Group & Catering Sales Manager - The Ben Hotel, Autograph Collection

At The Ben, West Palm Beach, every corner tells a story. Inspired by the legendary Byrd “Birdie” Dewey and her famed Ben Trovato Estate, our Autograph Collection hotel blends modern luxury with creativity, sophistication, and a spirit of individuality that feels Exactly Like Nothing Else.

Perched along the Intracoastal Waterway in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach, The Ben invites guests to immerse themselves in refined coastal living. Guests gather at Proper Grit, our signature whisky and supper club–inspired restaurant, or ascend to Spruzzo, our rooftop Mediterranean lounge offering sweeping waterfront views. Every space reflects thoughtful design, elevated service, and an atmosphere where hospitality feels both personal and extraordinary.

The Ben is stepping into a world where luxury is intentional, style has substance, and service is an art form. Overlooking the Intracoastal in the heart of West Palm Beach, The Ben attracts people who are drawn to elevated experiences, thoughtful details, and the energy that comes from doing things beautifully and boldly. This is a place for professionals who take pride in presence, crave excellence, and want to be part of a culture that is confident, refined, and unapologetically distinctive.

At The Ben, you don’t simply work in luxury—you help create it.

The Group & Catering Sales Manager is responsible for driving group and catering revenue through strategic sales initiatives, proactive business development, and strong client relationship management. This role focuses on identifying and securing new business opportunities while maximizing existing accounts to position The Ben as a premier destination for meetings, corporate gatherings, and social events in West Palm Beach.

Success in this role requires a dynamic sales professional who thrives on prospecting, networking, and cultivating meaningful relationships. By combining market insight, creative selling strategies, and a service-driven mindset, the Group & Catering Sales Manager plays a vital role in growing revenue and ensuring the hotel remains a sought-after venue for memorable events and gatherings.

Direct Sales & Business Development

• Conduct high-revenue potential sales calls and proactive prospecting activities to generate new business.
• Maintain an active direct sales program aligned with departmental goals and the hotel’s marketing strategy.
• Dedicate a minimum of 90% of work time to revenue-generating sales activities.
• Represent the hotel at networking events, industry functions, and business development opportunities.
• Maintain reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license to conduct outside sales calls and client visits.

New Account Development

• Identify and secure new accounts through targeted prospecting, research, networking, and market intelligence.
• Capture competitor accounts by analyzing market opportunities and conducting reader board surveys.
• Develop and maintain a Targeted Account Development strategy to drive new revenue opportunities.
• Acquire referrals from existing clients and follow up on all leads within 48 hours.
• Utilize creative sales strategies, telemarketing, and outreach initiatives to expand the client base.

Key Account Management

• Maximize revenue from existing accounts by identifying growth opportunities and upselling services.
• Develop long-term relationships with key clients through consistent communication and personalized service.
• Maintain detailed client profiles and account records to ensure exceptional service delivery.
• Achieve 90% of productivity goals and 100% of activity goals established by management.

Sales Administration & Yield Management

• Negotiate room rates, catering packages, and function space agreements using yield management strategies to maximize revenue.
• Prepare and present customized proposals and contracts to clients.
• Maintain organized and accurate client records through CRM systems and sales reporting tools.
• Monitor sales performance, pipeline activity, and forecasting to support revenue strategy discussions.

Account Service & Client Experience

• Provide exceptional service throughout the sales process to ensure a seamless and positive client experience.
• Maintain accurate and organized account files and documentation.
• Promptly follow up on all customer needs, inquiries, and event-related requests.
• Communicate effectively with internal departments to ensure successful event execution.

Market Intelligence & Product Knowledge

• Conduct research and market analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and competitive advantages.
• Understand the hotel’s strengths, event capabilities, and service offerings to effectively position the property in the marketplace.
• Maintain strong knowledge of competitor offerings and industry developments.

Professionalism & Collaboration

• Represent the hotel with integrity, professionalism, and a service-focused approach at all times.
• Maintain a polished, professional appearance when interacting with clients and representing the property.
• Demonstrate a collaborative team attitude and maintain strong communication with all hotel departments.
• Manage travel and sales expenses responsibly to support departmental budget goals.

Qualifications

• Proven expeience in hospitality sales, group sales, catering sales, or event sales.
• Experience in outside sales, B2B sales, or business development preferred.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency in CITY.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Strong understanding of hospitality sales strategies and revenue optimization.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 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.

Environment

General office and hotel environment

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health savings and flexible spending accounts
• Basic Life and AD&D insurance
• Unlimited paid time off, community service, and holidays
• 401(k) program with employer matching
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Hotel, restaurant, and lifestyle discounts
• Employee referral bonus program (up to $1,000 per referral)