Business Development Sales Manager

As a Business Development Sales Manager at Fairmont Austin, your primary responsibilities include collaborating with the Sales & Marketing team to drive sales and revenue across various domains such as accommodations, meetings, and events. You'll manage lead information in the Opera Cloud system, conduct prospecting efforts to build a robust pipeline of business opportunities, and maintain relationships with outside catering venues. Your role also involves preparing proposals and ensuring client follow-ups, making it crucial for enhancing our customer engagement.

To apply for the Business Development Sales Manager position at Fairmont Austin, you will need a Bachelor of Arts degree or a related college diploma. Likewise, having progressive experience in a similar role is advantageous. Familiarity with hotel property management systems, especially Opera Software, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, will serve you well in this position.

At Fairmont Austin, we prioritize your growth and development by offering various learning programs through our Academies and Educational Assistance. The Business Development Sales Manager role includes opportunities to cultivate your skills in sales strategies and relationship management, ensuring you have the resources to excel not only within your property but also across the world.

A typical day for a Business Development Sales Manager at Fairmont Austin involves engaging in lead management activities, conducting prospecting calls, conducting site visits for potential clients, and managing client relationships. You'll organize team-wide activities and ensure the accuracy of the client and account database, all while working collaboratively with the Sales & Marketing team to achieve sales targets.

Working as a Business Development Sales Manager at Fairmont Austin comes with fantastic benefits, including paid time off, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401K plan, complimentary meals during shifts, and access to employee benefit cards for discounts at Accor worldwide. Additionally, you'll be involved in meaningful Corporate Social Responsibility activities, such as our Sustainability Committee.

When approaching prospecting for new business opportunities, I would start by identifying potential clients in the local market and developing relationships through phone calls and networking events. I would also utilize data analysis and industry trends to tailor my pitch, ensuring it resonates with the clients' needs and positions Fairmont Austin as the ideal choice for their events.

I am well-versed in lead management systems like Opera Cloud. My experience includes logging lead information accurately, utilizing the system to track client interactions, and analyzing data to optimize revenue opportunities. I focus on inputting detailed specifications for events, which enables our team to work efficiently and meet our clients' needs effectively.

To build strong relationships with outside catering venues, I would focus on open and effective communication. Regular meetings to discuss client preferences, feedback, and collaboration opportunities can help solidify these relationships. I would emphasize creating win-win situations where both Fairmont Austin and the catering venue can benefit from successful partnerships.

When working under pressure, I prioritize tasks by assessing immediate deadlines and the impact of each task on overall goals. Using a time management framework, I categorize tasks as urgent or important, enabling me to focus on completing high-priority items first while ensuring nothing essential gets overlooked. This helps maintain composure and effectiveness even in challenging circumstances.

Handling an unsatisfied client requires empathy and active listening. I would take the time to understand their concerns thoroughly and reassure them that we are committed to resolving the issue. If necessary, I would offer solutions or upgrades to enhance their experience. Prompt follow-up and keeping them informed of the steps being taken can also help restore their confidence in our services.

Data analysis is crucial in my approach, as it informs decision-making and strategy development. By analyzing past sales data, client feedback, and market trends, I can identify opportunities for growth, tailor marketing strategies, and make informed recommendations that align with the needs of clients and Fairmont Austin's goals.

In my previous role, I successfully negotiated terms for a large corporate event by understanding the client's priorities and budget constraints. By emphasizing the unique offerings of our venue, I was able to propose a tailored package that addressed their needs. This negotiation not only secured the booking but also built a long-term relationship with the client, leading to future business opportunities.

To keep my team motivated and engaged, I focus on creating a collaborative work environment where everyone feels valued. Regularly recognizing contributions, encouraging open communication, and organizing team-building activities can create a positive culture. Additionally, I promote continuous development through training opportunities, ensuring that each team member sees a path for growth.

What sets Fairmont Austin apart is our commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences and our dedicated team of 'Heartists.' This culture of care and passion for hospitality fosters deep connections with clients. Furthermore, our robust offerings of luxury accommodations, event facilities, and personalized service make us the ideal choice for business opportunities in the vibrant Austin market.

To assess market trends, I utilize a combination of industry reports, competitor analysis, and customer feedback. Engaging with local business networks and attending industry events also helps me stay informed of emerging trends and client preferences. By synthesizing this data, I can adapt our strategies effectively and ensure Fairmont Austin remains competitive.