Sales Manager in Chicago, Illinois at The Blackstone Hotel

About the Property & Employer

The Blackstone, Autograph Collection is proudly owned and operated by Vinayaka Hospitality (VH). As the managing company, VH serves as the employer and is responsible for all employment-related decisions, including hiring, compensation, benefits, and workplace policies.

Vinayaka Hospitality was founded in 2008 on a foundation of innovation, intelligence, and compassion. With a passion for hospitality and a practical, results-driven approach to hotel management, VH collaborates with leading global brands—including Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and Wyndham—to successfully manage a growing portfolio of properties across diverse markets.

We are proud to welcome The Blackstone Hotel to our portfolio as part of our continued expansion. Located on Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago, The Blackstone is one of the city’s most iconic historic hotels. Originally opened in 1910, it has long been recognized as a landmark in Chicago hospitality, known for hosting presidents, dignitaries, and distinguished guests from around the world. Today, it offers a unique blend of timeless character and modern sophistication.

At VH, we are committed to growth—both for our properties and our people. We take a proactive and agile approach to sales, marketing, and revenue strategy, allowing us to adapt quickly to changing market conditions. Equally important, we invest in our associates by creating an environment where individuals can grow, succeed, and make a meaningful impact.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification, we still encourage you to apply—you may be a great fit for this or future opportunities within VH.

Benefits

Eligible team members may have access to a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

· Medical, dental, and vision insurance

· Paid time off (vacation, sick time, holidays)

· Six paid company holidays and one floating holiday

· 401(k) with company match (up to 4%)

· Life and disability insurance

· Employee assistance programs

· Employee discounts (hotel and travel discounts)

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on position, employment status, and tenure.

JOB SUMMARY

Solicit group business that enables the hotel to meet and/or exceed revenue goals in rooms and food and beverage.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

· Solicit new and existing accounts to meet/exceed revenue goals through telephone solicitation, outside sales calls, site inspections and written communication.

· Prepare correspondence to customers, internal booking reports and file maintenance.

· Participate in daily RevMax meeting, pre-convention meetings, training and other sales-related meetings as required.

· Work with other departments within the hotel to provide quality service to customers.

· Attend trade shows, community events and industry meetings.

· Develop/maintain knowledge of market trends, competition and customers.

· Develop and maintain rapport with key community contacts & vendors to ensure a visible presence in the community.

· Be a leader and a role model to all employees.

SUPPORTIVE FUNCTIONS

In addition to performance of the essential functions, this position may be required to perform a combination of the following supportive functions, with the percentage of time performing each function to be solely determined by the manager based upon the particular requirements of the hotel:

· Professionally represent the hotel in community and industry organizations and events.

· Participate as team player with all departments.

· Assist with reports and/or competition data collection.

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities:

· Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace.

· Requires good communication skills, both verbal and written.

· Requires knowledge of general sales, yield management, highly developed customer service skills.

· Most tasks are performed independently or in a team environment with the employee acting as a team leader.

· Must possess basic computer skills.

· Knowledge of hotels and competitive markets.

· Ensure that guest satisfaction is consistently obtained and maintained.

· Ability to make decisions with only general policies and procedures available for guidance.

· Must be able to meet clients on and off premises, to tour property and attend functions, to climb stairs, use door keys and operate basic office equipment.

· Vision to read fine print and computer screens, to see colors, to observe rooms in poorly lit conditions.

· Work on more than one task at a time.

· Bending/kneeling - repeated bending and kneeling required while filing

· Mobility - must be able to reach all areas of hotel to assist clients.

· Occasional standing.

· Occasional carrying and lifting of files and office items up to 25 lbs.

AVAILABILITY

This company operates seven days a week, 24 hours a day. At times it may be necessary to move you from your accustomed work day, to include Holidays, or time of work if business or task assignments demand. In addition, it should be understood that business needs determines the amount of hours that you work.