Director, Group Sales

Join the iconic Santa Monica Proper Hotel, where historic charm meets contemporary luxury in the heart of Santa Monica. As a seamless merger of historic retrofit and new construction, our 267-room boutique hotel showcases stunning interior design by international style icon Kelly Wearstler, tantalizing dining options by local culinary stars, and a show-stopping rooftop lounge and swimming pool. With 16,000 square feet of sophisticated meeting and event space, we create unforgettable experiences for our guests. We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Director of Group Sales to join our dynamic Sales Department.

Job Summary:

The Director of Group Sales provides strategic leadership for all group sales activities, developing and executing plans to maximize group revenue and profitability. This role manages the group sales team, builds and maintains key client relationships, and collaborates with cross-functional departments to ensure seamless group experiences. The Director of Group Sales serves as a vital member of the hotel's leadership team, contributing to overall business strategy while embodying the distinctive character and luxury standards of the Santa Monica Proper Hotel.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic sales plans to achieve or exceed group revenue goals
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing group sales team
• Establish and maintain relationships with key corporate accounts and meeting planners
• Analyze market trends and competitive landscape to identify new business opportunities
• Create and monitor department budgets, forecasts, and performance metrics
• Conduct regular sales strategy meetings and provide direction to the team
• Negotiate and approve significant group contracts and pricing strategies
• Collaborate with Marketing to develop effective group sales marketing materials
• Partner with Revenue Management to optimize group inventory and pricing
• Work with Operations teams to ensure exceptional delivery of group experiences
• Represent the hotel at industry events, trade shows, and client networking opportunities
• Implement and maintain effective sales processes and systems
• Provide regular performance reports to hotel leadership and ownership

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business, or related field required
• Advanced degree or industry certifications (CHSE, CHME) preferred

Experience

• 7+ years of progressive experience in luxury hotel sales
• 3+ years in a senior sales leadership role with direct team management
• Proven track record of successfully meeting or exceeding revenue targets
• Experience with luxury boutique or lifestyle hotel properties preferred

Skills and Competencies

• Exceptional leadership and team development abilities
• Strategic thinking and business acumen
• Strong financial analysis and budgeting skills
• Advanced negotiation and relationship-building capabilities
• In-depth knowledge of the group sales process and industry best practices
• Proficiency with sales systems, CRM platforms, and revenue management tools
• Excellent presentation and communication skills
• Extensive network of industry contacts and client relationships
• Crisis management and problem-solving expertise

Physical Demands

• Travel required (approximately 20%) for client meetings, site visits, and industry events
• Ability to work evening and weekend hours as business demands
• Computer work and standard office physical requirements

Company Overview

Proper Hospitality is a diverse team of passionate individuals who share a common love for hotels and the art of hospitality. Our philosophy is simple: there is a right way to do things, and anything less just isn't proper. We are seeking the best of the best-both within and outside the industry-to join us in building a new kind of lifestyle hospitality company, inspired by a centuries-old tradition. Our work is challenging and fast-paced, but above all, it is rewarding.

To achieve our vision-to inspire and transport people-we seek like-minded candidates who embody our ethos, The Pillars of Proper:

• Care Proper: We are natural and gracious hosts to all.
• Achieve Proper: We are committed to excellence.
• Imagine Proper: We are resourceful.
• Present Proper: We have an appreciation for style and culture.

Proper Hospitality is an equal-opportunity employer. We provide employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other federally or state-protected category.

We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with local Fair Chance Hiring Ordinances.