Director of Sales and Government Relations
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Key skills for this role
About the Role
Faena Wadi Safar seeks a Director of Sales and Government Relations to drive revenue and build strategic partnerships for a luxury hotel in Riyadh. The role requires a hunter's instinct for commercial growth and diplomatic skill in navigating Saudi Arabia's government landscape.
Key Skills for This Role
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a comprehensive pre opening sales strategy covering corporate, MICE, government, leisure, travel trade, and diplomatic accounts
- Set and deliver ambitious revenue targets across rooms, F&B, events, and ancillary services
- Lead contract negotiations with key accounts, agencies, and government bodies
- Develop and manage strategic relationships with government ministries, royal court entities, embassies, and quasi government institutions
- Serve as the hotel's senior representative in engagements with key government entities including Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Commerce
- Build, lead, and mentor the Sales & Government Relations team
Requirements
- 8+ years of progressive sales experience in luxury hospitality
- Proven track record of driving significant revenue growth in pre opening or repositioning environments
- Deeply networked within Saudi Arabia's corporate, government, and diplomatic landscape
- Fluent in Arabic and English
- Experience managing both high volume transient accounts and complex government/institutional business
- Familiarity with Saudi Arabia's government systems and regulatory requirements
Full Job Posting
Company Description
- Faena creates cultural epicenters—living stages where art, design, and warm, attentive hospitality convene to craft a feast for the senses.
- At Wadi Safar, we are shaping a new world where art, architecture, and nature live in harmony.
The Role
- As Director of Sales and Government Relations, you will be the commercial architect and government facing leader of Faena Wadi Safar.
- This is a dual mandate role demanding both a hunter's instinct for commercial growth and a diplomat's skill in navigating Saudi Arabia's government landscape.
- You will lead the hotel's pre opening commercial strategy, build the sales infrastructure, and establish high profile relationships.
Sales Strategy & Revenue Generation
- Develop and execute a comprehensive pre opening sales strategy covering all segments: corporate, MICE, government, leisure, travel trade, and diplomatic accounts.
- Set and deliver ambitious revenue targets across rooms, F&B, events, and ancillary services.
- Build and manage the hotel's rate strategy, account portfolio, and sales pipeline from the ground up.
- Lead contract negotiations with key accounts, agencies, and government bodies.
- Represent Faena Wadi Safar at industry events, road shows, and trade fairs locally and internationally.
Government & Institutional Sales
- Develop and manage strategic relationships with government ministries, royal court entities, embassies, and quasi government institutions.
- Position Faena Wadi Safar as the venue of choice for official state functions, VIP delegations, ministerial meetings, and government hosted events.
- Identify and secure government room block agreements, long stay contracts, and event partnerships.
- Collaborate with the General Manager to respond to government RFPs and official invitations for proposals.
- Stay current on Saudi Vision 2030 initiatives and identify commercial opportunities aligned with national priorities.
Government Relations & Compliance Oversight
- Serve as the hotel's senior representative in engagements with key government entities including the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Commerce, and regional authorities.
- Oversee the hotel's regulatory compliance and licensing requirements in partnership with People & Culture and Finance teams.
- Build and maintain relationships with government contacts to facilitate smooth processing, issue resolution, and proactive communication.
- Monitor the regulatory landscape and brief leadership on changes with operational or commercial implications.
Team Leadership & Commercial Excellence
- Build, lead, and mentor the Sales & Government Relations team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and commercial ambition.
- Develop the department's tools, systems, and processes including CRM management, account planning, and performance tracking.
- Work closely with Revenue Management, Marketing, and Events teams to align commercial activity with pricing strategy and brand positioning.
- Produce regular sales performance reports, forecasts, and market intelligence for the General Manager and ownership.
Who You Are
- A seasoned commercial leader with 8+ years of progressive sales experience in luxury hospitality, with a proven track record of driving significant revenue growth in pre opening or repositioning environments.
- Deeply networked within Saudi Arabia's corporate, government, and diplomatic landscape.
- Experienced in managing both high volume transient accounts and complex, relationship driven government and institutional business.
- A natural leader who builds and inspires high performing teams.
- Strategically minded and data driven, with the ability to translate market intelligence and performance data into actionable commercial decisions.
- Fluent in Arabic and English, with exceptional communication and presentation skills.
- Deeply familiar with Saudi Arabia's government systems, regulatory requirements, and cultural fluency.
- Aligned with Faena's brand vision—passionate about luxury, design, and delivering extraordinary experiences.
What’s in it for you
- Lots of opportunity to progress and switch it up as part of a global family of brands.
- Great healthcare, competitive salary, and some nice extra perks across the Ennismore family of brands.
- Learning opportunities to broaden your skillset and development.
- The opportunity to be yourself and collaborate with other bright minds in a relaxed, innovative culture.
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