Commercial Director

Hilton; Durban; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hotel within a global chain in Durban is seeking a Commercial Director to develop strategies that drive revenue and market share. The role involves collaborating with various departments, managing a sales team, and presenting plans to senior executives. Ideal candidates should have over 3 years of experience in the hospitality sector, alongside strong analytical skills and fluency in English. The position offers the opportunity to work within a renowned brand committed to exceptional hospitality.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3+ years in a revenue generating or commercial services role.
• Experience presenting sales plans to senior executives.
• 3+ years working with financial data for strategic decisions.

Responsibilities

• Drive the Top line Budget and Forecast through commercial strategy.
• Maximize profits in line with TGOP and EBITDA targets.
• Coordinate hotel level marketing and public relations activities.

Skills

Hospitality/travel industry experience

Sales plan presentations

Collaborative environment

Financial data analysis

Identifying business opportunities

Team management

Fluent English

Job description

What will I be doing?

The Commercial Director is responsible for developing a commercial strategy covering all segments and channels to maximize total revenue and profit performance as well as market share penetration of the Hilton Durban hotel in EMEA.

This role will drive the planning and execution of the commercial strategy and activity through supporting the Revenue management team, Sales, Catering and Events, Marketing, eCommerce and Public Relations teams, through working effectively with area support teams. F&B commercial activities will be shared responsibilities with the F&B Manager, Director of Operations, GM and the Commercial Director.

The Commercial Director is a role model for the commercial community within the owned and managed portfolio in EMEA, and develops teams and individuals in these functions whilst being a Key business partner to the Hotel General Manager. They support hotels in deriving the most value from HiltonSales teams. The Commercial Directors role is key to seize new opportunities through strong customer relations and works as an Ambassador for the company with our Owners and Key Stakeholders.

The role ensures that commercial management strategies are set for all revenue streams and that all systems are used to their full potential to yield the highest possible amount of revenue from all available space, whether in Rooms, Meeting Space, outlets or other revenue departments. Driving overall FMS results gaining an Unfair share through a disciplined execution of commercial activities.

Responsibilities

• Directly accountable for driving the Top line Budget and Forecast by implementing a commercial strategy and business plan through to execution using the Hilton Commercial Focus process and all available business tools and intelligence available. Deliver as a minimum the budgeted revenues across all revenue streams, To include but not limited; All Rooms, GC&E, F&B, Leisure and Spa with a control on cost of sale, route to market, channel shift and marketing / Ecommerce opportunities.
• Work with the GM, Finance and Operations Director to ensure profits are maximized in line with TGOP and EBITDA targets set.
• Ensure Business Review Guidelines (current to + 5 years) all Pricing & Rate Quotation Strategies are in place in order to maximize all pricing components of sales and catering opportunities and achieve positive group market share.
• Support various On Property, RDOS’s, and Area Marketing teams in coordinating hotel level marketing, sales and public relations activities. Liaise with regional support and brand teams to provide maximum benefit to hotel performance.
• Support the Cluster Revenue Managers/On Property Revenue Manager and RMCC to establish an optimal mix, review and validate forecasts, develop strategies for different demand periods, and review and approve retail and group pricing strategies.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with all stakeholders, owners, hotel teams, Hiltonmatrix support teams to ensure commercial benefits of the hotel.
• Liaise with VP of Operations, presents commercial strategies to Regional Team and key stakeholders.
• Consistently conforms to Hilton brand standards and corporate identity and utilizes all communication tools (under the guidance of regional marketing and BPS).
• Keeps in touch with Market trends and review/amend strategies accordingly in line with the evolving market conditions.
• Participate in the leadership activity of the Hotel and Region.

What are we looking for?

A Commercial Director serving Hilton brands is always working on behalf of our Guests and working with other Team Members. To successfully fill this role, you should maintain the attitude, behaviours, skills, and values that follow:

• Minimum of 3+ year’s hospitality/travel industry experience in a revenue generating or commercial services role.
• Minimum of 3+ years of experience presenting sales plans, presentations, etc. to senior level executives and constituent groups
• 3+ experience working in a collaborative/matrixed environment
• 3+ years working with departmental financial data to make strategic/tactical decisions
• 3+ years of experience evaluating and identifying business opportunities for a business
• At least 3 years of experience managing a sales or commercial team
• Fluent in English

It would be advantageous in this position for you to demonstrate the following capabilities and distinctions:

• 3+ years working in a multi-complex hotel/travel industry environment
• Experience in multiple disciplines with knowledge of Marketing, E-commerce, and Finance
• Local language, strong attribute to have

What will it be like to work for Hilton?

Hilton is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For nearly a century, Hilton has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. Hilton is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Our vision “to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality” unites us as a team to create remarkable hospitality experiences around the world every day. And, our amazing Team Members are at the heart of it all!