Director of Sales & Distribution - Pre-Opening Ritz Carlton Diriyah, Riyadh

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 1,000,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ritz-Carlton Diriyah in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia seeks a Director of Sales & Distribution to lead the property's commercial vision and revenue growth. Reporting to the General Manager, this senior role shapes luxury market presence and strategic partnerships within regional and international luxury travel sectors.

As a key member of the executive team, you will align with Revenue Management, Marketing, Operations, and Ownership to protect brand prestige while driving premium business

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading sales and commercial functions within internationally recognised luxury hotel brands.
• Proven ability to drive revenue growth and market positioning in premium segments.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and strategic planning skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive commercial strategy that drives market leadership, revenue growth, and long-term asset value.
• Position the property as a preferred luxury destination for high-end travelers, events, and corporate accounts.
• Lead all sales and distribution activities, ensuring optimal channel performance and alignment with luxury market expectations.
• Identify emerging opportunities and market trends to enhance competitive positioning and premium guest acquisition.
• Build influential relationships with ownership representatives, key clients, travel advisors, luxury consortia, and international partners.
• Collaborate with Revenue Management and Marketing teams to maximise market share, rate integrity, and overall performance.
• Inspire and develop a high-performing commercial team that embodies excellence and accountability.
• Ensure all initiatives reflect Ritz-Carlton's commitment to personalised service and unforgettable guest experiences.

Skills

Luxury hospitality sales

Executive leadership

Global account management

Strategic thinking

Job description

Additional Information

Job Number 26116921

Job Category Sales & Marketing

Location Diriyah, Diriyah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Schedule Full Time

Located Remotely? N

Position Type Management

Director of Sales & Distribution

The Ritz-Carlton Diriyah | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Define the Commercial Future of a Landmark Luxury Destination

Set within the historic heart of Diriyah, the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, The Ritz-Carlton Diriyah represents a new chapter in luxury hospitality. Combining the rich cultural legacy of one of the Kingdom's most celebrated destinations with The Ritz-Carlton's legendary service philosophy, the property is poised to become a defining address for global luxury travellers, distinguished events, and exceptional experiences.

As one of the most anticipated luxury hotel openings in the region, The Ritz-Carlton Diriyah offers a rare opportunity to help shape the commercial success of a destination that will stand among the most prestigious in the Middle East.

We are seeking an exceptional Director of Sales & Distribution to join the Executive Committee and lead the property's strategic commercial vision, market positioning, and revenue growth journey.

About The Role

Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Director of Sales & Distribution will serve as the hotel's senior commercial leader, responsible for elevating The Ritz-Carlton Diriyah's presence within both regional and international luxury travel markets.

This role extends beyond traditional sales leadership. It requires a sophisticated understanding of luxury consumer behaviour, global distribution, high-value market segments, and strategic relationship management. The successful candidate will architect the hotel's commercial strategy, ensuring the property attracts the right guests, secures premium business opportunities, and strengthens its reputation as one of the Kingdom's most sought-after luxury destinations.

As a key member of the Executive Committee, you will work in partnership with Revenue Management, Marketing, Operations, and Ownership stakeholders to maximise performance while protecting the exclusivity, prestige, and integrity of The Ritz-Carlton brand.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive commercial strategy that drives market leadership, revenue growth, and long-term asset value.
• Position The Ritz-Carlton Diriyah as a preferred destination for luxury leisure travellers, premium corporate accounts, high-profile events, diplomatic clientele, and strategic partnerships.
• Lead all sales and distribution activities, ensuring optimal channel performance and alignment with luxury market expectations.
• Identify emerging business opportunities, market trends, and luxury travel demand patterns to enhance competitive positioning.
• Build and nurture influential relationships with ownership representatives, key clients, travel advisors, luxury consortiums, and international partners.
• Collaborate closely with Revenue Management and Marketing teams to maximise market share, rate integrity, and overall commercial performance.
• Inspire, mentor, and develop a high-performing commercial team that embodies excellence, innovation, and a results-driven culture.
• Ensure all commercial initiatives reflect The Ritz-Carlton's commitment to personalised service, exceptional quality, and unforgettable guest experiences.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be a strategic, influential, and highly networked commercial leader with a proven track record within luxury hospitality.

You will bring:

• Significant experience leading sales and commercial functions within internationally recognised luxury hotel brands.
• A sophisticated understanding of luxury travel distribution, global account management, and premium customer acquisition.
• Exceptional business acumen with the ability to translate market intelligence into sustainable revenue growth.
• An engaging leadership style that empowers teams while fostering accountability, collaboration, and excellence.
• Strong executive presence and the ability to influence ownership groups, senior stakeholders, and key industry partners.
• A deep appreciation for luxury hospitality and an understanding that commercial success begins with delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• Experience managing complex luxury hotel operations, pre-openings, or flagship properties will be highly regarded.

Why Join Marriott International?

Joining Marriott International means becoming part of the world's leading hospitality company and one of the most respected luxury brand portfolios in the industry.

You will benefit from:

• Global career opportunities across Marriott International's extraordinary collection of luxury and premium brands.
• Industry-leading leadership development and executive career pathways.
• The opportunity to contribute to one of the Kingdom's most significant luxury hospitality projects.
• Access to a global network of commercial, luxury, and hospitality leaders.
• The prestige of representing The Ritz-Carlton, a brand synonymous with excellence, craftsmanship, and exceptional service.

Create a Legacy in Luxury Hospitality

Opportunities to shape the commercial success of a destination of this significance are rare.

For visionary commercial leaders who are inspired by luxury, driven by performance, and passionate about creating lasting market impact, The Ritz-Carlton Diriyah offers the chance to build something truly extraordinary.

Join us and help position The Ritz-Carlton Diriyah among the world's most recognised and admired luxury hospitality destinations.

At Marriott International, we are dedicated to being an equal opportunity employer, welcoming all and providing access to opportunity. We actively foster an environment where the unique backgrounds of our associates are valued and celebrated. Our greatest strength lies in the rich blend of culture, talent, and experiences of our associates. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, including disability, veteran status, or other basis protected by applicable law.

At more than 100 award-winning properties worldwide, The Ritz-Carlton Ladies and Gentlemen create experiences so exceptional that long after a guest stays with us, the experience stays with them. Attracting the world’s top hospitality professionals who curate lifelong memories, we believe that everyone succeeds when they are empowered to be creative, thoughtful and compassionate.

Every day, we set the standard for rare and special luxury service the world over and pride ourselves on delivering excellence in the care and comfort of our guests.

Your role will be to ensure that the “Gold Standards” of The Ritz-Carlton are delivered graciously and thoughtfully every day. The Gold Standards are the foundation of The Ritz-Carlton and are what guides us each day to be better than the next. It is this foundation and our belief that our culture drives success by which The Ritz Carlton has earned the reputation as a global brand leader in luxury hospitality. As part of our team, you will learn and exemplify the Gold Standards, such as our Employee Promise, Credo and our Service Values. And our promise to you is that we offer the chance to be proud of the work you do and who you work with.

In joining The Ritz-Carlton, you join a portfolio of brands with Marriott International.

Be where you can do your best work, begin your purpose, belong to an amazing global team, and become the best version of you.