📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Account Director of Group Sales (Temporary)
🔹 Company: Sonesta Hotels
🔹 Location: Sonesta NYC, NY
🔹 Job Type: Part-Time
🔹 Category: Hospitality - Sales & Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: April 7, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Selling guest rooms and meeting space to groups for four Sonesta Hotels in NYC
- Developing new business contacts and maintaining relationships with current clients
- Achieving revenue production goals through effective sales strategies
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional service to guests
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a proactive and driven sales professional with a proven track record in group sales, preferably within the hotel industry. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, be highly organized, and possess a strategic mindset to drive business growth.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Selling guest rooms and meeting space within assigned accounts and segments to groups for the four Sonesta Hotels of NYC
✅ Exploring new sources of business by developing new contacts and maintaining relationships with current supporters
✅ Monitoring monthly production and creating business plans to achieve monthly targets
✅ Consistently quoting rates to help achieve the hotels’ occupancy, average rate, and RevPAR goals
✅ Monitoring competitors’ performance where it relates to their particular market segment
✅ Maintaining and updating the hotel’s CRM system in accordance with Sonesta guidelines
✅ Attending daily sales briefings, weekly revenue meetings, and monthly sales meetings
✅ Organizing and participating in familiarization visits, sales blitzes, and other business-generating activities
✅ Conducting on-site inspections for existing or prospective travel influencers, decision-makers, and end-users
✅ Being aware of current market trends and supplying competitor activity information to the sales leadership
✅ Participating in sales trips and completing all sales reports in accordance with Sonesta guidelines
✅ Participating in any projects as and when assigned by the department head
✅ Performing any other reasonable duties as required by the department head
ASSUMPTION: The role involves a high degree of autonomy and requires the incumbent to work independently, often remotely, with a strong focus on achieving sales targets and maintaining strong client relationships.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: College degree preferred
Experience: Previous experience with hotel sales is required. Group sales experience of 3-5 years is preferred.
Required Skills:
- Proficient in Outlook, with basic knowledge of Word, Excel, Teams, and PowerPoint
- Knowledge of Cvent, Ideas (group evaluator), and Zoom info is a plus
- Fluent in English
- Strong communication and negotiation skills
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Proven ability to build and maintain strong client relationships
- Strong market analysis and sales strategy skills
Preferred Skills:
- Bilingual or multilingual skills
- Experience with CRM systems
- Knowledge of the NYC hotel market
ASSUMPTION: While a college degree is preferred, relevant experience and a strong track record in group sales may be considered in lieu of a degree.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $45.00 - $90.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Health Savings Account with Company Match
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
- Paid Vacation and Sick Days
- Sonesta Hotel Discounts
- Educational Assistance
- Paid Parental Leave
- Company Paid Life Insurance
- Company Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
- Various Employee Perks and Discounts
- Hospital Indemnity
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Accident Insurance
Working Hours: Full-time, with flexible scheduling to accommodate business needs
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a senior account director role in the hospitality industry. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, skills, and market conditions.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Hospitality - Hotel and Resort Management
Company Size: 10,001+ employees
Founded: 1937
Company Description:
- Sonesta is the 8th largest hotel company in the US, with 13 brands, 1,100 hotels, and 100,000+ rooms across three continents
- Offers a variety of travel experiences through its award-winning guest loyalty program, Sonesta Travel Pass
- Emphasizes integrity, authenticity, quality, and concern in its culture of caring
Company Specialties:
- Integrity. Authenticity. Quality. Concern. These four cornerstones keep the Sonesta family of hotels, guests, employees, and communities strong
- Experiencing the Culture of Caring for oneself
Company Website: http://www.sonesta.com
ASSUMPTION: Sonesta Hotels is a well-established hospitality company with a strong focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences through its diverse portfolio of brands and commitment to its culture of caring.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to Senior
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Director of Sales and Marketing for the four Sonesta Hotels in NYC
Work Arrangement: On-site, with occasional remote work for business development activities
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a senior group sales role or other sales leadership positions within the company
- Expanding one's network and industry knowledge through interactions with various stakeholders
- Developing leadership and management skills through team collaboration and mentoring opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to advance their career within the company's expanding portfolio of brands and properties.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Upscale urban hotels
Office Location(s): The Benjamin - The Royal Sonesta Hotel; The Shelburne - The Sonesta Hotel; The Fifty, Sonesta Select New York; The Garden – Sonesta New York, ES Suites
Geographic Context:
- New York City, NY - A vibrant and bustling metropolis with a diverse range of industries and cultures
- Access to world-class dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions
- Convenient public transportation options
Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible scheduling to accommodate business needs
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, with a strong focus on achieving sales targets and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screening to assess communication skills and cultural fit
- In-person or virtual interview with the Director of Sales and Marketing to discuss the role, responsibilities, and career growth opportunities
- Final interview with key stakeholders to assess the candidate's fit within the team and company
Key Assessment Areas:
- Sales skills and experience
- Communication and negotiation skills
- Market knowledge and understanding of the NYC hotel market
- Cultural fit and alignment with Sonesta's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant sales experience, achievements, and skills
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your sales strategies, client relationship management, and problem-solving skills
- Research Sonesta Hotels and the NYC hotel market to demonstrate your industry knowledge and enthusiasm for the role
ATS Keywords: Group Sales, Hotel Sales, Sales Strategy, Client Relationship Management, NYC Hotel Market, Sonesta Hotels
ASSUMPTION: The application process is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their unique qualifications and fit for the role through a thorough interview process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint
- Cvent, Ideas (group evaluator), Zoom info
- CRM system (Sonesta-specific)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with the listed tools and technologies is essential for success in this role, as they are used daily for communication, sales management, and reporting purposes.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Authenticity
- Quality
- Concern
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and proactive
- Adaptable and resilient
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How have you demonstrated integrity and authenticity in your previous sales roles?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you went above and beyond to deliver exceptional service to a client?
- How do you stay organized and manage your time effectively when juggling multiple priorities and deadlines?
ASSUMPTION: Sonesta Hotels values candidates who align with its culture of caring and demonstrate a strong commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences through their work style and personal values.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a high volume of client interactions and sales opportunities
- Balancing the need for sales growth with maintaining strong client relationships
- Adapting to the dynamic and competitive NYC hotel market
- Working remotely and independently, often with limited supervision
ASSUMPTION: The role presents unique challenges that require a proactive and strategic approach to sales management and client relationship building.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from other group sales positions in its focus on selling to groups for multiple upscale hotels within a single market
- Industry-specific context: The NYC hotel market is highly competitive, with a diverse range of hotel brands and independent properties
- Career path comparison: This role offers significant growth potential within the company's expanding portfolio of brands and properties
ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other group sales positions, its unique focus on selling to groups for multiple upscale hotels within a single market sets it apart from other opportunities in the industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a targeted sales strategy to increase group bookings for a newly renovated hotel
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with key decision-makers in the corporate and travel sectors to drive repeat business
- Conducting market research and analysis to identify new sales opportunities and trends in the NYC hotel market
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic and proactive approach required to succeed in this role, with a strong focus on driving sales growth and maintaining strong client relationships.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does this role fit into the overall sales strategy for the four Sonesta Hotels in NYC?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the company?
- How does Sonesta Hotels support work-life balance for its employees?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to succeed in them?
ASSUMPTION: Asking insightful and well-researched questions demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to success.
📌 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 sales experience, achievements, and skills
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your sales strategies, client relationship management, and problem-solving skills
- Research Sonesta Hotels and the NYC hotel market to demonstrate your industry knowledge and enthusiasm for the role
- Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of submitting your application to express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
