At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire sales teams to drive revenue growth in the luxury hospitality sector.
- Company: Join Belmond, a leader in luxury travel with a focus on genuine connections.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive culture, ongoing development, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with talented individuals and contribute to unforgettable guest experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in luxury sales while building strong client relationships.
- Qualifications: Proven sales experience in luxury markets and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
The Director of Sales, UK reports to the Divisional Director of Sales, Southern Europe & UK and will oversee all outbound sales from the UK & Ireland, driving revenue growth, client relationships, and leading high‑performing sales teams in the outbound field. Overseeing the sales activities for UK, this role is responsible for driving performance of the sales teams, achieving and exceeding goals of revenue generation. The Director of Sales, UK will manage the Belmond Commercial Organisation sellers (BCO) including Belmond Client Directors within the assigned geographic territories (UK) and segments (Leisure & Groups). The role has a focus on leading and directing the Client Directors and Client Managers and their teams as well as implementing first‑class client management and new client acquisition strategies, increasing the number of new active accounts through business development activities.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Strategic Growth & Commercial Leadership: Work with the Divisional Director of Sales Southern Europe & UK to develop and execute the Divisional business & sales development strategy for Belmond in the UK. Partner with GMs, Sales Divisional Leaders and other property sales teams worldwide as well as Corporate Office to shape long‑term commercial strategies ensuring delivery is on track and recommend changes as appropriate.
- Annual Planning: Build annual business plans and sales targets for each seller per property as well as other KPI's aligned with Belmond Global Sales priorities. Test capabilities to develop and execute annual sales strategies, translate global strategy into local action plans, and align with wider commercial leadership.
- Trading, Client Management & New Client Acquisition: Drive best in class client management and implement new energy for new client acquisition. Drive a 360 degree approach to trading showing real results not only in travel trade and gross sales, but also corporate, celebrations, PR & Marketing agencies and lifestyle on a monthly and quarterly basis.
- Annual P&L Management: Support the Divisional Directors of Sales in driving profitable demand and optimizing channel mix in outbound business for the properties. Review spend against budget for BCOs together with Divisional Director of Sales Southern Europe & UK, addressing over/under‑spends as appropriate to achieve profit targets.
- Outbound - BCO Team Management: Lead, guide and motivate the team of Client Directors/Managers within the assigned markets to achieve and exceed sales results. Implement strategies and line up strong activities aimed at delivering the budgeted revenue generation for every account, ensuring that sales targets for each Belmond region are met by the sales specialists in the assigned team. Prepare the annual sales budget for all Client Directors / Managers within the team. Establish and maintain frequent personal contact with all property‑based sales personnel to ensure product knowledge is always up to date and there is complete alignment of sales strategies and understanding of need periods. Establish a close collaboration with all reservations teams and lead all closing efforts from top leisure leads as well as groups leads. Analyse and evaluate accounts productivity (past, current and future) to ensure the Client Directors and Managers Customer targets are met. Organize and lead regular sales meetings with direct reports to monitor progress to targets and identify challenges, implementing corrective actions when required. Ensure all team members make full use of the available selling, negotiating and closing tools to increase revenue generation from the assigned territory and account platform. Prepare all material, account management and other sales reports as requested by the direct manager; provide critical analysis, commentary and recommended action plans to remain and exceed production targets.
- Client Management: Foster a client‑centric culture within the team, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships with our clients. Ensure that all qualified advisors are well‑versed in our brand narratives and key offerings, guiding the team to connect meaningfully with clients. Lead the negotiation and conversion of significant business opportunities, supporting the team in securing high‑value and strategically important accounts. Drive a culture where the BCOs prioritize ongoing training and give resources to empower advisors, allowing them to shift market share to Belmond and anticipate client needs, delivering tailored solutions effectively. Establish and nurture a partnership relationship with all key clients, decision makers, bookers and influencers within every owned account. Establish Strategic partnerships with key accounts and drive the team to host customer events with select key accounts throughout the year. Communicate all seasonal promotions for the global Belmond portfolio to support all properties achieving their budgeted revenue, especially in shoulder seasons. Manage together with the Divisional Director of Sales Southern Europe and UK the organization of annual roadshows, strategic partners' sales events, and Belmond presence to relevant trade shows. Scale up regular Client educational trips to key Belmond destinations as a result of the ongoing portfolio rejuvenation and evergreen initiatives and escort these trips when necessary. Attend relevant industry functions and meetings to ensure the Company's brand is properly represented. Establish and maintain relationships with industry colleagues including tourism boards, airlines, DMCs, etc. Provide feedback and information about latest market conditions and newest trends to the Divisional Director of Sales SE and UK. Master usage of all available BI tools provided by Tableau, and implement a regular strategic analysis of markets, properties and account performance.
- New Client Acquisition and Client Portfolio Elevation: Guide the BCOs organisation to translate Belmond's Global Sales Strategy of new client acquisition into commercial plans for all sales teams. Drive an advisor‑centric approach to support the Belmond Global Sales Strategy of Client Portfolio elevation. Tap into new Celebrations, Lifestyle, PR, Marketing and Corporate segments such as Fintech, AI, Banking, Marketing & PR, Lifestyle, Sports and Ultra Luxury brands to lead luxury client sales development and communication. Develop "inside private" client facing sales strategies. Build strong customer relationships with premium partners (not only within LVMH) for the generation of new leads. Evaluate strength in building high‑value client relationships and expanding new active accounts, particularly across leisure, groups, corporate, and luxury segments.
Requirements:
- Ability to own and deliver revenue targets across UK & Ireland, including track record of exceeding targets and managing complex sales portfolios.
- Significant senior sales experience in luxury hospitality, travel, or premium brands.
- Strong track record in new client acquisition and business development.
- Experience translating global sales strategy into effective local commercial plans.
- Well‑established network across luxury, corporate, lifestyle, and premium partner segments.
- Ability to build strategic partnerships and generate high‑value leads.
- Experience developing sales tools and client‑focused sales strategies.
- Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Commercially driven with a strong understanding of the UK luxury market.
Benefits: At Belmond, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture built on kindness, active listening, and genuine connections with our colleagues and guests. We strive to create an environment where employees can thrive personally and professionally, with a commitment to ongoing development. Through this role you will have the opportunity to learn and grow alongside some of the most talented individuals in the industry, contributing to unforgettable moments for our guests, communities, and each other.
Director of Sales, UK in London employer: Belmond
Belmond is an exceptional employer that prioritises a culture of kindness and genuine connections, making it an ideal workplace for the Director of Sales, UK. With a strong commitment to employee development and a collaborative environment, team members are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally while driving revenue growth in the luxury hospitality sector. The opportunity to work alongside talented individuals and contribute to unforgettable experiences for guests and communities further enhances the appeal of this role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Sales, UK in London
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like Director of Sales, UK at Belmond, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Belmond. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Director of Sales, UK. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Sales, UK in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for Belmond:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Belmond. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at Belmond
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Belmond that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Belmond that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Belmond’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.