At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive revenue growth in diplomatic sales and build high-trust partnerships.
- Company: Join the prestigious InterContinental London Park Lane team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, 31 days holiday, and amazing discounts.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for career development and personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a luxury hotel that inspires personal and professional growth.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in hospitality sales, multilingual skills, and strong strategic planning.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ 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. Our establishment boasts elegant natural interiors and award-winning seasonal cuisine.
Our Director of Diplomatic Sales 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.
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 we are committed to offer and provide our Director of Diplomatic Sales with a competitive salary and a large range of benefits:
- Competitive Salary plus annual sales bonus and great IHG perks!
- 31 days holiday each year, including bank holidays, this increases 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
Most importantly, 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. The kind of 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.
Please click ‘apply’ now! You must meet the legal requirements to work in the UK.
IHG has been recognised as a ‘Best Employer 2025’ in the UK by Mercer. As a Disability Confident Committed Employer, we are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support at any stage, and your recruiter will assist you accordingly. At IHG Hotels & Resorts, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
Director of Diplomatic Sales employer: IHG
At IHG, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture at Kimpton Charlotte Square in the heart of Edinburgh. As a Room Attendant, you will not only enjoy competitive pay and generous discounts but also benefit from extensive training opportunities that foster personal and professional growth, all while contributing to creating unforgettable guest experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Diplomatic Sales
✨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 Diplomatic Sales at IHG, 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 IHG. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Director of Diplomatic Sales. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Diplomatic Sales
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 IHG:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for IHG. 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 IHG
✨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 IHG 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 IHG 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 IHG’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.
