Our story began 75 years ago when the Herschend family discovered wonder deep in an Ozark Mountain cave—and chose to share it with the world. Today, Herschend is the largest family-held themed attractions company, with 49 leading attractions and immersive experiences that reach audiences worldwide.

While each brand offers something unique, all are united by a shared purpose: Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating®. Our passionate hosts make this purpose possible through everyday acts of love and service—what we call Heartspitality®—the intersection of heart and hospitality.

As an equal-opportunity employer, we strive to provide environments where every host, guest, and partner feel welcome, valued, and loved. We firmly believe that words and actions matter, which is why all individuals are to be treated equally and with respect. 

The Group Sales Manager will be responsible for booking and overseeing all aspects of the Sales department at Idlewild & SoakZone. This includes supervising seasonal sales team members, booking groups and consignment partners, reconciling tickets and payments, and interacting with guests and groups during their park visit.

We are currently looking for a:

 

Idlewild & SoakZone - Group Sales Manager

Roles & Responsibilities:

 

Supervisory Duties:

• Supervise the daily operations of the seasonal Marketing team in direct coordination with the Marketing Director and any other assigned departments

• Lead by example, attitude, and as a representation of Idlewild's core values

• Act as an approachable mentor and coach to all assigned team members

• Become knowledgeable of performing the essential duties of all assigned sales and/or marketing positions and backfill these positions when needed

• Participate in all aspects of supervision of assigned employees, including hiring, departmental orientation, training, performance coaching, and discipline.

• Ensure that all required meal and other breaks are being given in accordance with Pennsylvania law and company policies

• Ensure daily sign-in sheets are completed and submitted each day

• Assist with team scheduling and timekeeping activities

Departmental Duties:

• Drive new group business and maintain existing group business to meet and achieve yearly sales and attendance goals

• Develop and implement annual group sales plan

• Manage group sales numbers on a daily, weekly and monthly basis

• Assist with development, planning, and execution of a variety of park events

• Effectively collaborate with all in-park departments to ensure proper preparation and execution of events

• Act as a liaison between the group sales department, staff members and clients before, during, and after events

• Initiate cold-calling programs to reach potential new contacts

• Respond to inquiries in a timely manner from guests via phone and web and Salesforce CRM. Handle and resolve customer issues regarding products or services within group sales or special events

• Answer phone calls from guests to assist with general park inquiries

• Cultivate relationships with key community stakeholders, trade groups, industry contacts, travel/tourism boards, hospitality partners and local organizations

• Promote and sell all aspects of group sales which includes non-catered groups, catered groups, online consignment, hard ticket consignment, specialty groups and hotel partners

• Proactively research, grow, and maintain sales database by connecting with new and current customers including tracking and analyzing sales data 

• Track and analyze sales data to identify trends and sales patterns to support decision making, goal setting and yearly planning 

• Audit competitors regularly to ensure pricing and strategies to maintain a competitive advantage in-market

• Develop content for sales flyers and promotions, website information, and mailings regarding offerings and pricing each season, including email campaigns via Salesforce

• Evaluate market research and reactions to advertising programs

• Train and supervise seasonal marketing/sales team members on ticket collections and guest service at catered pavilion events

• Serve as guest relations representative at offsite events

• Report sales within each channel segment

• Work alongside marketing to coordinate and execute integrated sales campaigns

• Build internal relationships with operations and management teams to ensure the success of group sales and events

• Professionally represent and market the facility at industry meetings, tradeshows and off-site events

• All other duties assigned by leadership

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Sales and/or Marketing, Advertising, Communications or related field highly desired; Equivalent work experience will also be considered

• Sales or marketing experience preferred

• 1-2 years of previous supervisory experience, preferably in a related role

Language: Ability to read, write, and speak fluent English; Spanish or other bilingual language skills are a plus.

Requirements:  

• Must be at least 18 years of age to comply with Pennsylvania Child Labor Laws

• Ability to work flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, open to close

• Must possess exceptional customer service skills, with an ability to resolve questions, problems, issues, and concerns in a positive and professional manner

• Ability to handle high-pressure situations, meet the demands of constant deadlines and coordinate multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

• Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills and be comfortable communicating directly with potential and existing customers

• Must be comfortable speaking in front of large groups

• Strong desire to deliver high-quality group events that exceed client expectations

• General financial acumen highly desired

• Must be proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Power Point.

• Ability to identify trends and sales patterns with customers/guests

• Must possess strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities

• Ability to use office technology and equipment, such as PC, software, copier, and telephone

• Ability to follow direction, multi-task, and work as part of a team as well as independently

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to remain seated for extended periods of time, while using a computer

• Ability to stand, walk, and remain on feet for long periods of time throughout the day

• Ability to occasionally stoop, twist, kneel, bend, squat, or reach above shoulders

• Ability to carry, push, pull, lift, and hold objects weighing 30 pounds or more

• Working Conditions:

• This role will be primarily based in an office setting with frequent interaction with other outdoor park locations

• Frequent exposure to the variable outside temperatures, including high heat, cold, direct sun, humidity, dust, rain, snow, ice, and other weather conditions

• Subject to frequent interruptions, constant repetitive motion, high noise levels, flashing lights, and heavily populated environments

Team member benefits:

 

We truly believe that where you work matters and, as a theme park company, we like to think we know a thing or two about what makes people happy.

Perks and Benefits:

• Competitive compensation

• Comprehensive health and wellness package

• 401k Savings and Investment plan

• A generous paid time off program in which the benefits increase with your tenure with the company