Cluster Account Director - Groups, Incentives & Social Events
Based in Milan, I will fully understand the vision of Six Senses to help people reconnect with themselves, others, and the world around them. Our values include local sensitivity and global sensibility, crafted experiences, emotional hospitality, responsibility, fun, quirkiness, and pioneering wellness.
Sustainability, wellness, and extraordinary experiences are at the core of everything we do at Six Senses. I will safeguard these pillars through strategic planning and development, ensuring all directives, practices, and initiatives are implemented, embraced, and adopted within the hotel.
Duties and Responsibilities
- I will assume full responsibility for the efficient operation of the Sales & Marketing department to provide exceptional products and services within brand standards.
- Identify prospective customers and establish goals for key accounts by analyzing historical and statistical data for the groups market.
- Analyze international and local market trends and competitor activity to develop strategies that position the hotel as a marketplace leader through future and repeat group business development.
- Increase market share in assigned territories with strong account management.
- Build and expand existing portfolio and actively prospect to generate additional business.
- Collaborate with the Cluster Director of Sales and the Commercial Director to complete and follow an annual budget for room and banqueting sales, travel plans, and expenses.
- Provide feedback and market intelligence on changing conditions, industry trends, and competitor activities.
- Utilize IHG programs, sales developments, global sales structures, and customer events to strengthen relationships and generate new business.
- Qualify group leads carefully to improve conversion rates.
- Create and adapt account action plans.
- Work closely with on-site teams to ensure seamless communication, memorable itineraries, and flawless execution of services from pre-arrival to post-group surveys.
- Organize and execute site inspections, familiarization trips, and sales activations to deliver high service standards and effective communication.
- Stay updated on luxury supply changes through benchmarking to maintain property portfolio uniqueness.
- Maintain accurate account information in PMS and CRM systems.
- Establish quarterly business review reports on market trends and significant observations.
- Assist in pipeline meetings and annual business plans to meet and exceed revenue goals.
Skills & Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 years' experience as a Group Sales Manager or Director in luxury hotels, preferably overseeing multiple properties.
- Strong expertise in the UK and US group landscapes; knowledge of other regions is a plus.
- Experience with buyouts, social gatherings, and special group inquiries.
- Strategic thinker with negotiation skills and a proactive, hunter mentality.
- Creative and innovative approach.
- Fluent in English and Italian; Spanish is a plus.
- Proficient in Opera, Microsoft Office, and presentation creation.
- Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Marketing, Hospitality, Business, or related fields preferred.
- Full-time position requiring travel as per the annual sales plan.
- Legal work permission for Italy required.
- Position based at the Milan Corporate Office.