Commercial Manager

We are looking for an experienced and commercially driven Commercial Director / Director of Sales to join a 5-star luxury/lifestyle hotel in Dubai.

The successful candidate will lead the hotel's sales and commercial strategy, driving revenue, occupancy, market share, business development, and profitability across key market segments.

The ideal candidate will have strong Hilton experience, an established network of corporate, leisure, MICE, wholesale, and international clients, and experience in a hotel opening or repositioning environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the hotel's commercial and sales strategy.
• Set and achieve sales, revenue, occupancy, and business development targets.
• Lead and manage the Sales and Commercial team.
• Develop new business opportunities across corporate, government, leisure, MICE, wholesale, groups, and international markets.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients and business partners.
• Manage key accounts and negotiate major business opportunities.
• Develop partnerships with DMCs, travel agencies, airlines, corporates, and tourism organizations.
• Work closely with Revenue Management to maximize ADR, RevPAR, occupancy, and overall hotel revenue.
• Monitor market trends, competitor performance, and market share.
• Work closely with Marketing and Hilton teams to strengthen the hotel's market positioning.
• Support marketing campaigns, PR, digital marketing, trade events, sales trips, and networking activities.
• Recruit, train, and develop a high-performing commercial team.
• Establish clear sales targets, KPIs, and performance plans.
• Ensure strong coordination between Sales, Revenue Management, Marketing, and Operations.

Hotel Pre-Opening Responsibilities

For a new hotel opening, the Commercial Director will:

• Develop and implement the pre-opening commercial strategy.
• Build the hotel's corporate and business account base.
• Develop the sales pipeline and Business on the Books (BOB).
• Conduct market and competitor analysis.
• Establish key corporate and negotiated accounts.
• Develop the opening sales plan and first-year commercial strategy.
• Organize sales calls, roadshows, trade events, and familiarization trips.
• Coordinate with Hilton commercial teams and systems.
• Support the hotel's positioning and go-to-market strategy.
• Create awareness and generate business before and after opening.

Requirements

• Minimum 8–10 years of hotel sales/commercial experience.
• Previous experience as a Director of Sales, Commercial Director, or equivalent in a 5-star hotel.
• Strong Hilton experience is required/preferred.
• Proven hotel pre-opening experience, preferably in a luxury or 5-star hotel.
• Strong understanding of Sales, Revenue Management, Distribution, and Digital Marketing.
• Established network across corporate, leisure, MICE, wholesale, and group segments.
• Strong knowledge of the Dubai/UAE hotel market.
• Strong commercial and financial understanding.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong leadership and team-management abilities.
• Proven track record of achieving sales and revenue targets.
• UAE/GCC experience is highly desirable.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a results-driven commercial leader with a strong hotel sales background who can build the hotel's market presence, develop key accounts, generate business, and lead the commercial team to achieve ambitious revenue targets.

Candidates with strong Hilton experience, Dubai market knowledge, and luxury hotel pre-opening experience are highly encouraged to apply.

Work Location: In person