Director of Group Sales

Sofitel Riyadh Hotel & Convention Center: A Symphony of French Elegance and Saudi Arabian Warmth
The Sofitel Riyadh is dedicated to providing a five-star experience characterized by luxury, elegance, and impeccable service. The hotel's commitment to personalized attention ensures that each guest's stay is not just comfortable but memorable. Blending urban sophistication with refined opulence, the Sofitel Riyadh creates an atmosphere where every detail is thoughtfully curated to offer a unique and unforgettable experience.

As the Director of Group Sales at Sofitel Riyadh, you will lead the group sales strategy with a focus on key events to build occupancy and leverage the ADR. Your primary responsibility is to drive group sales by building relationships with high-profile clients, delivering exceptional service, and ensuring Sofitel Riyadh is positioned as a premier destination for luxury events, corporate meetings, and high-profile group stays. As part of the pre-opening team, you will also play a critical role in establishing the hotel's presence in these sectors.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Develop and Execute Group Sales Strategy: Lead the development and execution of the group sales strategy across multiple verticals, including automotive, fashion, meeting brokers, and concierge services. Align strategies with the hotel’s overall business goals and brand standards.
2. Build Key Client Relationships: Identify, target, and cultivate relationships with key clients in the event management, automotive, fashion, and related industries. Develop partnerships with high-profile organizations to generate group bookings, events, and long-term business.
3. Event Management: Work closely with clients and internal teams to plan and execute high-profile events, corporate meetings, product launches, and fashion shows. Ensure every detail meets Sofitel’s luxury standards and exceeds client expectations.
4. Pre-opening Responsibilities: Contribute to the pre-opening activities, including creating a group sales pipeline, building client databases, and establishing relationships with key industry partners. Assist in setting up systems and processes for group sales operations.
5. Negotiate Contracts: Lead contract negotiations with clients, ensuring mutually beneficial terms that maximize revenue potential while maintaining Sofitel’s brand integrity. Secure group rates, event packages, and tailored solutions for clients.
6. Collaborate with Internal Teams: Work closely with the marketing, revenue management, and operational teams to ensure that group sales strategies are aligned with pricing, brand positioning, and operational capabilities.
7. Meet and Exceed Sales Targets: Achieve or surpass group sales revenue goals by continuously seeking new business opportunities, maintaining strong client relationships, and growing existing accounts.
8. Market Research & Industry Trends: Stay informed about market trends, competitor activities, and opportunities within the Riyadh market. Conduct market research to identify emerging opportunities in the automotive, fashion, and meeting broker sectors.
9. Manage VIP Clients: Ensure that VIP group clients receive exceptional service from initial inquiry to post-event follow-up, enhancing Sofitel’s reputation for luxury and personalized service.
10. Reporting & Forecasting: Prepare detailed sales forecasts, reports, and performance metrics for senior management, offering insights into the group sales pipeline and business development progress.
11. Industry Representation: Represent Sofitel Riyadh at relevant industry events, trade shows, and networking functions. Build the hotel’s brand presence and reputation in key markets.

Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in luxury hotel group sales, with a strong focus on event management and working with high-profile clients in industries such as automotive, fashion, or meeting brokers.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Sales, Hospitality Management, or a related field. An MBA or relevant certification in luxury brand management is a plus.

Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of the luxury hospitality sector, particularly in Riyadh or the wider Middle East. Strong connections within the event management, automotive, and fashion industries are highly advantageous.

Skills: Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills. Proven ability to manage complex sales processes and deliver outstanding customer experiences.

Leadership: Strong leadership abilities, with experience managing a team of sales professionals and working cross-functionally with other departments.

Language Skills: Fluency in English; Arabic is highly preferred.

Personal Traits: A proactive, result-oriented individual who thrives in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Must possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while also collaborating as part of a dynamic team.