Director of Sales

Confidential Search

Sarasota-Bradenton Market

Gecko Hospitality is conducting a confidential search for a Director of Sales for a premium select-service hotel in the Sarasota-Bradenton market. The property is part of a well-established, family-style hotel ownership and management group known for developing and promoting its people. This position is open because the previous Director of Sales was promoted.

This is a hands-on sales leadership role for a hunter who wants to own a market, build a pipeline, and get paid for production.

You’ll be the only sales leader at the property and you’ll run the whole sales cycle: prospecting, outside calls, site tours, negotiation, contracting, and account management. You’ll report to the General Manager, work directly with regional leadership, and have room to build your own business development strategy. There’s already a solid account base. Your job is to grow it quickly.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive new business through consistent outside sales: cold calls, in-person visits, site tours, and community networking
• Grow corporate, government, group, and extended-stay business across the local market
• Lead RFP season, negotiate local negotiated rates (LNRs), and contract groups
• Increase occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR through a smart account mix
• Work with the GM on pricing, revenue strategy, and weekly revenue meetings
• Handle sales administration accurately and on time: contracts, group resumes, rooming lists, cutoffs, and billing
• Keep the CRM and pipeline current and report production to property and regional leadership
• Represent the hotel at chamber events, trade shows, and local business organizations

Qualifications

• Proven outside hotel sales experience with a track record of winning new accounts, not just maintaining existing ones
• Experience with a major branded flag (Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Hyatt) and its sales and revenue systems
• Knowledge of the Sarasota-Bradenton or broader Gulf Coast business community strongly preferred
• Able to manage multiple segments and a full pipeline while staying on top of the administrative work
• A self-starter who sets their own pace and holds to it
• Polished and confident with clients, both in person and in writing

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary: mid to upper $60Ks, depending on experience
• Quarterly production bonus, with total compensation potential in the low $90Ks
• Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, and PTO from day one
• Brand travel discounts
• A company with a real track record of promoting from within

All inquiries are held in strict confidence. Qualified candidates will get full property details after an initial conversation with our team.