Director of Sales

Who you are:

Are you a compassionate dynamic and results-driven Director of Sales who thrives in a high-touch purpose-led hospitality environment Do you believe in building meaningful relationships that drive business and leave a positive impact on the world Seriouslyleave the world better than you found it. Do you have a personal connection to the disability community or a passion for inclusion that forms the way you lead and sell Have you been a part of an entire team that values service above all else Do you understand how to sell and position an independent boutique hotel and how food & beverage can elevate a guests full experience

If this sounds like second nature to you we have a career-defining opportunity: help launch and lead sales efforts for a purpose-driven boutique hotel alongside one of the most respected hotel management companies in the country. If so read on.

Who you will be associated with:

We are Florence SCbased Raines Hospitality founded in 1988 as a family business. Weve evolved into a fully integrated development management and investment company operating and owning hotels and resorts across leading brands and independent properties. Our culture is relationship-basedwith our team members our partners and our communities.

Our leadership team is driven yet grounded and fully invested in your growth and success. We offer comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision coverage 401K generous PTO referral bonuses and real career advancement opportunities. Most importantlywe care about our people.

We offercomprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision benefits 401K a generous PTO program an Employee Referral Bonus Program and the opportunity to join a winning culture recognized for rewarding our best with opportunities to advance their career within the company. But maybe most important we care for our team.

The Opportunity: The Lantern Hotel Columbia

Raines Hospitality is transforming the City of Columbias historic firehouseadjacent to the Statehouseinto The Lantern Hotel Columbia Vista a stunning 59-room upscale boutique hotel. With a multimillion-dollar renovation the goal is to deliver Columbias finest independent hotel experience. The soul of the hotel will be its team. Partnering with the University of South Carolinas LIFE program and USCs Hospitality program individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities will be working alongside other team members in delivering an upscale hospitality experience showcasing not only the best of Columbia but also the best of humanity. It is anticipated that 1 out of every 3 team members will have a special ability. The objective is that guests will be inspired by The Lantern Hotel Columbia.

Our culinary anchor is Ladder 13 a high-impact open-air restaurant and bar led by James Beard nominee (and USC alum) Chef Kevin Johnson. The f&b programming will revolve around a best-in-class cocktail bar Ladder 13s small plate food and an open-air lobby experience for receptions wedding parties and intimate gatherings.

What it takes:

• Proven success as a Director of Sales (or equivalent) in a boutique lifestyle or luxury hotel environment. Experience opening or repositioning a property is a big plus.
• Demonstrated ability to build a revenue-generating sales strategy that includes corporate leisure group and local business segments.
• Experience collaborating closely with F&B and events to build hotel-wide revenue and drive total profitability.
• A natural leader who mentors others with patience creativity and compassionincluding individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• A creative thinker who sees non-traditional work structures as opportunitiesnot limitationsand can build schedules and sales strategies around unique team needs.
• High emotional intelligence excellent communication skills (verbal and written) and a strong ethical compass.
• Proficiency in sales platforms CRM and Microsoft 365.
• Bachelors degree in hospitality business or related field preferred.

What you will do:

Sales Leadership & Strategy

• Lead all aspects of hotel sales including transient group catering and event sales.
• Develop and execute a strategic sales plan that meets and exceeds revenue goals across all market segments.
• Build meaningful relationships with local businesses associations DMO/CVB and national travel partners.
• Collaborate closely with the General Manager and Chef to promote integrated guest experiences and cross-functional revenue strategies.
• Build long-term partnerships with guests clients and vendors who align with our purpose and mission.

People & Culture

• Serve as a mentor and role model .
• Ensure your team is trained supported and set up to thriveincluding employees with disabilities.
• Help build a culture where everyone feels seen valued and empowered to contribute.

IMO this would be the GM owning this relationship.

Administrative & Reporting

• Own your numbers: forecasting budgeting pacing reports market analysis and performance metrics.
• Use company-wide systems and tools to track pipeline performance and productivity.
• Work in partnership with corporate revenue and marketing leaders to ensure alignment across platforms and channels.
• Local Brand Ambassador
• Be the face of The Lantern Hotel within the Columbia community as it relates to the community.
• Represent the brand at networking events civic engagements and university partnerships.
• Be a visible passionate advocate for both the hotel and its missionblending profit with purpose in every relationship you build.

Travel:

Less than 50% travel requirement primarily in the local market.
Must possess a valid drivers license and reliable transportation and the ability to run off-property errands with minimal notice.

Physical:

Frequent sitting standing and moving about the facilities. Handling objects products and equipment. Using keyboards and other office computer equipment. Occasionally push pull and lift items weighing up to 50 pounds. Must communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must observe details at close range.

Other:

Must speak English fluently. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills. Mathematical skills include basic math budgeting profit/loss concepts percentages and variances. Problem solving reasoning motivating organizational and training abilities are often used. Ability to effectively multi-task.

How will you know you are succeeding

• The Lantern Hotel Columbia Vista is recognized as the sales and market leader within its competitive set. Youre consistently outperforming on RevPAR Index (RGI) growing market share and driving results that elevate the hotels STR rankings. Online review sites reflect not just great servicebut memorable experiences that started with great sales Promoter Scores (NPS) of 80 affirm that our guests become loyal advocates.
• Revenue goals are not just mettheyre exceeded. Youre hitting room night targets growing group and catering business and helping the hotel meet or beat all financial objectives including F&B contribution through strong event partnerships.
• The sales team is energized and thriving. How will we know Retention is high enthusiasm is contagious and internal surveys show your team feels valued and connected to the hotels mission. Just as importantly clients feel the authenticity and warmth in every sales interaction.
• The Lantern Hotel Columbia Vista is the first name that comes to mind when people in Columbia think of upscale hospitality unique events or inclusive partnerships. Its hard to put into numbers but youll hear it from the community repeat clients and the buzz you help create in the market.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability age veteran status or any other legally protected status.

This description is a summary of primary responsibilities and qualifications. The job description is not intended to include all duties or qualifications that may be required now or in the future. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Pre-employment background check required.