sales deployment strategies through review of competitive data, demand analysis and mix management
• Ability to effectively listen, communicate and perform diplomacy with internal and external customers and staff in all situations
• Ability to stand and move throughout the hotel property and continuously perform essential job functions
• Develop awareness and reputation of the hotel and the brand in the local community
• Direct and manage all group, transient, and banquet sales activities to maximize revenue for the hotel
• Prepare, implement and compile data for the strategic sales plan, monthly reports, annual goals, sales and marketing budget, forecasts and other reports as directed/required
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Previous Director of Sales experience preferred
• Previous Hotel Sales experience required
• Previous lifestyle hotel experience a plus
• Knowledge of travel industry, current market trends and economic factors
• Extensive skill in development and delivery of sales presentations
• Proven track record in prospecting for new business and savvy at closing the deal
• Must be able to make quick decisions and work in a hectic and diverse work environment
• Strong ability to prioritize, organize, and manage competing priorities
• Possess well-developed leadership and problem-solving skills
• Must be able to build and maintain business relationships
• Excellent/Above-average reading, writing, and oral proficiency in the English language required.

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and talk or hear
• The employee is frequently required to stoop kneel, crouch or crawl and taste or smell
• The employee must regular lift and or move up to 25lbs - occasionally lift or move up to 50lbs
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include peripheral vision and depth perception