Overview
Be part of an iconic hospitality landmark
Ciel Dubai Marina, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ prestigious Vignette Collection, is set to redefine luxury as the world’s tallest hotel. The First Group’s flagship development featuring 1,004 elegantly designed guestrooms, 8 stunning dining destinations, 3 outdoor swimming pools, breathtaking floor-to-ceiling panoramic views, and an array of world-class amenities, Ciel offers an unparalleled hospitality experience.
Designed by the award-winning architectural firm, NORR Group, Ciel has already garnered prestigious industry accolades, including the 2019 International Property Awards for Best International Hotel Architecture and Best Hotel Architecture Arabia. This international recognition establishes Ciel as a landmark development and a symbol of innovation in the hospitality industry.
Join our dynamic team committed to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences and unlock endless opportunities for professional growth with Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection.
About The First Group Hospitality – The First Group Hospitality is a leading hospitality management company pioneering a new era of excellence. With a rapidly expanding portfolio of award-winning upscale hotels, signature restaurants, and distinctive leisure destinations, we are committed to creating unforgettable experiences at every touchpoint.
Our team of seasoned professionals brings decades of experience from renowned hotel brands, combined with a deep understanding of the Dubai and GCC markets. With a comprehensive infrastructure spanning all key areas of hotel management, we offer tailored solutions to maximise efficiency, drive revenue growth, and enhance guest satisfaction.
At The First Group Hospitality, we are dedicated to building long-term partnerships with our clients. By leveraging our global insights, regional expertise, and strong operational foundation, we ensure that every aspect of your hotel is managed with precision and care. Our goal is to optimise performance, boost profitability, and deliver sustainable growth for your property.
Job Description
Job Summary:We are seeking a results-driven and strategic Director of Sales to join our leadership team for the pre-opening of the tallest hotel in the world, located in the iconic Dubai Marina. This role requires an innovative and dynamic leader who will drive revenue growth, lead the sales team, and establish strong relationships with clients to position the hotel as a market leader in luxury hospitality.
Key Responsibilities
Pre-Opening Phase:
- Collaborate with the pre-opening team to develop and implement the sales strategy for the hotel, ensuring alignment with brand positioning and market expectations.
- Build and lead a high-performing sales team that will drive revenue and create lasting business relationships.
- Develop the hotel’s pricing strategy, including group, transient, and corporate business, ensuring maximum profitability.
- Set up sales processes, tools, and systems to effectively track performance and generate business.
- Oversee the development and execution of the hotel’s sales and marketing plans.
Revenue Generation and Strategy:
- Drive top-line revenue growth through strategic sales initiatives across all market segments, including corporate, leisure, group, and events.
- Develop and implement targeted strategies to secure new business, increase market share, and build brand awareness.
- Foster relationships with key corporate clients, travel agents, event planners, and other key stakeholders to secure long-term business partnerships.
- Collaborate with the revenue management team to develop and implement pricing strategies that maximize hotel occupancy and profitability.
Team Leadership:
- Lead, mentor, and motivate the sales team, ensuring alignment with the hotel’s objectives and brand values.
- Establish sales goals and monitor performance against KPIs, ensuring the team’s success in achieving targets.
- Provide ongoing training, coaching, and professional development opportunities to enhance the team’s skills and performance.
- Create a collaborative and results-driven sales culture within the team.
Market Research and Competitive Analysis:
- Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify trends, new opportunities, and potential risks.
- Use market insights to adjust the sales strategy and adapt to changing conditions, staying ahead of competitors.
- Maintain a strong understanding of the local and international hospitality market, identifying key demand drivers.
Sales Operations and Reporting:
- Monitor and report on sales performance, including the effectiveness of campaigns, booking trends, and revenue generation.
- Ensure all sales activities are tracked and documented in CRM systems to optimize lead conversion and relationship management.
- Prepare regular sales reports for senior management, providing insights into performance, market conditions, and business opportunities.
Customer Relationship Management:
- Establish strong, lasting relationships with key accounts and clients to ensure continued business.
- Oversee the preparation of proposals, contracts, and presentations, ensuring they meet client expectations and hotel standards.
- Work closely with the operations team to ensure smooth transitions from sales to event execution, ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Representing the brand in key international industry events- Must be ready to travel.
Desired Skill & Expertise
- Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.
- Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in hotel sales, with at least 5 years in a leadership role in luxury hotels or large-scale properties.
- Proven experience in hotel pre-openings and managing sales teams to exceed revenue targets is highly preferred.
- Strong knowledge of local and international markets, including corporate, group, and leisure segments.
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in sales and CRM systems, with a solid understanding of sales analytics and reporting.
- Ability to think strategically and implement creative sales solutions.
