Overview
The Private Event Sales Manager is responsible for booking both corporate and social private event revenue at Footprint Center, the home of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury. The Private Event Sales Manager will solicit new, potential private event business with a high priority on establishing meaningful relationships resulting in multi-year event contracts. This position successfully manages the booking process from sale to service in cooperation with internal, venue stakeholders to ensure successful implementation.
This role will pay a salary of $65,000 to $75,000 plus commission.
For FT roles: Benefits: Health, Dental and Vision insurance, 401(k) savings plan, 401(k) matching, and paid time off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays).
Responsibilities
• Prospect new business via previous contacts, networking, trade publications, resource guides, database companies and cold calls. Target local hospitality industry, i.e. event planners, corporate planners, and direct corporate level decision makers to sell private events
• Collaborate with internal, venue booking stakeholders to identify and secure available date inventory for outbound and inbound sales initiatives.
• Conduct market research on potential new leads and develop tie-in opportunities within Oak View Group (OVG) and Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury business units to enhance value of sales packages
• Tour available spaces to prospective clients and actively sell venue locations
• Develop client relationships and enhance existing relationships to maintain renewal business
• Develop professional proposal and sales presentations collateral (research, data, photography, testimonials, etc.)
• Provide weekly reports on sales results to track individual and event performance
• Manage and cultivate business relationships by attending relevant industry functions as a representative of OVG
• Develop and implement new, creative ways to package social events for increased sales
• Establish partnership opportunities with the premium sales staff to maximize event and revenue opportunities
• Work cooperatively with sponsorship service representatives to provide event opportunities to existing clientele
• Assist in the development of internal special event series initiatives
• All other duties as assigned by the General Manager/Assistant General Manager
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in business, hospitality or related field
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in corporate sales or marketing environment with evidence of solid business acumen and an understanding of how to manage sale opportunities
• High level of integrity with a professional, business oriented demeanor
• Creativity and ingenuity in developing successful sales strategies and have a working knowledge of the industry or community events along with a pulse of industry opportunities
• Proven ability to initiate high-level contacts of prospective customer with strong persuasion and negotiation skills to close a sale
• Evidence of ability to establish and maintain effective business relationships
• Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate with various levels of business units and venues or prospective customers
• Detail oriented with exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple, concurrent projects in a high paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to analyze, formulate solutions and alternatives; and resolve issues in a timely manner
• Ability to work well in a team environment and effectively across business units
• Proven level of exceptional guest service
• Self-motivated with excellent time management skills and business/sales acumen
• Demonstrated computer proficiency including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and CRM skills.
Preferred Knowledge, skills and abilities:
• Experience working in a convention center, sports and entertainment venue or hotel in a hospitality sales function
• Prior experience with customer relationship management databases
Working Conditions:
• Irregular and extended hours including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Frequent visual/auditory attention