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- Tasks: Build relationships with embassies and high-end clients in the Middle East.
- Company: Join Raffles London, a luxury hotel in an iconic location.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, enhanced pension, health plans, and global development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for creativity and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a mark in luxury hospitality and connect with influential clients.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in luxury sales with strong interpersonal skills and a network in the Middle East.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
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.
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 of 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 maximised
- 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 - London employer: Raffles London at The OWO
Contact Detail:
Raffles London at The OWO Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Diplomatic & Middle East Sales - London
✨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 just wait for opportunities to come to you; pick up the phone, send emails, or even drop by in person to introduce yourself. The more visible you are, the better!
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on market trends and competitor activities. Knowing what’s happening in the industry will help you pivot your strategies and stay ahead of the game. Plus, it gives you great talking points when meeting potential clients.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at Raffles London.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Diplomatic & Middle East Sales - London
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 sales and any connections you have within the Middle East market. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
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, don’t forget to mention your existing contacts within the diplomatic and Middle Eastern markets. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know who you know!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Raffles London at The OWO
✨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
Be prepared to discuss your existing relationships within the Middle East and Diplomatic networks. Bring examples of how you've leveraged these connections in past roles to drive sales or build partnerships. This will demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think about how you would approach creating a sales strategy for Raffles London. Be ready to share your ideas on penetrating the market and maximising revenue. This shows that you’re not just a doer, but also a thinker who can contribute to the hotel's long-term success.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Since this role requires excellent interpersonal skills, prepare to give examples of how you've effectively communicated with clients and colleagues in the past. Highlight any experiences where your communication made a significant impact on a project or relationship.