π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Director of Sales and Marketing - Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile
πΉ Company: Hilton
πΉ Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States
πΉ Job Type: On-site
πΉ Category: Hospitality
πΉ Date Posted: May 13, 2025
πΉ Experience Level: 5-10 years
πΉ Remote Status: On-site
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing commercial strategies to drive hotel performance
- Leading the sales and marketing process for the hotel
- Managing revenue and forecasting
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams and external partners
- Analyzing market trends and competitor activity
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
π Key Responsibilities
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Design, develop, and deploy business strategies that drive hotel performance
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Lead the sales and marketing process for the hotel
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Manage revenue and forecasting
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Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners
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Analyze market trends and competitor activity
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Facilitate the delivery of the Americas Commercial Operating Model
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Recruit, train, and develop team members
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Conduct performance reviews and provide feedback
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Liaise with Hilton Worldwide Sales, regional support, and brand teams
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Build relationships with CVB, community influencers, and 3rd party travel partners
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Support team's high-impact site visits and pre-convention meetings
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Support sales managers' sales travel into feeder markets
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of autonomy and requires strong organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and projects.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree preferred
Experience: Proven experience in hotel sales, catering, or marketing, along with leadership management experience
Required Skills:
- Proven leadership and management skills
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to travel
- Fluency in English
Preferred Skills:
- Four-year college degree
- Adaptable experience with business strategy, business planning, and business plan development
- Ability to speak multiple languages
- Multiple brand experience
ASSUMPTION: Hilton values candidates who demonstrate their commitment to the company's Vision, Mission, and Values, as well as the following key attributes: Quality, Productivity, Dependability, Customer Focus, and Adaptability.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $125,000 - $140,000 per year
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package
- Discounted hotel stays and food and beverage discounts
- Retirement plans and employee stock purchase plan
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for this role, experience level, and location. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and Hilton's internal compensation structure.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: Hospitality
Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees
Founded: 1919
Company Description:
- Hilton is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels.
- Hilton is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands.
- Hilton's vision is "to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality."
Company Specialties:
- Hospitality management
- Hotel operations
- Sales and marketing
- Revenue management
- Brand development
Company Website: Hilton Worldwide
ASSUMPTION: Hilton's extensive global presence and diverse portfolio of brands offer numerous opportunities for career growth and development.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: Executive
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the General Manager or Regional Commercial Director
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time (40 hours per week)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential progression to regional or corporate commercial leadership roles
- Expansion of responsibilities based on hotel performance and business needs
- Opportunities to work with diverse teams and gain exposure to various aspects of hotel operations
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic and operational responsibilities, providing a strong foundation for a career in hospitality leadership.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hotel-based office
Office Location(s): Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile, 521 N State St, Chicago, IL 60611, US
Geographic Context:
- Chicago is the third-most populous city in the United States, with a diverse economy and a rich cultural scene.
- The Magnificent Mile is a premier shopping, dining, and entertainment district in downtown Chicago.
- The hotel is located in the heart of the city, offering easy access to public transportation and major attractions.
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with potential for flexible scheduling based on business needs
ASSUMPTION: The hotel's central location and vibrant surroundings provide an exciting work environment, with ample opportunities for networking and professional development.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume submission
- Phone or video screening
- On-site or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or other team members
- Final round interview with senior leadership
- Background check and reference check
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Leadership and management skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Industry knowledge and market trends
- Cultural fit and alignment with Hilton's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Research Hilton's company culture and values to demonstrate your fit with the organization
- Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team, and company to showcase your interest and engagement
ATS Keywords: Hotel Sales, Catering, Marketing, Leadership, Strategy, Revenue Management, Team Development, Customer Engagement, Market Trends, Competitor Analysis
ASSUMPTION: Hilton's application process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit, with a focus on identifying strong leaders who can drive hotel performance.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics)
- Business intelligence tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social)
- Email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary based on the hotel's needs and Hilton's global standards.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Hospitality: We're passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences.
- Integrity: We do the right thing, all the time.
- Leadership: We're leaders in our industry and in our communities.
- Teamwork: We're team players in everything we do.
- Ownership: We're the owners of our actions and decisions.
- Now: We operate with a sense of urgency and discipline.
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and focused on delivering exceptional guest experiences
- Adaptable and responsive to changing market trends and guest preferences
- Committed to Hilton's Vision, Mission, and Values
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a proven track record of driving hotel performance through strategic leadership and management?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a high degree of autonomy?
- Do you possess strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills?
- Are you committed to Hilton's Vision, Mission, and Values, and can you demonstrate how you embody these principles in your work?
ASSUMPTION: Hilton seeks candidates who align with the company's values and work style, with a strong commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and driving hotel performance.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Managing a diverse team with varying levels of experience and expertise
- Balancing strategic planning and day-to-day operational demands
- Adapting to changing market trends and guest preferences
- Managing budget constraints and maximizing revenue opportunities
- Navigating Hilton's complex organizational structure and global presence
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be mitigated through strong leadership, effective communication, and a commitment to Hilton's Vision, Mission, and Values.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- Director of Sales and Marketing (Hospitality) vs. Director of Sales and Marketing (Corporate)
- Hospitality role focuses on guest engagement, revenue management, and brand representation
- Corporate role focuses on strategic partnerships, account management, and business development
- Hotel Sales and Marketing Manager vs. Director of Sales and Marketing
- Manager role focuses on tactical execution and day-to-day operations
- Director role focuses on strategic planning, team leadership, and performance management
- Hotel General Manager vs. Director of Sales and Marketing
- General Manager role oversees all aspects of hotel operations, including sales, marketing, and revenue management
- Director of Sales and Marketing role focuses specifically on sales, marketing, and revenue management
ASSUMPTION: Each role within Hilton's organization plays a critical part in driving hotel performance and guest satisfaction, with unique responsibilities and requirements.
π Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a targeted marketing campaign to increase group bookings by 15%
- Analyzing market trends and competitor activity to inform revenue management strategies
- Leadership and execution of a hotel-wide sales blitz to drive transient bookings during a slow period
- Collaboration with cross-functional teams to enhance the guest experience and drive customer satisfaction scores
- Development and delivery of a comprehensive sales and marketing training program for new team members
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic, operational, and leadership aspects of the Director of Sales and Marketing role, with a focus on driving hotel performance and guest satisfaction.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does this role collaborate with other departments and external partners to drive hotel performance?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the hotel, and how can this role address them?
- How does Hilton support the professional development and growth of its team members?
- What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how are they tracked and reported?
- How does Hilton foster a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion?
ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate your interest in the role, the hotel, and Hilton's company culture, while also providing valuable insights into the position and the organization.
π Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Research Hilton's company culture and values to demonstrate your fit with the organization
- Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team, and company to showcase your interest and engagement
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your interview to reiterate your interest in the position and address any remaining questions
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.