Sales Director

About The Role & Team:

Our Sales Director is responsible for driving meeting and convention business to Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts. They develop and implement strategic sales plans and initiatives that deliver business results. Strong group knowledge, hospitality industry expertise, and sales leadership experience is critical for their success. The ideal candidate has proven ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, collaborate with partners, adapt and lead in a changing business landscape, drive initiatives and develop a team of Sales Managers.

Disney Meetings & Events is comprised of award-winning accommodations, world class meeting and event venues, extensive retail, dining options and a wide variety of entertainment offerings at each location. We offer incomparable experiences for meetings and events. Our unparalleled products and services across our three domestic destinations, Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and Aulani Resort delivers Disney's legendary commitment to creativity and service for groups and events.

The Sales Director will report to the Sr National Sales Director.

This is a Full-Time position.

What You Will Do:

• Lead and develop a team of Cast Members responsible for selling WDW Resorts to Group & Convention Clients.

• Ensure teams are developing meeting event opportunities through new business solicitation, sales calls, tradeshow, and other sales activities, as needed.

• Support Sales Managers while conducting site inspections, pre-planning meetings, product orientations, sales trips, and industry events.

• Define and execute sales strategies.

• Develop innovative and creative meeting and event solutions representative of the Disney brand.

• Collaborate with key partners to remove barriers that will allow our Cast to have speed to market and provide excellent guest service.

• Use systems appropriately to maintain accurate records, initiate reports, and monitor sales activity.

• Attain all financial goals.

• Prepare accurate monthly forecasts and participate in monthly forecast meetings.

• Actively support the development, training, and mentoring of Cast Members.

• Responsible for recruiting and finding right fit talent.

• Develop effective relationships with the Resort leadership and other value chain partners.

• Responsible for knowledge of and adherence to all Disney company policies.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• At least 5 -7 years hospitality sales experience.

• Experience leading and developing a high caliber team, including hourly and salaried employees.

• Knowledge of market segment (corporate, incentive, associations) and Meetings and Conventions line of business, including processes and workflows.

• Proven success that demonstrates strong sales and presentation skills.

• A goal-oriented mindset with the ability to analyze and explain data, goals, and budgets.

• Excellent business planning and strategy skills.

• Strong client management and partnering abilities.

• A focus on employee engagement to coach, reward, and recognize Cast Members.

• Experience working with budget and schedules.

• Theoretical and practical understanding of rooms, food & beverage operations, and contracting.

• Proven social and networking skills with awareness of cultural sensitivity/diversity.

• Ability to participate in site inspections and Client events and entertainment opportunities.

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.

• Demonstrated problem solving and decision-making skills.

• Computer proficiency within a Windows environment and willingness to learn new software applications.

• Exceptional time management skills to handle both your individual and the team's workload.

• Ability to be flexible with work schedule, including weekends and holidays.

• Capacity to work independently and on a team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least 5 years of sales experience with a major hotel chain or significant Hotel/Convention independent property.

• Experience selling meetings and conventions that require 100,000SF or more of meeting space.

• Understanding of market conditions and buyers within the greater Orlando area and other key markets.

• Understanding of the Disney product line to include Resorts, Parks, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Institute, Disney Event Group, and our international destinations.

• Competitive industry trends and knowledge.

Additional Information:

Benefits and Perks: Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

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