A critical part of this role is ensuring that what we sell can be delivered exceptionally. The General Sales Manager will work closely with Catering/Food & Beverage, Operations, Marketing, Revenue and other internal partners to develop compelling products, evaluate opportunities, establish appropriate expectations and ensure a seamless transition from sale to execution. This role is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, accountability and business judgment while maintaining proactive communication and alignment with the Director of Sales & Marketing. The successful candidate will be a strong sales leader, an effective people manager, a collaborative business partner and someone who identifies opportunities and challenges early and brings solutions forward.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead the development and execution of Newport Aquarium’s annual sales strategy, business plan and revenue goals across group sales, private events and assigned sales channels.
- Own departmental sales forecasting, budgeting, pipeline management and performance reporting, using data and market insights to identify opportunities and drive profitable revenue growth.
- Develop new business while strengthening existing accounts, partnerships and relationships throughout the regional hospitality, tourism, corporate, association, education and event communities.
- Lead, coach and develop a high-performing sales team with clear expectations, measurable goals, regular performance feedback and consistent accountability.
- Build a proactive sales culture focused on prospecting, relationship development, pipeline growth, negotiation, conversion and closing, while regularly monitoring individual sales activity and performance.
- Provide leadership and oversight of group sales and private events from lead generation and contracting through successful operational handoff.
- Partner closely with Catering/Food & Beverage to develop competitive and profitable event offerings and ensure client commitments, event requirements and expectations can be successfully executed.
- Serve as a strong cross-functional partner to Operations, Marketing, Revenue, Finance and other departments, engaging appropriate stakeholders early when sales opportunities may impact staffing, capacity, operations, profitability or the guest experience.
- Take ownership of the day-to-day operation and performance of the Sales department, establishing effective processes and standards that support consistency, accountability and efficiency.
- Ensure sales activity, CRM records, contracts, client information, event details and forecasts are accurate, timely and appropriately communicated.
- Maintain proactive and transparent communication with the Director of Sales & Marketing regarding performance, forecasts, team development, significant business opportunities, risks and decisions requiring leadership awareness or alignment.
- Exercise sound independent judgment while recognizing when broader leadership involvement is needed, identifying potential challenges early and bringing forward recommended solutions.
- Maintain knowledge of regional market conditions, competitive offerings, customer needs and industry trends to inform sales strategy and identify new opportunities.
- Represent Newport Aquarium at industry meetings, conferences, networking events and other business-development opportunities.
- Participate in the Manager on Duty program requiring occasional weekend and holiday shifts.
- Perform other related duties and leadership responsibilities as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- 7+ years of progressive sales experience, including at least 3 years leading and developing a sales team. Experience within hospitality, attractions, tourism, entertainment, events, venues or a related industry strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated success developing and executing sales strategies that drive measurable revenue growth.
- Experience leading group sales, private events or other sales requiring significant cross-functional operational execution.
- Strong understanding of prospecting, account development, pipeline management, forecasting, pricing, negotiation and closing.
- Proven ability to lead, coach and hold a sales team accountable while creating an engaged, high-performing culture.
- Strong business and financial acumen with the ability to balance revenue opportunity, profitability, operational feasibility and client experience.
- Excellent judgment with the ability to operate independently, anticipate challenges and determine when broader leadership involvement is needed.
- Strong relationship-building and communication skills with demonstrated success working collaboratively across departments and levels of an organization.
- Strong CRM, sales technology and analytical skills with the ability to use data to manage performance and inform business decisions.
- This is an authorized driver position which requires a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record for the past 36 months.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with changing priorities and business needs.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Successful completion of a criminal background and credit check.
- No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance and agility of movement which might interfere with ability to work.
- Physical strength, including the ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
What you’ll get:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vison insurances
- 40 sick hours, 40 personal hours, 8 Holidays, 80 Vacation Hours annually
- Profit Sharing and 401K Plan with company match
- Free entrance for you and your dependents which extends to most Herschend Enterprises’ properties
- Earn 1 General Admission complimentary ticket, that you can give to anyone, per pay period
- Discounts at Sharky’s Café, Sweet Dreams Candy Company, and the gift shop
- Discounted tickets and annual passes for friends and family
- Training and development
You can expect to work on projects that have never been done before – ideas that are unproven, and concepts that make people smile. You can expect to have fun and be treated with respect the minute you start…and through to the end. You can expect to work in an environment that is highly innovative and low in politics – truthful and filled with smart people; all while providing the BEST GUEST EXPERIENCE IN THE NATION!
And most of all, you can expect to work hard and make a difference in our world by helping to bring families closer together.
Looking to pursue your education without debt? Grow U has hundreds of programs available from certifications to college prep to associates, bachelor's, and master’s degrees. Most of these programs are fully funded. Learn more at: https://www.newportaquarium.com/Careers/Benefits/GrowU
Newport Aquarium, one of the many properties owned by Herschend Enterprises, prides itself on creating memories worth repeating. Our Core Values – greatly exceeding guest expectations, serving others, creating emotional connections, and constantly improving – give us purpose and guidance.
