Small Market Sales Manager - job 2 of 2

The Small Market Sales Manager at Fairmont Chicago is responsible for identifying and securing group room business of 8 to 25 rooms. This involves creating and maintaining customer relationships, preparing tailored proposals, and negotiating contracts while collaborating closely with events and catering teams to ensure exceptional guest experiences.

Typically, a Small Market Sales Manager at Fairmont Chicago should have previous experience in hotel sales or a related industry, preferably in an upscale environment. A bachelor's degree is preferred, along with a strong track record in sales, communication skills, and proficiency in relevant software like Opera and Microsoft Office.

The Small Market Sales Manager contributes to Fairmont Chicago's success by driving group sales revenue, identifying market opportunities, maintaining competitive knowledge, and ensuring that clients receive tailored service. Their ability to forecast sales revenue accurately and adjust sales strategies is crucial for the hotel's overall performance.

The salary range for the Small Market Sales Manager position at Fairmont Chicago typically falls between $65,000 and $75,000, depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications. Fairmont aims to provide competitive compensation packages to attract top talent.

At Fairmont Chicago, a Small Market Sales Manager can expect an inclusive and supportive work culture that prioritizes diversity and personal growth. The company encourages continuous learning and empowers employees to embrace their individuality while working towards common goals.

When answering this question, highlight specific achievements in previous sales roles, particularly those that involved group business. Discuss your strategies for attracting and retaining group clients, and mention successful projects or contracts you’ve secured.

Describe your approach for market research and lead generation. Talk about the tools and methods you use to identify target markets and how you assess their needs to create tailored proposals that align with both their desires and your hotel’s offerings.

Outline your process for addressing client objections. Discuss your ability to listen actively, empathize with their concerns, and provide convincing responses or solutions that address their needs, ensuring that they feel valued and understood.

Prepare a specific example where you negotiated terms with a client. Focus on how you identified their needs, leveraged product knowledge to meet those needs, and ultimately reached a mutually beneficial agreement that aligned with the hotel’s policies.

Discuss your communication strategies and collaborative efforts with departments like catering, events, and operations. Emphasize your commitment to providing excellent guest service and your proactive methods in ensuring all details are aligned from booking to execution.

Make sure to mention your proficiency with specific software, such as Opera for property management and Microsoft Office for documentation. Explain how you leverage technology to streamline communication and reporting efforts to improve sales efficiency.

Share your strategies for staying updated, such as attending industry conferences, subscribing to hospitality publications, participating in networking events, and using online resources. Focus on how this knowledge helps you adjust your sales strategy effectively.

Explain your methods for tracking sales performance, such as setting measurable goals, analyzing tools that evaluate sales data, and how you report this data to your team and management for informed decision-making.

Discuss your time management techniques and prioritization strategies that allow you to handle multiple accounts and tasks efficiently while ensuring that all clients receive prompt attention and service. Sharing real-life examples can illustrate your effectiveness here.

Express specific reasons why Fairmont Chicago stands out to you, such as its commitment to guest experiences, its stunning location, or its innovative approach in the hospitality sector. Show your enthusiasm for contributing to the hotel's continued success and evolving culture.