**Additional Information** **Job Number** 25202016 **Job Category** Sales & Marketing **Location** Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Durban Umhlanga Ridge, 14 Palm Boulevard, Umhlanga Ridge, Durban, South Africa, South Africa, 4320 VIEW ON MAP **Schedule** Full Time **Located Remotely?** N **Position Type** Management **JOB SUMMARY** The Sales Manager is responsible for proactively generating room and ancillary revenue through direct sales activities. Reporting to the General Manager, this role focuses on building strong, long-term client relationships, conducting corporate sales calls, engaging with travel agents, and identifying upselling opportunities across relevant market segments. The Sales Manager actively solicits new business, maintains and grows existing accounts, and supports the execution of sales strategies aligned with the property’s commercial objectives. The role works closely with Marketing and Revenue teams to support campaigns, promotions, and demand generation initiatives while ensuring seamless handover of confirmed business for service delivery. A valid driver’s license is required, as this position involves regular travel to local corporate offices, agencies, and industry partners. **ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS** **Direct Sales and Account Management** • Proactively solicits new business through direct sales activities including corporate sales calls, agency visits, and client appointments • Builds and strengthens long-term, value-based relationships with existing and prospective clients • Develops and maintains a structured account base to support sustained revenue growth • Identifies upselling opportunities across rooms, food and beverage, and value-added services • Represents the property at sales calls, client entertainment, familiarisation trips, and networking events **Sales Execution and Business Turnover** • Manages the end-to-end sales process from initial inquiry through confirmation • Prepares proposals, quotations, contracts, and customer correspondence in line with brand and legal standards • Ensures accurate, complete, and timely turnover of confirmed business to Event Management and Operations teams • Supports the operational execution of booked business to ensure customer satisfaction and repeat business **Market Knowledge and Revenue Focus** • Identifies new business opportunities to achieve personal and property revenue goals • Maintains strong knowledge of market conditions, competitor activity, and economic trends • Positions the property effectively against competitors based on strengths and customer needs • Understands target customer profiles and service expectations to deliver tailored solutions • Closes business opportunities that best align with property needs, demand patterns, and revenue strategy **Collaboration and Sales Coordination** • Works collaboratively with off-property and regional sales channels to ensure efforts are aligned and not duplicative • Supports marketing initiatives by providing market insight, client feedback, and campaign support • Collaborates with Revenue Management to align pricing, availability, and sales strategies • Maintains strong internal relationships with Operations, Front Office, and Finance to support service delivery **Customer Experience and Service Excellence** • Supports the company’s service and relationship strategy by delivering consistent service excellence • Services accounts proactively to grow share of wallet and long-term loyalty • Acts as a positive ambassador for the property in all guest and client interactions • Engages with guests and clients to gather feedback on product quality and service levels • Resolves issues promptly and professionally to protect the guest experience and brand reputation **EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE** Required • 2-year degree from an accredited university in Business Administration, Marketing, Hotel and Restaurant Management, or related major with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in sales and marketing or a related professional area OR • 4-year bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Hotel and Restaurant Management, or related major with a minimum of 1 year experience in sales and marketing or a related professional area Additional Requirement • Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally for sales calls and client engagement **KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES** • Strong understanding of hotel sales and direct revenue generation • Proven ability to build and maintain professional client relationships • Effective negotiation and closing skills • Strong written and verbal communication skills • Ability to manage multiple accounts and priorities simultaneously • Solid understanding of hospitality service standards and guest expectations • Comfortable working independently while collaborating within a commercial team **WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS** • Regular local travel for sales calls, agency visits, and client meetings • Standard office environment with periods of external engagement • Ability to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periods _At Marriott International, we are dedicated to being an equal opportunity employer, welcoming all and providing access to opportunity. We actively foster an environment where the unique backgrounds of our associates are valued and celebrated. Our greatest strength lies in the rich blend of culture, talent, and experiences of our associates. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, including disability, veteran status, or other basis protected by applicable law._ Protea Hotels by Marriott® is the leading hospitality brand in Africa and one of the most widely recognized hospitality brands on the continent, with over 60 hotels across South Africa, Zambia, Nigeria, Namibia, Tanzania and Uganda. If you have a passion for delivering every guest a personalized service experience and desire to be part of the ‘Coolest Hotel Brand in South Africa’, join the Protea Hotels by Marriott® team today! In joining Protea Hotels, you join a portfolio of brands with Marriott International. **Be** where you can do your best work,​ **begin** your purpose, **belong** to an amazing global​team, and **become** the best version of you.