At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the sales strategy for Southampton's premier luxury hotel and drive new business opportunities.
- Company: Join Harbour Hotels, a prestigious collection of luxury hotels in stunning locations.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, career progression, and discounts on hotel stays and dining.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for personal development and a vibrant work environment await you.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of luxury hospitality in Southampton.
- Qualifications: Proven success in hotel sales, strong relationship management, and commercial awareness required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Harbour Hotels is a collection of prestigious luxury hotels located across some of the South's most sought-after coastal, country and city destinations. Our portfolio combines exceptional hospitality, award-winning food and drink experiences, and our signature HarSPA concept across many of our properties. At the heart of the collection sits Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa - Southampton's only five-star hotel. Set within the exclusive Ocean Village marina and designed to resemble a striking superyacht, our flagship property offers 121 luxury bedrooms including 10 suites, an award-winning restaurant, a luxury spa with state-of-the-art gym, an iconic rooftop destination bar and contemporary event spaces with panoramic waterfront views. Since opening in 2017, Southampton Harbour Hotel has become one of the city's leading hospitality destinations, recognised for its luxury experience, exceptional setting and ambitious vision for continued growth. Our flexible event spaces can host up to 350 guests and accommodate everything from corporate conferences and executive meetings to celebrations, launches and receptions.
We are looking for an ambitious and commercially driven Director of Sales to lead the sales strategy at Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa. This is a key leadership role responsible for driving new business across corporate, leisure, meetings & events and partnership channels, while developing and maximising existing relationships to deliver sustainable revenue growth. Reporting into the senior leadership team, you will shape and execute the hotel's sales strategy, identify new opportunities and create strong market presence locally, regionally and nationally. You will bring proven success in proactive hotel sales, ideally within luxury hospitality, alongside exceptional relationship management skills, commercial awareness and the ability to inspire teams and deliver results. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the continued evolution of Southampton's leading luxury hotel.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver the hotel sales strategy across Corporate, M&E and Leisure segments
- Develop and grow key account relationships whilst identifying and securing new business opportunities
- Analyse market trends, performance data and commercial insights to maximise revenue and minimise risk
- Build and deliver an annual Sales & Marketing activity calendar aligned to budget and business objectives
- Develop strategic partnerships and sponsorship opportunities that deliver measurable commercial returns
- Track and report ROI across partnership and sales activity
- Create and embed a proactive sales culture across all departments to generate and convert quality leads
- Work closely with the National Account Director and Meetings & Events Sales Manager to maximise opportunities
- Represent the hotel at industry events, networking opportunities and key commercial forums
- Lead annual client showcases, entertainment events and business development initiatives
At Harbour Hotels, we are committed to delivering exceptional hospitality whilst creating an enjoyable and rewarding environment for our teams. Some of the benefits of joining us include:
- Excellent progression opportunities across Harbour Hotels
- Bespoke development and career pathways
- Competitive salary and bonus opportunities
- Industry-leading training and internal development programmes
- Hotel stay and Food & Beverage discounts across the group
- Access to our employee benefits and discounts platform
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Stylish Harbour Hotels uniform
- Meals provided whilst on duty
If you have the experience, ambition and commercial drive to make an impact at one of the South's leading luxury hotels, we would love to hear from you. Please apply with a full and up-to-date CV. Please note that only applicants eligible to work in the UK or holding a valid UK work permit/visa will be considered. We look forward to hearing from you.
Locations
Director of Sales - Southampton employer: Harbour Hotels
Harbour Hotels is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee growth and development within the luxury hospitality sector. As part of our team at Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa, you will benefit from competitive salaries, bespoke career pathways, and industry-leading training programmes, all while working in a stunning five-star environment that fosters creativity and ambition. Join us to be part of a prestigious brand that values its employees and provides unique opportunities for professional advancement in one of the South's most sought-after locations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Sales - Southampton
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Harbour Hotels. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Harbour Hotels
Don't be shy about reaching out to Harbour Hotels directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Sales - Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Harbour Hotels and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harbour Hotels
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
