* ABOUT THE HOTEL :
Peacefully located in a wooded setting with views over the green landscape of Walloon Brabant, close to Wavre and Louvain-la-Neuve. This 19
th
– century Anglo-Norman style château is situated just 15-20 minutes from Brussels and the national airport. The hotel offers 110 rooms and is set within a 3-hectare park featuring gardens and private terraces. It has also leading conference & event venue with 3 fully equipped meeting rooms and a 380 m² banqueting room with strong focus on high-quality meeting and events. In addition, the hotel will further emphasize its wellness facilities offering different treatments and a high-end wellness experience in a unique environment.
* OVERALL JOB PURPOSE :
* Oversees the performance management, coaching, recruiting and selection of the sales workforce, as well as any third-party contract services.
* Provides day-to-day leadership to the team of on-property active sales associates (e.g. sales manager(s) and sales coordinator(s)).
* Works with the General Manager, Marketing & Revenue Management teams to develop and manage the hotel's sales and marketing budget. Participates in revenue management strategies.
* Implements the brand's strategy and applicable brand initiatives in all aspects of the sales process and focuses on building long-term, value-based customer relationships that enable achievement of the hotel's sales objectives.
* Evaluates the property's participation in the various sales channels (OTAs, Group,, RFPs, etc.) and develops strong relationships to proactively position and market the property.
* PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES :
Pre-Opening & Launch Responsibilities :
* Commercial Strategy & Market Positioning
* Develop the overall sales strategy for the hotel launch, including market and competitor analysis
* Define target segments, account prioritisation and revenue objectives
* Establish the hotel's positioning across Corporate, MICE, Leisure and intermediary channels
* Sales Department Set-Up & Tools
* Build and structure the Sales team, including recruitment, onboarding and role definition
* Establish sales procedures, account deployment logic and KPIs
* Oversee the implementation and effective use of key tools (CRM, PMS, RMS, channel management systems)
* Pre-Opening Sales Activation
* Create and execute the pre-opening sales action plan and timeline
* Generate early business leads to support opening and ramp-up phases
* Organise site inspections, preview events and familiarisation visits
* Build a strong and measurable sales pipeline ahead of opening
* Business Development & Key Accounts
* Identify and secure strategic partnerships and key accounts
* Negotiate and conclude commercial agreements (Corporate, MICE, Leisure, OTA, RFPs)
* Represent the hotel at relevant industry events, trade shows and networking platforms
* Revenue & Pricing Collaboration
* Work closely with Revenue Management team to define pricing strategies and promotional offers
* Support forecasting and performance tracking based on key KPIs (RevPAR, ADR, Occupancy)
* Marketing, Communications & External Relations
* Support brand rollout, digital marketing and PR activities linked to the opening
* Collaborate on launch campaigns and positioning initiatives
* Build strong relationships with local institutions, businesses and tourism partners
Managing Sales Activities :
* Execute the hotel's sales strategy and manage the overall sales effort
* Create and implement short-term and long-term sales goals aligned with market dynamics
* Ensure development and execution of strategic account plans for key demand generators
* Develop, maintain and manage budgeting and forecasting processes for the Sales function
* Ensure a strong balance between proactive and reactive selling
* Decide on account deployment and manage sales team coverage
Revenue, Reporting & Performance :
* Attend revenue meetings and contribute actively to weekly and long-term sales strategies
* Understand and support overall revenue management initiatives to maximise all revenue streams
* Serve as authority on sales processes, contracts and commercial terms
* Ensure all required sales reports are accurate, timely and hands-on, with strong command of data and spreadsheets
* Monitor market performance through STR reports, shopping reports and competitor intelligence
Client Relationship Management & Business Development :
* Act as primary sales contact and customer advocate
* Proactively participate in direct sales activities, including sales calls and client negotiations
* Identify, engage and retain key accounts to generate repeat and new business
* Maintain accurate and up-to-date client information within CRM systems
* Produce and deliver presentations to clients and third-party partners as required
* Participate in industry trade shows, events and FAM trips
Brand, Operations & Cross-Functional Collaboration :
* Execute and support brand standards throughout the sales process
* Ensure seamless handover from Sales to Operations for all confirmed business
* Align closely with Marketing on communication activities based on need periods, booking patterns and feeder markets
* Support the operational execution of booked business (proposals, contracts, correspondence)
* Actively support guest satisfaction before and during programmes and events
Leadership & Team Development :
* Set goals and expectations for direct reports aligned with budgets and forecasts
* Drive motivation, accountability and high-performance teamwork
* Address performance issues proactively and hold team members accountable
* Collaborate with HR on recruitment, talent development and workforce planning
* Identify, attract and retain high-calibre sales talent
Market Knowledge & Strategic Insight :
* Maintain a strong understanding of market dynamics, competitor activity and economic trends
* Anticipate customer needs by understanding their business models and decision drivers
* Close the best possible deals for the property based on market conditions
* Research competitor sales strategies to identify opportunities to grow RevPAR and market share
CANDIDATE PROFILE :
Education and Experience :
Experience in similar role in comparable hotel property with sizeable rooms and meeting spaces.
Preferred:
* Strong understanding of MICE environment & proven record in MICE
* International experience
* Affinity with a more refined lifestyle
* Has demonstrated the ability to work with other Team Members
* Experience in presenting sales plans, market analysis, etc. to senior level executives and constituent groups
* Strong commercial understanding including Sales, E-Commerce, and Finance
* Successful track record of working in a collaborative/matrixed environment
* Ability to evaluate and identify business opportunities
Competencies :
* Action orientated with a drive for results
* Flamboyant personality
* A people-person
* Very effective communicator
* Influencer
* Positive approach
Skills
* Fluent in both English and French, Dutch is a strong plus.
* Strong reporting skills