At a Glance
- Tasks: Build relationships with embassies and high-end clients to boost hotel sales.
- Company: Join the iconic Raffles London at The OWO, a luxury hotel destination.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, enhanced pension, health plans, and global career opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with creative freedom and excellent growth potential.
- Why this job: Make an impact in luxury hospitality and connect with elite clientele.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in luxury sales with strong Middle East and diplomatic networks.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 € per year.
Company Description
The Raffles London at The OWO and The OWO Residences by Raffles operates a 120 room and suites flagship hotel at the iconic Old War Office building along with a collection of 85 exceptional branded residences at this landmark destination on Whitehall, including 12 distinct restaurants and bars including our signature chef Mauro Colagreco. The Guerlain spa and Pillar Wellness, and a 600 seated-capacity grand ballroom.
Job Description
An exceptional opportunity presents itself for a Director of Diplomatic & Middle East Sales to be part of an iconic London Hotel. Reporting into the Director of Sales, you will work to establish relationships with embassies, family offices, government offices, bookers, agents, agencies, DMCs and private clients in the UK and overseas. You will firmly position Raffles London at The OWO as one of the leading hotels in London for high-end Middle Eastern clientele and Diplomatic business.
What are we looking for in a Director Diplomatic and Middle East Sales?
- Someone who is organised and efficient
- Someone who possesses excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Someone who has a minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar role in a luxury environment
- Someone who has an extensive network of contacts and relationships within the Middle East market and Diplomatic networks
Key Responsibilities
- To fully penetrate the Middle East and Diplomatic markets for Raffles London and build its reputation as one of the top luxury hotels in London for official delegations, business, leisure, family and extended stays
- To work with the Director of Sales & Marketing and the Director of Sales to create and implement a sales strategy in accordance with budget
- To attend sales missions, networking events, trade shows and exhibitions as required
- Prospecting opportunities through telephone calls, virtual presentations and in-person visits in order to research, penetrate and develop new accounts
- To identify and lead the account management of key clients to ensure revenue is maximized
- To create a portfolio of top accounts and keep consistently updated
- To identify potential changes in the market in a timely manner and pivot to ensure that revised strategies are quickly in place to stimulate alternative demand channels
- To monitor competitor activity in the market and to be consistently up to date with school holiday schedules, state visits, cultural occasions and political and economic change
- To coordinate logistics & funding and accompany fam trips to Raffles London to increase awareness, knowledge and loyalty among key opinion leaders and top bookers from the Middle East & Diplomatic markets
- To work closely with the on-property Reservations Team to ensure all requests are dealt with in a timely manner and are presented with creativity and imagination
- To have a good understanding of revenue management and work collaboratively with the Director of Revenue Strategy to achieve hotel goals
- To manage the sales system to ensure all information is correct and updated and that all bookings, enquiries and activities are logged to maintain a comprehensive account management system and clean database
- To work within the boundaries of the budgeted and forecasted sales expenses
- To ensure payment schedules are made clear to clients and are always adhered to
- To submit reports to the Director of Sales when required
- To ensure clear, positive and regular communication with the Accor National Account Managers, the Regional Sales Offices and the Luxury Sales Team and to work collaboratively to achieve all goals
- To work with the Director of Sales and the Director of Communications on trade marketing pieces and other ad hoc marketing and promotional activities that will support the sales strategy
- To be entrepreneurial, highly creative and think beyond the boundaries
- To have a very strong knowledge of hotel operations and be ‘hands on’ for VIP arrivals, delegations and throughout high-profile stays
- To take time to get to know customers, to build lasting relationships and be always committed to service excellence
What are we offering?
- You will be offered a competitive salary
- Enhanced Pension Scheme
- Sales Incentive Scheme
- Life Assurance
- Health Cash Plan
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee benefit card offering discounted rates at Accor worldwide
- Worldwide development opportunities across Accor’s extensive brand portfolio
Director of Diplomatic & Middle East Sales employer: Raffles Hotels & Resorts
Raffles London at The OWO is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values creativity and excellence in service. With a focus on employee growth, the company provides extensive development opportunities across Accor’s global brand portfolio, alongside competitive salaries and benefits such as an enhanced pension scheme and health cash plan. Working in this iconic location not only allows you to engage with high-end clientele but also positions you at the forefront of luxury hospitality in one of London's most prestigious settings.
Contact Detail:
Raffles Hotels & Resorts Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Diplomatic & Middle East Sales
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, trade shows, and networking meet-ups to connect with potential clients and partners. Remember, it’s all about building those relationships that can lead to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive in your outreach! Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you; pick up the phone, send emails, or even schedule virtual meetings to introduce yourself and Raffles London. The more you put yourself out there, the better your chances!
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on market trends and competitor activities. Knowing what’s happening in the Middle East and diplomatic sectors will help you tailor your approach and stay ahead of the game. Use this knowledge to pivot your strategies when needed.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to showcase your creativity! When presenting to potential clients, think outside the box and offer unique experiences that highlight what makes Raffles London special. This will set you apart from the competition and leave a lasting impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Diplomatic & Middle East Sales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Director of Diplomatic & Middle East Sales role. Highlight your experience in luxury environments and any relevant connections you have within the Middle East market. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our iconic hotel!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your interpersonal skills and your passion for building relationships. Let us know why you're excited about the opportunity at Raffles London and how you can contribute to our success.
Showcase Your Network:Since this role involves a lot of networking, make sure to mention your extensive contacts within the diplomatic and Middle Eastern markets. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know how you can leverage your connections!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Raffles Hotels & Resorts
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the Middle East and Diplomatic markets. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key players, and any recent news that could impact these sectors. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Network
Since this role requires an extensive network, be prepared to discuss your connections within the Middle East and diplomatic circles. Bring examples of how you've leveraged these relationships in past roles to drive sales or build partnerships. This will demonstrate your capability to hit the ground running.
✨Demonstrate Your Sales Strategy Skills
Think about a successful sales strategy you've implemented in the past. Be ready to share specific details about your approach, the challenges you faced, and the results you achieved. This will highlight your strategic thinking and ability to adapt to market changes, which is crucial for this position.
✨Emphasise Communication and Interpersonal Skills
As a Director of Sales, your ability to communicate effectively is key. Prepare to discuss how you've built and maintained relationships with clients and stakeholders. Use examples that showcase your interpersonal skills, especially in high-pressure situations, to illustrate your fit for this role.
