The Director, Leisure and Corporate is responsible for developing and executing the sales strategies for the Transient and Business Travel segment, building strong client relationships, identifying new business opportunities for the hotel and continuing to position the hotel in the luxury Leisure market both domestically and internationally.

This senior leader works closely with the Director, Marketing and Director, Revenue to build supporting marketing initiatives, promotions and packages.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reporting to the Director, Sales & Marketing, responsibilities and essential job functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Responsible for the Transient and local Corporate market for Fairmont Empress
• Building and maintaining relationships with key travel agency partners such as Virtuoso, Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts, Signature Travel, etc.
• Building and maintaining relationships with corporate clients in the local market
• Responsible for the development of new business for the hotel – both for Transient and local Corporate.
• Execute effective sales trips to all key feeder markets to build the hotel’s reputation in these key markets.
• Organize and participate in appropriate sites, fams, and industry trade shows.
• Achievement of sales activities and all objectives outlined in the annual strategic plan.
• Exceed personal sales goals, monthly, quarterly, and annually.
• Proactively develop relationships with local partners and establish a reputation for the hotel within the community.
• Develop lead sources and rapport with key personnel, Fairmont Global Sales Office sellers, regional Vancouver sellers, and assigned client base.
• Ensure that day to day responsibilities such as prospecting, account development, site inspections and proper account management practices are completed to company standards.
• Ensure rate negotiations are within the established parameters.
• Prepare weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reports as required.
• Develop and implement quarterly action plans utilizing strategies and long term goals based on market and competitive intelligence.
• Maintain active membership in industry related organizations and associations pertaining to market.
• Coordinate and financially manage effective sales trips and appointments within assigned markets and budget, including timely follow up and trip reports.
• Be an active member of the Revenue Management team to determine strategies to optimize revenue opportunities, and implement initiatives to drive revenue
• Utilize computer software applications to effectively track, solicit, book and follow up on accounts in a proactive manner.
• Work closely with Front Office, Reservations and other hotel departments to ensure delivery of hotel’s promised services.
• Support and encourage positive team approach.
• Implement directives as outlined from the Director of Sales & Marketing.
• Uphold the highest standard of internal and external customer service at all times.
• Perform any and all other tasks which are assigned

Qualifications:

• Minimum of three years hotel sales management experience required at a senior level, in the leisure & corporate market, preferably in a luxury hotel brand
• Bachelors Degree and/or Hotel Management Degree
• Ability to develop relationships with all levels of clientele, and interact with people from different cultures and backgrounds
• Astute attention to detail
• A passion for exceeding client expectations
• Highly organized, excellent time management and results-oriented with the ability to work well under pressure.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills essential.
• Strong presentation skills
• Strong prospecting and contract negotiation skills.
• Computer literacy in various applications including Opera and Microsoft Office is required; other applications like TravelClick, Lanyon is an asset.
• At ease in navigating the evolving technology landscape and using social media
• Experience creating comprehensive themes and resulting sales collateral / promotions
• Ability to understand and interpret financial data.
• Positive attitude and supportive, team based approach towards the attainment of the hotel’s short and long term goals.
• Ability to travel and work flexible hours and days.