Sales Director

The Old Ship Hotel; Brighton; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hotel in Brighton seeks a Sales Director to oversee sales strategies and drive revenue across two prominent properties. The role demands strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to foster relationships within the hospitality sector. You will implement innovative campaigns, manage a sales team, and ensure the hotels meet performance targets while promoting a culture of excellence and integrity.

Benefits

Company pension

Staff canteen

Employee discounts

On-site gym access

Qualifications

• Proven track record in hotel sales leadership.
• Deep understanding of local and national market dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic development and execution of sales and marketing initiatives.
• Achieve and exceed budgeted revenue goals across all business segments.
• Inspire and develop a high-performing sales team.

Skills

Communication

Presentation

Interpersonal Skills

Analytical Abilities

Organizational Skills

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Sales Director
Location: The Old Ship Hotel & Staybridge Suites Brighton
Reports to: General Managers (both hotels), and Director of Sales & Marketing
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive salary + bonus scheme

Additional Pay: Bonus Scheme
Schedule: Monday to Friday

Job Summary

As Sales Director overseeing two prominent Brighton hotels, The Old Ship Hotel and Staybridge Suites Brighton, you will lead the strategic development and execution of sales and marketing initiatives to drive revenue across all business segments. You will create and implement revenue strategies, develop innovative campaigns, foster key relationships, and ensure the hotels meet and exceed performance targets. This is a hands-on, commercially focused role that includes direct sales, team leadership, business planning, and marketing collaboration with central support teams.

You will be an ambassador for both brands, leading with integrity, insight, and energy while contributing directly to the hotels' growth and success.

Key Responsibilities

Sales Leadership & Strategy

• Set and deliver integrated sales strategies for both hotels in line with revenue and occupancy targets.
• Collaborate with the revenue and marketing teams to identify and leverage business opportunities, trends, and competitive advantages.
• Create comprehensive annual sales and marketing plans, aligning with the broader business and financial goals of both properties.
• Regularly evaluate the market landscape to identify shifts in demand and adapt strategies accordingly.
• Develop initiatives that strengthen the hotels' positions in corporate, leisure, group, and MICE markets.

Revenue & Forecasting

• Achieve and exceed budgeted revenue goals across all business segments (rooms, F&B, meetings/events).
• Analyse productivity figures and sales forecasts to drive profitable performance and market share growth.
• Monitor STR reports and other performance benchmarks to identify areas of improvement and respond with targeted actions.

Client Development & Retention

• Build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with corporate, travel trade, event planners, and agency partners.
• Lead from the front with direct client interaction—face-to-face meetings, FAM trips, networking events, telesales, and show rounds.
• Identify gaps and off-peak periods, proactively sourcing business to maximise occupancy and yield.
• Maintain a comprehensive, up-to-date CRM database of all key contacts, decision-makers, and bookers.

Team Management

• Inspire, coach, and develop a high-performing sales team, setting clear KPIs, providing feedback, and supporting professional growth.
• Plan and assign work, monitor performance, and take responsibility for achieving team and individual targets.
• Foster a collaborative one-team culture, encouraging inter-departmental alignment and a shared vision of success.

Marketing & Brand Development

• Develop hotel-specific and cross-promotional campaigns.
• Manage all digital and offline content to ensure alignment with brand standards and maximum market exposure.
• Lead the implementation of the 360 marketing plan in partnership with hotel GMs.

• Group Collaboration

• Actively cross-sell and promote other hotels within the Madison Cairn Group where appropriate.
• Contribute to group-wide sales initiatives and share best practices across the estate.

Key Skills & Attributes

• A natural relationship builder with excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven track record in hotel sales leadership with a data-driven, entrepreneurial mindset.
• Deep understanding of local and national market dynamics.
• Commercially astute, with strong forecasting and analytical abilities.
• Professional, warm, and approachable, with the ability to motivate teams and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Organised, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

General Responsibilities

• Uphold company policies and values, promoting a culture of diversity, equality, and integrity.
• Ensure GDPR and data protection compliance in all client and business interactions.
• Champion health, safety, and wellbeing in line with current legislation and internal procedures.
• Complete all required training and development within specified timeframes.
• Be prepared to undertake other reasonable tasks to support the hotel and its teams as required.

Benefits

• Competitive salary + bonus scheme
• Company pension
• Staff canteen
• Employee discounts
• On-site gym access