Director of Diplomatic Sales

Director of Diplomatic Sales

Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
IHG UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive revenue growth in the diplomatic segment and build high-trust partnerships.
  • Company: Join the prestigious InterContinental London Park Lane, a blend of luxury and modernity.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, 31 days holiday, and amazing discounts worldwide.
  • Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and a culture that inspires you to achieve incredible things.
  • Why this job: Be part of a high-profile role that shapes international relations and guest experiences.
  • Qualifications: 7+ years in hospitality sales, strong networking skills, and multilingual abilities preferred.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

At InterContinental London Park Lane, we are currently looking for a Sales Director for the Diplomatic Segment to join our growing team.

Located at one of the capital's most prestigious addresses, our hotel redefines traditional luxury, offering a blend of modernity and flexible sophistication in the heart of Mayfair. Inspired by its scenic views overlooking two Royal Parks, our establishment boasts elegant natural interiors and award-winning seasonal cuisine.

As our Director of Diplomatic Sales, you will be responsible for driving revenue growth within diplomatic, governmental, and supranational organisation segments. This role requires an experienced relationship-builder capable of navigating complex protocol, cultivating high-trust partnerships, and positioning the hotel as the preferred residence for official visits, delegations, and international missions.

This is a high-profile, externally facing role requiring gravitas, cultural fluency, and impeccable professional judgement. The ideal candidate will have total account management, maintaining and growing current and new accounts and increasing revenue for group, catering, and individual stays along with all other revenue ensuring this is aligned with the business needs of the hotel and according to the goals and targets set.

You will be expected to conduct client meetings to drive new business opportunities and maintain existing client relationships, as well as attend and represent the hotel at relevant trade shows. You will contribute to the delivery of the annual sales and marketing plan relevant to the diplomatic market ensuring ROI is tracked in accordance with the completed activity and above all create pride in the team to deliver a consistent guest experience.

What we need from you:

  • University or Hotel School diploma or degree
  • A track record of sales achievement with at least 7 years’ experience in the service and hospitality industry is essential for this role.
  • Fully networked in the Diplomatic segment
  • Multilingual capability is highly desirable
  • Strong strategic planning skills, ability to look ahead and put strategies in place to support the plans.
  • A well-developed commercial acumen and ability to take calculated risks.
  • Excellent presentation and communication skills are key.
  • Ability to work well under pressure, with minimal supervision and maintain high standards and attention to detail.
  • Microsoft package skills, Delphi knowledge and Opera (desirable)
  • Demonstrates relevant cross-functional experience and/or in-depth knowledge of relevant functional topic.
  • Experience in growing customer relationships effectively and working well with GSO networks.

In Return:

  • Competitive Salary plus annual sales bonus and great IHG perks!
  • 31 days holiday each year, including bank holidays, increasing up to a maximum of 33 days (Pro Rated)
  • Access to Wagestream - a financial wellbeing app giving you the opportunity to save, track and withdraw your pay as you earn it.
  • Company sick pay and life insurance.
  • Professional career development with our IHG Leadership programs.
  • Amazing discounts for our hotels and restaurants around the world.
  • Discounts from over 15,000 stores – all the way from retail to cinema.
  • We’ll help you grow and develop you as an individual and inspire incredible.

At InterContinental London Park Lane, our ambition is to define our unique culture that inspires you to be all you can be. An invitation to tap into your unique personality to deliver and achieve incredible things. An expectation to play your part in empowering and inspiring others. An opportunity to learn, grow and push what’s possible. The promise of a personal and professional journey, a place where everyone can belong and feel part of something bigger.

You must meet the legal requirements to work in the UK. At IHG Hotels & Resorts, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We firmly believe that all our colleagues deserve to be treated equally and have the same opportunities to develop and grow their skills within our business.

Don’t quite meet every single requirement, but still believe you’d be a great fit for the job? We’ll never know unless you hit the ‘Apply’ button. Start your journey with us today.

Director of Diplomatic Sales employer: IHG UK

At the Manchester Deansgate Hotel, part of the IHG Hotels and Resorts family, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that values each team member's unique contributions. With competitive salaries, extensive training opportunities, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, we empower our staff to grow and thrive in their careers while enjoying perks like discounted stays at our global network of hotels. Join us in redefining luxury travel in the heart of Manchester, where your passion for service can truly shine.

IHG UK

Contact Details:

IHG UK Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of Diplomatic Sales

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Attend industry events and trade shows where you can meet potential clients and partners. Remember, it’s all about building those high-trust relationships that will help you stand out in the diplomatic segment.

Tip Number 2

Show off your cultural fluency! When meeting with clients, be sure to demonstrate your understanding of their customs and protocols. This will not only impress them but also position you as a trusted partner for their official visits.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for client meetings like it’s a big presentation. Have your data ready, know your audience, and tailor your pitch to highlight how our hotel can meet their specific needs. Confidence is key!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our amazing team at InterContinental London Park Lane.

We think you need these skills to ace Director of Diplomatic Sales

Sales Achievement
Relationship Building
Cultural Fluency
Strategic Planning
Commercial Acumen
Presentation Skills
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your sales achievements and relevant experience in the hospitality industry. We want to see how you've successfully managed accounts and driven revenue growth, especially in the diplomatic segment.

Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. This shows us you’re genuinely interested in the role and understand what we’re looking for.

Be Professional Yet Personal:While we love professionalism, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Share your passion for the hospitality industry and how you can contribute to our unique culture at InterContinental London Park Lane.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and helps us keep track of all applicants efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at IHG UK

Know Your Audience

Before the interview, research InterContinental London Park Lane and its diplomatic segment. Understand their values, recent news, and how they position themselves in the luxury market. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills

As a Director of Diplomatic Sales, your ability to build and maintain relationships is crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated complex protocols or cultivated high-trust partnerships. Be ready to discuss how you can leverage these skills for the hotel.

Demonstrate Cultural Fluency

Given the nature of the role, cultural fluency is key. Brush up on relevant cultural norms and practices of the diplomatic community. If you're multilingual, highlight this during the interview, as it can set you apart from other candidates.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your strategic planning and commercial acumen. Think about how you would approach potential challenges in the diplomatic sales segment and be prepared to discuss your thought process and decision-making strategies.