Director of Sales - Leisure & Luxury Travel

Company Description

The Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit, set to open its doors in the vibrant heart of Bangkok, will be the first Fairmont brand in Thailand. This 416-room luxury hotel, taking design inspiration from the Kingdom's rich cultural heritage and contemporary dynamism, will offer an exquisite blend of traditional Thai aesthetics and modern sophistication. Positioned as an urban resort, our guests will be able to enjoy a very special and unique range of offerings such as eight dining and bar venues including a rooftop terrace, as well as an outdoor swimming pool, an extensive gym and an entire floor of wellness spa. For corporate and social groups, the Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit will offer two ballrooms, as well as eight meeting rooms, making it an outstanding destination for meetings, conferencing and events. The Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit is set to become the social epicenter of Bangkok, embodying our belief that a Fairmont is a truly special place!

Job Description

Position: Director of Sales - Leisure & Luxury Travel

Department: Sales & Marketing

Reports to: Commercial Director / Assistant Director of Sales & Marketing

Working Location: Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit or any assigned venues

This position is responsible for leading and managing the Leisure & Luxury Travel sales team to drive revenue and market share within the individual leisure and high-end travel segments. Meeting the annual business target is a must for this position. As a strategic leader, you will be instrumental in identifying and securing business opportunities that align with our brand's luxury positioning and our inspirational dream to show the world that true luxury is inclusive. You will empower your team to make special happen and turn moments into special memories for our luxury travel partners and their clients. This role is pivotal in ensuring the hotel's financial success and market leadership, while consistently achieving and maintaining Forbes 5-Star standards in all aspects of service delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Sales Strategy & Leadership:
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive sales strategy for the Leisure & Luxury Travel segments, in alignment with the hotel's overall commercial objectives and our commitment to consistently deliver a balanced scorecard.
  • Lead, mentor, and supervise the Leisure & Luxury Travel sales team, setting clear performance targets, and providing ongoing coaching to ensure they are connectors in building lasting relationships with key luxury travel partners.
  • Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to team members, fostering a high-performance culture and celebrating their successes.
  • Maintain a strong market presence by actively participating in key luxury travel events, consortia meetings (e.g., Virtuoso, Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts), and client presentations, serving as a genuine and approachable ambassador for the Fairmont brand.
• Market Management & Business Development:
  • Identify new business opportunities and cultivate strong relationships with key luxury travel advisors, tour operators, and online travel agencies (OTAs) specializing in high-end leisure.
  • Oversee the management of key accounts and consortia programs, ensuring all agreements are maximized and clients are provided with exceptional service that offers an invitation to surprise.
  • Analyze market trends, competitor activity, and client feedback to adjust sales strategies and maintain a competitive edge within the luxury travel segment.
  • Collaborate with the commercial team to develop innovative pricing strategies and exclusive packages that are both attractive to luxury travelers and profitable for the hotel.
• Financial & Administrative Oversight:
  • Manage the departmental budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and providing a strong return on investment.
  • Oversee the administration of all sales-related contracts, agreements, and proposals, ensuring accuracy and compliance with hotel and brand standards.
  • Prepare and present regular reports on sales performance, pipeline status, and market analysis to the Commercial Director and hotel leadership, providing a clear overview of achievements and opportunities.
  • Conduct regular P&L critiques related to leisure sales expenditures and rectify any deviations to optimize financial performance.
• Interdepartmental Collaboration & Service Excellence:
  • Work closely with the Rooms, Front Office, and Guest Relations teams to ensure seamless guest experiences and exceptional service that meet Forbes 5-Star standards.
  • Collaborate with the Learning & Development team to ensure the sales team is equipped with the new skills to meet the changing needs of the business, particularly in promoting the hotel's unique offerings and the brand's luxury service culture.
  • Champion our belief that our colleagues are the heart and soul of our hotel, inspiring the sales team to work collaboratively with other departments to deliver a cohesive and memorable stay for every guest.
  • Reinforce the hotel's commitment to our inspirational dream to show the world that true luxury is inclusive by ensuring our leisure and luxury travel offerings cater to a diverse and discerning clientele.
• Brand Grooming & Professionalism:
  • Consistently act as a visible role model for the highest grooming and professionalism standards, representing the brand's image with distinction.
  • Ensure all sales materials, presentations, and client communications strictly adhere to Fairmont brand guidelines, maintaining a consistent and professional image.

Prospective & Expectation: At Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit, we believe that everyone is the Guest Service, Security, Sales & Marketing, and Human Resources Person. This means:

• Guest Service: Every interaction is an opportunity to delight and create a truly special experience, reflecting our commitment to turning moments into special memories and achieving Forbes 5-Star service. Every client interaction is an invitation to surprise.
• Security: We are all responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for our guests and colleagues, which is reinforced through effective communication and collaboration with the relevant departments.
• Sales & Marketing: We actively identify and pursue opportunities to promote our exceptional offerings and enhance the hotel's reputation by ensuring our colleagues are skilled, confident, and professional brand ambassadors.
• Human Resources: We contribute to a positive and supportive work environment, fostering growth and well-being for our team members through coaching and development. We hold ourselves accountable to helping make our community a better place by integrating sustainability and CSR principles into our sales initiatives.

Qualifications

Knowledge and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Hospitality Management, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive experience in sales, with at least 2-3 years in a leadership role, preferably within a luxury hotel or hospitality environment.
• Proven track record of successfully managing and leading a Leisure & Luxury Travel sales team to achieve revenue targets.
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic sales planning, account management, and business development within the luxury travel segment.
• Strong understanding of key luxury travel consortia (e.g., Virtuoso, Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts) and their booking processes.
• Proficiency in CRM and sales management systems.
• Fluent proficiency in public speaking, both written and spoken English and Thai is a must, essential for creating truly personalized and approachable experiences that connect genuinely with our diverse local and international clients.
• Proficiency in a third language will be considered a significant advantage.
• Excellent working knowledge of MS Excel, Word, & PowerPoint.

Competencies:

• Exceptional leadership and coaching abilities, with a proven track record of inspiring and developing a high-performing team.
• Outstanding presentation, negotiation, and bilingual public speaking skills.
• Strong strategic and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret market data and make informed business decisions.
• Results-oriented with an unwavering eye for detail and strong organizational skills.
• Highly empathetic, approachable, and genuine in all interactions, building trust and rapport with both clients and colleagues.
• A strategic thinker with an innovative mindset, constantly seeking creative ways to secure new business.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and work effectively in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment.
• A true team player & builder, fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Well-presented and professionally groomed at all times, embodying the elegance and sophistication of the Fairmont brand.