Account Director - Global Sales

Shangri-La; Sharjah; On-site; SAR 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality company seeks an experienced Arabic-speaking Account Director to oversee relationships with corporate and MICE segments in Saudi Arabia. The role involves driving revenue growth, strategic sales planning, and maintaining key partnerships, requiring strong negotiation and interpersonal skills, along with a deep understanding of the Saudi travel industry.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of experience in hospitality, tourism, or related industries.
• Fluent in Arabic and English.
• Deep knowledge of the Saudi Arabian travel industry.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement a strategic sales plan for corporate / MICE segments.
• Build and nurture relationships with key decision-makers.
• Report on sales performance and market trends.

Skills

Negotiation

Interpersonal Skills

Influencing Skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Bachelor's degree in Marketing

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality

Job description

At the Shangri-La Group, we are a heart-warming family. We share something powerful — our genuine care and respect for others. Our strength lies beyond our harmonious surroundings and hideaway locations. It lies in our core values that guide us to treat each and everyone with honour, as kin, as family. We strive to be the preferred employer by providing great benefits, a tranquil and sincere working environment, work-life balance, and recognition of efforts.

Shangri-La Group is seeking an experienced and dynamic Arabic-speaking Account Director to lead and oversee relationships with corporate / MICE segments, and travel agents in Saudi Arabia. Based in Riyadh, this role is essential for driving revenue growth, increasing brand visibility, and strengthening relationships within the Kingdom's government and private sectors, while also maintaining key partnerships with travel agencies. The Account Director will work closely with both the Regional and Hotel teams to align local strategies with the global sales objectives of Shangri-La Group. The ideal candidate must be able to travel easily within the GCC countries to support sales efforts and build relationships.

Responsibilities include:

• Design and implement a strategic sales plan targeting the corporate / MICE segments and travel agents, maximizing revenue potential across Shangri-La properties in the region while ensuring alignment with global sales objectives.
• Build and nurture long-term relationships with key decision-makers within corporate / MICE and travel agencies.
• Identify new business opportunities and maintain a strong pipeline of potential clients in corporate and MICE sectors.
• Oversee and grow existing client accounts, ensuring high customer satisfaction and retention.
• Collaborate with internal departments (Marketing, Operations, Revenue Management) and the Global Sales Team to develop tailored offers and packages.
• Plan and execute events and promotions targeting corporate / MICE and travel agents, ensuring effective execution and participation.
• Report regularly on sales performance, market trends, competitor activity, and client feedback to senior management and the Global Sales Team.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with clients, adhering to Shangri-La’s policies and procedures.
• Represent Shangri-La at key industry events, conferences, and trade shows in Saudi Arabia and across the GCC.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies and local regulations across all sales and client engagement activities.

Qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Hospitality, or a related field.
• 8-10 years of experience in hospitality, tourism, or related industries, focusing on corporate / MICE and travel agent sectors in Saudi Arabia.
• Proven success in business development and relationship management within corporate / MICE sectors.
• Deep knowledge of the Saudi Arabian travel industry, including key government and travel agency players.
• Fluent in Arabic and English, with excellent communication skills in both languages.
• Experience working with Global Sales Teams to align local efforts with global strategies.
• Ability to travel within the GCC to support regional sales initiatives.
• Strong negotiation, interpersonal, and influencing skills.
• Understanding of local culture, customs, and business etiquette in Saudi Arabia and the GCC.

Note: A local package will be offered to the successful candidate.