Sales and marketing often work hand in hand, and as a result hotels and restaurants often have one position that oversees both, the Director of Sales and Marketing.

What does a Director of Sales and Marketing do?

Directors of Sales and Marketing oversee the sales and marketing departments of the establishment. They are responsible for the planning and management of the budget, forecasting and tracking revenue, and advertising costs. They also establish room rates and then create and execute effective marketing that supports all sales.

They are also involved in maintaining relationships with community organizations, and previous clients and helping to maintain customer satisfaction.

Typical duties include but are not limited to:

• Create and manage the goals of the sales and marketing team
• Provide input for business planning
• Prepare, analyze, and communicate reports for forecasting and progress
• Plan and oversee advertising and promotion activities
• Participate in strategic community partnerships
• Analyze and control expenditures for budgets
• Recruit, interview, and hire new sales and marketing team members
• Train and mentor team members

Skills and requirements (vary by employer):

• Ability to lead a team
• Creativity
• Strong decision making
• Great communication skills
• Comfortability with presentations
• Organization
• A minimum of 5-year experience
• Technologically proficient

Potential career paths:

General Manager – General managers are responsible for directing and coordinating activities of the organization to maximize profits. They are responsible for guest and employee satisfaction. General managers develop and implement company policies and goals and coordinate activities of hotel departments.  

Chief Operating Officer – Chief operating officers convert marketing, operational and administrative plans into reality. Their duties include creating an employee taxonomy and management structure and auditing various work processes and implementing new strategies to improve efficiency and communication across all parts of a company’s supply and distribution chain.

Chief Marketing Officer – Chief marketing officer is responsible for overseeing the planning, development, and execution of an organization’s marketing and advertising initiatives. CMOs are responsible for generating revenue by increasing sales through successful marketing campaigns and efforts.