Vice President of Sales- Hospitality

Overview

The First Group Hospitality is a leading hospitality management company pioneering a new era of excellence. With a rapidly expanding portfolio of award-winning upscale hotels, signature restaurants, and distinctive leisure destinations, we are committed to creating unforgettable experiences at every touchpoint.

Our team of seasoned professionals brings decades of experience from renowned hotel brands, combined with a deep understanding of the Dubai and GCC markets. With a comprehensive infrastructure spanning all key areas of hotel management, we offer tailored solutions to maximise efficiency, drive revenue growth, and enhance guest satisfaction.

At The First Group Hospitality, we are dedicated to building long-term partnerships with our clients. By leveraging our global insights, regional expertise, and strong operational foundation, we ensure that every aspect of your hotel is managed with precision and care. Our goal is to optimise performance, boost profitability, and deliver sustainable growth for your property.

Job Description

The Vice President of Sales will be a dynamic and visionary leader responsible for driving revenue growth, enhancing customer relationships, and elevating the commercial performance of the hospitality group. This role requires a strategic thinker with deep industry knowledge, exceptional leadership skills, a proven track record in hospitality sales and a good understanding of channel distribution.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive sales strategy aligned with the organization’s overall business objectives
• Identify market opportunities, trends, and challenges, and propose actionable strategies to capitalize on them
• Be instrumental in the development of pricing, distribution, and revenue optimization strategies in collaboration with Revenue Management and Marketing teams
• Work closely together with the Hotel General Manager to maximise revenues from their assets

Sales Management

• Set and monitor sales targets across all properties and segments, ensuring alignment with company goals
• Oversee the performance and development of the sales team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation
• Establish and maintain relationships with key accounts, partners, and industry stakeholders to drive business growth

Market Expansion

• Drive the expansion of the group's presence in existing and new markets
• Evaluate and negotiate partnerships, contracts, and agreements with corporate clients, travel agencies, and other stakeholders
• Represent the group at international sales events, exhibitions, and conferences to build brand awareness and establish connections

Data-Driven Decision Making

• Analyse sales performance metrics and provide actionable insights for continuous improvement.
• Leverage market research and competitive intelligence to refine sales strategies and enhance the group's positioning
• Collaborate with the Marketing and Revenue teams to ensure consistent messaging and alignment in campaigns

Team Leadership and Development

• Recruit, train, and mentor a high-performing sales team, ensuring they are equipped with the tools and skills needed to succeed
• Foster a results-driven environment while promoting teamwork and employee satisfaction.
• Implement professional development programs to retain top talent and build a robust succession pipeline

Customer Focus

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with high-value clients, ensuring exceptional service and customer satisfaction
• Address client feedback and concerns proactively to enhance the group’s reputation

Desired Skill & Expertise

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Marketing, or a related field (MBA preferred)
• Minimum of 12-15 years of progressive experience in sales leadership roles within the hospitality industry
• Strong network within the UAE and GCC hospitality markets
• Proven ability to drive sales performance and achieve revenue targets in a multi-property or group environment
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in CRM software, sales analytics, and reporting tools
• Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills
• Fluency in English (additional languages, particularly Arabic, are advantageous)
• Experience in opening and/or rebranding a hotel(s) in a commercial role
• Experience with at least one of the major hotel brands (Marriott, Hilton, IHG)

Key Competencies:

• Strategic Vision
• Business Acumen
• Strong Analytical Skills
• Results-Oriented Leadership
• Relationship Building and Networking
• Adaptability in a Fast-Paced Environment
• Innovation and Creativity