Senior Sales Manager - Leisure Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah

Job Description

The Senior Sales Manager – Leisure is a strategic leadership role responsible for driving sustainable revenue growth within the luxury leisure segment. This position focuses on developing high‑value partnerships, expanding market presence, and positioning the hotel as a preferred luxury destination for discerning global travelers.

The role requires a proactive, results‑driven approach to strategic account management, new business development, and market leadership, while consistently upholding the brand’s luxury standards and service excellence.

The Senior Sales Manager – Leisure role requires a strategic and leadership‑driven approach to sales, market analysis, and competitor activity to recommend initiatives that ensure the hotel remains a leader in the luxury leisure marketplace. The role focuses on driving future and repeat business, optimizing account performance, and elevating customer engagement to position the hotel as a preferred destination for premium leisure travel.

Specifically, you will be responsible for performing the following tasks to the highest standards:

• Lead the development and execution of leisure sales strategies to drive sustained revenue growth and market leadership.
• Proactively source and secure high‑value leisure business through travel agencies, tour operators, wholesalers, luxury consortia, and premium online travel platforms.
• Develop, manage, and grow long‑term strategic relationships with key leisure partners to maximize repeat and referral business.
• Conduct senior‑level sales calls, virtual and in‑person meetings, site inspections, and hotel presentations tailored to luxury leisure partners.
• Represent the hotel at international and regional trade shows, roadshows, luxury travel fairs, and networking events as a senior brand ambassador.
• Collaborate closely with Marketing and PR teams to design targeted promotions, bespoke packages, and seasonal campaigns for high‑end leisure travelers.
• Prepare, negotiate, and finalize rate proposals and contracts while ensuring profitability and alignment with revenue management strategies.
• Analyze market trends, competitive activity, and travel behaviours to refine leisure sales initiatives and identify new growth opportunities.
• Work in close partnership with Revenue Management to optimize rate structures, channel mix, and availability for leisure segments.
• Deliver personalised service and proactive communication to leisure partners and VIP guests to exceed expectations and enhance brand loyalty.
• Coordinate with Front Office, Reservations, and Operations teams to ensure seamless guest experiences from pre‑arrival through post‑departure.
• Meet and exceed personal and departmental sales targets through disciplined pipeline management and strategic account development.
• Maintain accurate, timely sales reports, account plans, and forecasts to support data‑driven decision‑making and leadership review.

• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in leisure sales within a 5‑star or luxury hotel, resort, or destination management company, with demonstrated senior‑level responsibility.
• Proven track record of consistently achieving and exceeding leisure sales targets, including the development and management of high‑value accounts and strategic partnerships.
• Extensive experience building, leading, and nurturing long‑term relationships with premium travel agents, luxury tour operators, wholesalers, and global travel consortia.
• In‑depth knowledge of the international and regional luxury leisure travel market, including market dynamics, consumer behaviour, and emerging trends.
• Strong familiarity and established relationships with luxury travel networks such as Virtuoso, Traveller Made, Signature Travel Network, and similar.
• Advanced commercial acumen and strategic thinking, with the ability to identify growth opportunities, analyse competitor activity, and develop sophisticated sales strategies tailored to the luxury leisure segment.
• Exceptional relationship management, negotiation, and client engagement skills, with a deep understanding of the expectations of high‑net‑worth and luxury leisure travellers.
• Exc…