1. 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.
2. OVERALL JOB PURPOSE :
3. Oversees the performance management, coaching, recruiting and selection of the sales workforce, as well as any third-party contract services.
4. Provides day-to-day leadership to the team of on-property active sales associates (e.g. sales manager(s) and sales coordinator(s)).
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Evaluates the property's participation in the various sales channels (OTAs, Group, brand.com, 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