Sales Manager - Chicago, Illinois, United States

Oak View Group · Oak View Group is the global leader in venue development, management, and premium hospitality services for the live event industry. Offering an unmatched, 360-degree solution set for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster that includes the m ...

Job description

Oak View Group

Oak View Group is the global leader in venue development, management, and premium hospitality services for the live event industry. Offering an unmatched, 360-degree solution set for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster that includes the most influential, highest attended arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions on the planet.

Position Summary

The Sales Manager is responsible for all corporate and convention center sales for the venue. This position is responsible for the sale of venue advertising, sponsorships, suite agreements, banquets, meetings & special events at the facility. This individual will manage and coordinate all activities of the sales department to reach budget goals and generate revenue for the facility. 

This role pays an annual salary of $65,000-$85,000

Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays)

This position will remain open until May 1, 2026.

About the Venue

Navy Pier has always been the "People's Pier".  Build in 1916 as part of Daniel Burnham's famed plan of Chicago, today Navy Pier boasts versatile, multipurpose event spaces and high-quality amenities against one of the most unique and spectacular lakefront settings in the Midwest. Navy Pier showcases more than 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities, and more – all available to guests of on-site events. Navy Pier offers two exhibit halls, 34 meeting rooms, the historic Aon Grand Ballroom and Lakeview Terrace that overlook the lakefront. These dramatic and diverse spaces are ideal for trade and consumer shows, conferences, business meetings, and special events of any size.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the prospecting, selling, cultivating and maintaining of corporate partnerships and convention sales.
• Coordinate all aspects of sales solicitation process including account lists, tracking, calls, assist with promotions and direct mail activities.
• Responsible for creation/implementation of new ideas/opportunities that drive revenue to Navy Pier.
• Primary sales contact for all groups within assigned market(s).
• Prepare event contracts, sales folders, sales kits and correspondence to clients.
• Responsible for achieving established sales goals and objectives for venue usage by promoting the convention center to all potential clients; conducts venue tours, answers question and provides information regarding venue services, policies and procedures; and assists clients in finalizing booking arrangements.
• Enter and maintain complete and accurate information into the booking system.
• Help in creation and development of sales presentation materials.
• Completing and updating reporting and tracking systems.
• Performs related work as assigned by Director of Sales and GM.
• Attend industry events and trades shows as may be required.
• Other duties as appropriate for a sales manager.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or the equivalent training and experience
• Minimum of 3-5 years of sales experience, preferably with a sports facility, convention center, performing arts facility or other multi-purpose public assembly facility in sales management
• Experience in contract negotiation, development and execution
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Highly detail oriented, able to multi-task, and work in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to build and cultivate relationships
• Computer savvy and skilled in MS Office and the Adobe Creative Cloud (Outlook, Word, Excel, Photoshop) and ability to learn required business systems
• Ability to work independently to perform job, as well as in a team environment
• Ability to think critically, analyze information, and find mistakes
• Ability to prioritize workload and meet strict deadlines
• Must be a self-starter and have ability to work under minimal supervision
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Has a strong track record of building relationships and generating new business

Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference

At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis ("protected class") including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.