National Sales Manager - Chicago Market

As Visit Indy, it's our job to promote the city of Indianapolis. And that job has never been easier, more energizing or more rewarding than it is right now. As an unprecedented level of cooperation between business and government boosts Indianapolis to a completely new level, we're reveling in the opportunity to show our city off. That's why we are searching for an organized, self-motivated, positive, proactive individual to join the team as a National Sales Manager. 

Position Purpose
The National Sales Manager is responsible for prospecting and soliciting business for the city of Indianapolis. This includes establishing business contacts, cultivating and maintaining client relationships, and rebooking client business for future events.
 
This position will be based out of the Indianapolis Office, unless candidate currently resides in greater Chicago metropolitan area.

 
Key Responsibilities


Essential Functions 

Building Sales Funnel

• Prospect convention and meeting business for the city of Indianapolis; follow up on leads and conduct research to ensure viability.
• Plan and execute effective lead generation strategies (sales appointments, lead campaigns, presentations, trade shows, site visits, etc.); prepare and maintain effective daily/weekly schedule of priorities.
• Qualify leads and establish business relationships; initiate and maintain communications to move opportunities through the sales cycle.
• Partner with sales managers handling same geographic markets to cultivate leads into tangible business and to determine key accounts to target; develop strategies to target such accounts.
• Update and maintain lead account information through effective account management and documentation of lead activity utilizing sales account software; maintain accurate database of contacts.

 
Drive Results/Close Business

• Effectively showcase/present Indianapolis to key meeting planners; plan and execute successful site inspections to secure conventions, and tradeshows.
• Execute exemplary client service to build strong relationships with the client by understanding their needs and recommending the appropriate features and services to enhance their experience and exceed their expectations.
• Follow-up with clients and Visit Indy staff as necessary in order to effectively negotiate terms of agreement and secure their business; ensure all communications are accurate and timely.

Other Functions

• Significant travel and evening entertainment (i.e. site visits, Indy based customer events, Colts Games, familiarization tours, sales calls and customer events in target markets, industry tradeshows, PCMA quarterly meetings, Visit Indy Partner Events).  Anticipated travel is (at a minimum) twice per month, however more travel may be required.
• Coordinate client introduction to services manager during the turnover process; create strong, supportive and collaborative environment with service team; remain engaged with customer following turnover process.
• Demonstrate effective and cooperative working relationship between the Visit Indy, the convention center, hotels, restaurants, attractions, and all Visit Indy partners.
• Lead monthly market meetings with Visit Indy hotel partners to increase communication, collaboration and idea sharing.
• Actively participate in weekly 4DX meetings and monthly sales meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business management, sales/marketing, or a related field is preferred or the equivalent amount of work-related experience is required.
• Three to five years’ experience in a convention center, convention bureau, tradeshow promoter, or hotel preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. We will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Stellar communication (written and verbal), negotiation, and sales skills.
• Ability to ask targeted questions and anticipate/understand customer needs; display strong customer relations skills.
• Ability to think strategically and creatively to effectively influence business opportunities.
• Ability to effectively develop an overall understanding of the sales process, the marketplace and the competitive set.
• Ability to travel overnight for site visits, client meetings, etc.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to focus on details, handle multiple tasks, and remain highly organized in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to interact with a variety of managers, employees, candidates, vendors, and the general public, both on a one-on-one basis and in groups.
• Ability to write reports, correspondence, policies, and procedures, and other business-related communications.
• Ability to think logically in order to troubleshoot and make recommendations for problems as identified.
• Ability to maintain a high energy level, take initiative, and work independently.
• Ability to be flexible and to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, commissions, proportions and percentages.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, be insured, and be in possession of a valid Indiana driver’s license.

Compensation and Benefits
The successful candidate will receive a competitive compensation and benefits package based on his or her qualifications and experience. Visit Indy offers medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, a generous 401k plan, paid time off, flex time, and a host of other progressive benefits.
 
Visit Indy is an equal opportunity employer.  Accordingly, not only do we adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws pertaining to equal employment opportunity, but it is our firm policy to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities for all individuals regardless of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or any other legally protected category or characteristic. Hiring and promotion practices are performed without regard to the same.