Director of Sales and Marketing – Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel and Spa

Jumeirah Group, a member of Dubai Holding, has been making a distinguished impact on the global hospitality market for more than two decades with its Stay Different™ brand promise.

Its award winning destinations, such as the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, position service beyond expectations, elevated dining destinations and surprising architecture and design at the heart of every guest experience.

Today, Jumeirah operates a world-class portfolio of 23 properties across the Middle East, Europe and Asia and employs over 8,000 colleagues, representing over 106 nationalities.

As Jumeirah continues to expand its global portfolio and scales up its operations to the next level of growth, it remains fully committed to developing and empowering our colleagues to excel in world class environments.

Jumeirah is committed to embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion in all its practices, embracing a culture that celebrates diversity.

Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel and Spa offers easy access to Kuwait’s Central Business District, airport and major attractions. The beachfront resort features 316 rooms and suites, 80 residential suites and 12 villas, seven restaurants, cafés and lounges, a Talise Spa, 200-metre private beach, two swimming pools and a children’s play area. Extensive conference and banqueting facilities are available, including the Badriah ballroom.

About the role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly talented and experienced Hospitality professional to join the Sales and Marketing team at Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel and Spa, Kuwait. The main purpose of this position is to formulate and direct the implementation of a sales and marketing plan for the Hotel, in line with the Group’s sales and marketing strategy, in order to increase the Hotel’s visibility and brand reputation, enable the achievement of the Hotel’s sales targets as well as position the Hotel as a top-of-mind property in its luxury hospitality market.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Direct the development and implementation of the Hotel’s strategic marketing plan, in line with the corporate marketing strategy, in order to position the Hotel as a key player in the luxury industry and consistently reach the targeted audience.
• Oversee the utilization and optimization of sales managed channels, both direct and indirect, in line with the corporate distribution strategy, and ensure that all managed channels are optimally leveraged to reduce cost of sales while maximizing bookings.
• Direct the application of appropriate joint marketing initiatives with other Hotels/Regional, through media planning and cross-selling, in order to create synergies and optimize the use of sales and marketing resources.
• Direct the local adjustment and the implementation of the Hotel’s multi-channel advertising and promotional campaigns, through print and social media etc., in order to generate sales for the SBU’s services, offerings and amenities, thus enabling the achievement of the Hotel’s sales objectives.
• Direct and lead the Hotel’s evaluation of opportunities for contracted business (group, wholesale, corporate negotiated), in collaboration with the Revenue Management department, in order to ensure that all deals are scrutinized for strategic intent and expected profitability.
• Guide the preparation of reports detailing the Hotel’s sales and marketing performance aligned with the corporate standard.
• Direct the ongoing research of the local/international opportunities to identify market and competition trends in order to adjust sales and marketing efforts accordingly with the objective of continuously enhancing sales and marketing practices.
• Manage the effective achievement of objectives through setting individual objectives, managing performance, developing staff and providing formal and informal feedback in order to maximize overall performance and team motivation while continuing to deploy resources effectively for growth and further strengthening the employee value proposition.
• Ensure compliance to all relevant Health, Safety and Environment management procedures and controls within a defined area of activity so that Jumeirah Group provides world class and luxurious hospitality services to its guests and protect the Shareholders’ interests.
• Represent the Hotel within the international markets with attendance at Jumeirah Roadshows, appointments, trade shows and other necessary events.
• Provide leadership and direction in the development of budgeted business in relevant target markets. The preparation of the department budget and monitor the financial performance of a given area versus the budget so that areas of unsatisfactory performance are identified, rectified promptly and potential performance improvement opportunities are capitalized upon.
• Set, implement and monitor annual business plan goals/commercial plan and sales targets within the team with a review quarterly to align the sales incentive.
• Recommend improvements to departmental policy and manage the implementation of procedures and controls covering all areas of activity so that all relevant procedural requirements are fulfilled while ensuring that Jumeirah Group delivers world class services, excellence, and innovation.
• Work with all available data to ensure share of business from key, preferred and target accounts in all relevant segments is explored and developed.
• Co-ordinate the Hotel’s PR and Communications strategy to ensure maximum media coverage and brand appropriate content and stories.
• Make full use of tools and assists to drive profitably revenue for the Hotel ( BI, CRM, pace reports etc.)
• Work with all international GSO’s and corporate resources to ensure alignment and maximization of the brands network and assets.
• Fully conversant of market realities (demand, supply, economic), so strategies can be continually modified to suit change in conditions and positive market share growth.
• Assist as necessary in projects including new openings, sales excellence and standards, mentor program, segment expertise etc.
• Any other duties as may reasonably be requested by management.

About You:

In order to be considered for this role, you will have at least 8 years of sales and marketing experience, preferably with an international luxury hospitality company. Also, a suitable candidate will have 2 years’ experience in a director position and proven experience in leading a Sales and Marketing function and developing strategic sales and marketing plans. Experience in the Middle East is desirable.
Excellent sales and marketing skills and proven ability to steer marketing strategies and plans towards revenue generation. High level commercial and decision making skills. Proven experience in strategic thinking and drawing up strategic sales and marketing plans. Creative and innovative approach to sales and marketing activities.

About the Benefits:
Besides generous F&B benefits and reduced hotel rates across our hotels globally, this role has excellent employee benefits making the role attractive to high performers and any applicant who likes to associate her/himself with one of the most luxurious brands in the hospitality industry.