Cluster Director of Sales

The Cluster Director of Sales for Fairmont Hotels in Kenya will be responsible for managing, generating, and developing accounts across all key feeder markets to achieve pre-set targets of average room rate and occupancy as set out in the Hotels' Revenue Plans. You will be organizationally sensitive and respond adequately and in a timely manner to the needs of the organization and our guests. Additionally, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Sales Department, motivating and inspiring the team to achieve or exceed targets.

What’s in it for you:

• Employee benefit card offering discounted rates in Accor worldwide
• Learning programs through our Academies
• Opportunity to develop your talent and grow within your property and across the world!
• Ability to make a difference through our Corporate Social Responsibility activities, like Planet 21

What you will be doing:

• Manage, generate, and develop accounts across all key feeder markets in line with the hotels' targets.
• Respond adequately and in a timely manner to the needs of the organization and our guests, demonstrating organizational sensitivity.
• Oversee the day-to-day operation of the Sales Department, providing leadership, motivation, and inspiration to the team to achieve or exceed targets.
• Research, develop, and identify new business opportunities through face-to-face meetings, sales calls, and presentations.
• Develop business across all segments, including MICE and Groups & Event Sales corporate and leisure consortia, from both new and existing accounts within the structure rate levels/volumes agreed upon.
• Organize and host hotel site visits for current and prospective accounts with identified potential.
• Undertake regular sales visits with Key Accounts to review production against room night targets.
• Prepare an annual development plan for all accounts, allocating the appropriate level of animation by account for MICE and Groups & Event Sales corporate and Leisure Consortia.
• Ensure all rate agreements are contracted, up-to-date, signed by both the client and hotels, and correctly distributed to head office and loaded within the reservation system at the hotel.
• Identify potential accounts with planned actions to secure business.
• Work closely with the Digital, Marketing, and Communications department to identify opportunities and leverage networks within the media.
• Complete both national and international RFPs to specified time scales.
• Develop and maintain a positive and professional relationship with the client, following current departmental guidelines.
• Have in-depth knowledge of all facilities and services of all Fairmont Kenya hotels and safari clubs, covering all aspects of accommodation, banqueting, meeting, and food & beverage.
• Achieve targeted penetration index as per reports from recognized consulting companies.
• Achieve the required guest satisfaction levels via pre-set departmental SOPs.
• Promote Fairmont Hotels-Kenya within Accor both through the national and international sales & marketing network.

Your experience and skills include:

• Proven experience in sales, preferably in the hospitality industry, with a strong focus on MICE and Groups & Event Sales, corporate and Leisure Consortia.
• At least 5 years working experience in a similar role with strong knowledge of the Kenyan Hospitality market.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with clients.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Knowledge of RFP process and ability to complete RFPs within specified time scales.
• Familiarity with the hospitality industry, including accommodation, banqueting, meeting, and food & beverage.
• Ability to achieve targeted penetration index and guest satisfaction levels.
• Ability to work closely with the Digital, Marketing, and Communications department to identify opportunities and leverage networks within the media.
• Ability to promote Fairmont Hotels-Kenya within Accor both nationally and internationally.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or related field (preferred).
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
• Valid driver's license.