Group Sales Manager - The Ben Hotel, Autograph Collection

At The Ben, West Palm Beach, every corner tells a story, and every connection creates opportunity. Inspired by the legacy of Byrd “Birdie” Dewey and her iconic 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 is more than a destination. It is a stage for exceptional experiences. From Proper Grit, our signature whisky and supper club inspired restaurant, to Spruzzo, our rooftop Mediterranean lounge with sweeping waterfront views, we offer a product that is as compelling to sell as it is to experience.

For a Group Sales Manager, The Ben presents a unique opportunity to represent a distinctive luxury brand in a highly desirable market. You will build meaningful client relationships, drive impactful business, and position a one of a kind property as the premier choice for meetings, events, and gatherings.

Here, sales is not just about transactions. It is about storytelling, experience creation, and strategic growth. You are empowered to think creatively, act entrepreneurially, and contribute directly to the hotel’s success. At The Ben, you do not simply work in luxury—you help define it.

Learn more about our collection of experiences:

• The Ben West Palm — https://www.thebenwestpalm.com/
• Proper Grit — https://www.propergrit.com/
• Spruzzo Rooftop — https://www.spruzzowestpalm.com/
• The Ben Events — https://www.thebenevents.com/

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

New Account Development

• Identify, target, and secure new accounts through research, prospecting, networking, and market intelligence.
• Capture competitor business by analyzing market trends and conducting reader board surveys.
• Develop and execute a targeted account development strategy to drive incremental revenue.
• Generate referrals from existing clients and follow up on all leads within 48 hours.
• Leverage creative outreach strategies, including telemarketing and digital engagement, to expand the client base.

Key Account Management

• Maximize revenue within existing accounts by identifying growth opportunities and upselling services.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term client relationships through consistent communication and personalized service.
• Maintain detailed client profiles and account records to support exceptional service delivery.
• Achieve 90% of productivity goals and 100% of activity goals as established by management.

Sales Administration & Yield Management

• Negotiate room rates, catering packages, and event agreements using yield management strategies to optimize revenue.
• Prepare and present customized proposals, contracts, and presentations tailored to client needs.
• Maintain accurate and organized records within CRM systems and sales reporting tools.
• Monitor sales performance, pipeline activity, and forecasting to support revenue strategy discussions.

Account Service & Client Experience

• Deliver exceptional service throughout the sales cycle to ensure a seamless and memorable client experience.
• Maintain organized account files and documentation for all clients and events.
• Respond promptly to client inquiries, needs, and event-related requests.
• Collaborate closely with internal departments to ensure flawless event execution.

Market Intelligence & Product Knowledge

• Conduct ongoing market research to identify trends, opportunities, and competitive insights.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of the hotel’s offerings, event capabilities, and unique selling points.
• Stay informed on competitor activity and industry developments to effectively position the property.

Professionalism & Collaboration

• Represent the hotel with integrity, professionalism, and a service-driven mindset at all times.
• Maintain a polished and professional appearance when engaging with clients and partners.
• Foster strong collaboration and communication across all hotel departments.
• Manage travel and sales expenses responsibly in alignment with departmental budgets.

• Proven experience in hospitality sales, including group, catering, or event sales.
• Experience in outside sales, B2B sales, or business development preferred.
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to build and maintain lasting client relationships.
• Proficiency in CI/TY (or comparable sales and catering systems).
• Excellent presentation, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Strong understanding of hospitality sales strategies, market positioning, and revenue optimization.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Bending/Kneeling: Repeated bending and kneeling may be required, particularly when filing or retrieving materials.
• Mobility: Must be able to move throughout all areas of the hotel to assist clients and support site visits.
• Lifting/Carrying: Occasional lifting and carrying of files and office materials up to 25 pounds.
• Standing: Occasional standing for extended periods during client meetings, site tours, and events.

Work Environment

• Primarily based in a professional office setting within the hotel.
• Regular interaction within various areas of the hotel, including event spaces and guest-facing environments.
• Occasional attendance at off-site events, client meetings, and networking functions.

• 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)