Director of Sales | JW Marriott Plant Riverside District

Kessler Hospitality’s portfolio of artistically inspired boutique hotels boasts unique design, luxurious accommodations, enriching ambiance, and intuitive service. With properties in Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina or South Carolina, each hotel’s exquisite art, music, and cultural influences are deliberately approachable. Designed to inspire and to encourage unforgettable experiences, Kessler guests are immersed in redefined Bohemian luxury, from a cutting-edge downtown icon to a premier luxury lodge, Savannah’s entertainment destination, and an elite ski lodge. Kessler Hospitality was the founding member of the Marriott Autograph Collection, introduced with seven Autograph Collection branded hotels. Each property is a bold, original hotel carefully created with style and the individualist traveler in mind.

The AAA Four Diamond JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District is located in the heart of historic Savannah on the Savannah riverfront, with countless activities a short walk away. Explore the downtown Savannah shopping district, eat at one of the hotel's many restaurants, reconnect with friends at our riverside Savannah bars, or embark on one of the city's various walking tours. 

Once a power plant, Plant Riverside District represents the beauty of progress. Our three unique buildings are enriched in history, from chic architecture in the Power Plant to romantic styling in the Three Muses and contemporary maritime details in the Atlantic. Complete your experience with a relaxing visit to the hotel spa before you enjoy the vibrant nightlife in the entertainment district.

The Director of Sales  is primarily responsible for leading & driving top line revenue strategy for traditional sales related segments to include group & catering.  The individual is additionally responsible for staying ahead of market trends, market share movement and ongoing competitive hotel analysis, while directing the property sales teams (rooms & catering) to ensure budgeted revenues are met or exceeded. The Director of Sales also responsible for developing and implementing a sales plan designed to achieve the desired positioning for the hotel, as well as managing the sales and travel budget that supports revenue attainment. 

• Responsible for leading & driving top line revenue for traditional sales segments to include group & catering. 

• Assesses & reacts to market trends, market share & the competitive hotel environment. 

• Develops and implements a marketing communications sales plan designed to achieve the desired positioning of the hotel, as well as manage the sales & marketing travel budget that supports all initiatives. 

• Act as the hotel’s voice of the customer and communicate key issues/concerns at all levels of the organization. 
• Lead a high-performing Sales, Catering, and Events team, including multiple department leaders including , but not limited to the Assistant Director of Sales, Director of Catering and Director of Events.

• Fluent in reading/assimilating/using Smith Travel Research data, financial P&L, mix of sales, forecasting, group pace/position & a wide array of traditional hotel reporting. 

• Ability to understand and communicate market trends, demand generators, supply/demand and economic factors affecting hotel performance. 

• Conduct comprehensive competitive set reviews, SWOT analysis & keep tabs on new supply. 

• Understand GEO source & ability to develop a plan to penetrate the primary markets. 

• Develop/implement key segment strategy & managing key accounts (both existing & target). 

• Design effective sales deployment schemes & market assignments. 

• Develop sales goals designed to achieve budget & market share targets. 

• Manage group pace measurement and set sales production goals. 

• Manage sales activity & travel schedule. 
• Collaboration with the on-property Director of Marketing and their team.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred

• At least 3 years’ experience as a sales leader, with prior hotel sales experience. 

• Experience dealing with/communicating with ownership groups and asset management. 

• Proficient in managing/using sales automation (CI/TY) & PMS systems. 

• Experience working collaboratively with revenue management and marketing. 

• Well rounded knowledge of all market segments and channel sources, as well as ability to develop a strategic plan for each. 

• Excellent communication and presentation skills. 

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment. 

• Ability to direct, lead, train, motivate & drive a direct sales team; and develop a cooperative & competitive team spirit & winning attitude. 

• Must be proficient in MS Office including Word, Excel, and Power Point. 

• Must be able to multitask and prioritize departmental functions to meet deadlines