Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is one of America's oldest and most treasured public gardens. Located along the scenic Ashley River in Charleston, South Carolina, Magnolia is a nationally recognized cultural and natural destination known for its rich history, impressive gardens, and diverse ecosystems. Open year-round, the property welcomes guests worldwide to experience various offerings, including historic house tours, curated garden walks, wildlife viewing, nature trails, and a range of memorable group and private events. Committed to preserving its legacy while creating meaningful connections through history, horticulture, and nature, Magnolia offers unforgettable experiences that educate, inspire, and delight.
The Sales Manager is a key contributor responsible for growing revenue across venue rentals, group tours, private events, and specialty programs. This role leads the full sales cycle-from lead generation and client engagement to proposal, contract, and final booking. In addition to managing their pipeline, the Sales Manager will work cross-departmentally to support and train staff on sales practices, strengthen sales efforts organization-wide, and ensure consistency in guest communication and service standards. This position is critical in driving sales strategy, maintaining key relationships, and delivering exceptional client experiences that reflect Magnolia's mission and values.
Key Responsibilities
Manage all inbound sales inquiries and proactively generate new business opportunities.
Develop customized proposals, negotiate terms, and execute contracts
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in the CRM system
Collaborate with guest services, events, marketing, and operations to ensure seamless client handoffs and event delivery
Train and guide frontline staff and other departments on sales-related best practices and brand standards
Monitor industry trends, pricing, and competitor offerings to refine sales strategy
Represent Magnolia at networking events, trade shows, and industry functions
Track and report on sales performance and client feedback
Build and maintain strong relationships with planners, travel groups, vendors, and community partners
Represent a team-player spirit when assigned other duties and projects as required
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Business, Communications, or a related field
3-5 years of experience in hospitality, event, or destination sales
Proven track record of meeting or exceeding individual sales goals
Strong organizational and communication skills with attention to detail
Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Tripleseat) and Microsoft Office Suite
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams
Availability to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event needs
Benefits
We are pleased to offer a competitive annual salary starting at $50,000, along with commission opportunities, aligned with industry standards.
Benefits
Employee Benefits
Magnolia realizes the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offers a generous amount of PTO, Sick Days & Paid Holidays
Happy Birthday.. off! If you are scheduled to work on your special day, you can request 8 hours of pay
Magnolia contributes 80% of medical premiums for employee-only coverage and 40% to all other levels of coverage
No cost $10,000 life & accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
401K retirement plan matching at 3%
Wellness tools (health assessment and online programs to help you meet your goals)
Discount program (helps you save on health products and services)
24/7 Employee Assistance Program (helps in all aspects of life, from emotional well-being, legal and financial help), behavioral telehealth/virtual providers and services, no-cost diabetic meters and enhanced maternity program
Employee Discounts
Experience our history, horticulture and nature with your loved ones! Employees can host their immediate family members (on non-scheduled working days) to Magnolia! This includes free admission to the gardens and to all tours. If immediate family members visit during an employee's scheduled working day, eligible family members are welcome to visit the gardens with free admission. Please contact the Welcome Center for more information.
Save 50% on all on-site venue rentals (includes standard fees), 40% off at our charming Gift Shop and meal discounts at our impeccable Peacock Cafe!
Employees and their immediate family members can join Community Events for free!
Enjoy discounted pricing for Magnolia's prime Special Events
Earn your Reciprocal Admission Pass after your first 90 days! This gold pass allows you and one guest free admittance to over 40 participating attractions such as: SC Aquarium, SpiritLine Cruises, Charleston County Parks, Children's Museum of the Lowcountry and many more!
Team Members are provided company branded uniform items at no cost!
Training & Development
No-cost continuing education training for current licenses that benefit both you and MPC
Limitless internal training and development opportunities!
Additional Perks
It really pays! Referral bonus for an employee's referral that is hired and completes three months of service. $500 for full-time hires and $250 for part-time hires.
Accept your own stainless steel Magnolia logoed bottle, perfect for preserving our environment and keeping your drinks hot or cold (up to 24 hours)
6mi of Biking and Walking Trails for you to use