Cluster Sales Manager – Leisure.

Overview

Raffles & Fairmont the Red Sea, positioned in the kingdom's groundbreaking Red Sea Project, will provide visitors access to a nature-focused resort. with 361 room, eleven distinct dining concepts, including overwater restaurant with views of the Red Sea and the mangroves, and a Spa. The resort will be situated next to an 18-hole championship golf course, reflecting Fairmont's association as a world class golf destination. it will set new standards in sustainable development, positioned on 200km of untouched coastline, an archipelago of more than 90 unspoiled island, dormant volcanoes, rich marine habitat, and ancient archaeological sites.

The Cluster Sales Manager – Leisure is responsible for developing and managing the resort's leisure business segment. This includes building and nurturing strategic partnerships with DMCs, tour operators, and travel agencies to drive FIT and group leisure business. The role requires a strong understanding of leisure distribution channels, rate structuring, and global market trends to maximize room night production, revenue, and market share.

Primary Responsibilities

Channel Strategy & Partnership Management

Develop and execute annual account management plans for top-producing and high-potential leisure accounts.

Identify, target, and establish contracts with new qualified DMCs and tour operators across key feeder markets.

Act as the main liaison for partners regarding contracting, rate loading, marketing initiatives, and product knowledge.

Conduct proactive sales calls and face-to-face client meetings with decision-makers weekly.

Review account performance regularly, addressing challenges and identifying growth opportunities.

Rate & Inventory Management

Collaborate with Revenue Management to design tactical promotions aligned with demand and profitability goals.

Manage inventory allocations, stop-sales, and ad-hoc / group series requests within approved parameters.

Ensure rate integrity and parity across all operator and wholesaler channels.

Monitor partner pickup performance and minimize cancellations.

Sales & Marketing Execution

Lead sales missions, roadshows, and client visits to strengthen partner relationships.

Host familiarization (FAM) trips for operator managers and travel agents to showcase the resort.

Partner with the Marketing team to implement co-op campaigns and ensure brand visibility in operator brochures / websites.

Deliver engaging product training presentations (virtual and in-person).

Analysis, Administration & Forecasting

Track and analyze production trends using CRM and reservation systems.

Prepare detailed monthly and quarterly performance reports for management.

Forecast leisure demand accurately and provide timely insights on market developments.

Resolve partner queries related to commissions, payments, or promotional content.

Qualifications

Knowledge and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Hospitality, or a related field.

Minimum of 3 years’ experience in hotel / resort sales with a focus on the leisure segment.

Proven portfolio of contacts with major international wholesalers, tour operators, and travel consortia.

Strong knowledge of GCC leisure markets and operator networks.

Proficiency in PMS (e.g., Opera), MS Office Suite, and GDS platforms.

Experience in remote resort destinations is an advantage.

Fluency in English is required; knowledge of an additional language (French, Russian, Mandarin, Arabic) is highly desirable.

Competencies

Strategic Partner Management : Builds and maintains long-term, mutually beneficial business relationships.

Analytical Thinking : Strong ability to interpret production data, market trends, and competitive intelligence.

Negotiation Skills : Secures profitable and long-term agreements with partners.

Communication & Presentation : Engaging presentation and training skills with strong written / verbal communication.

Organizational Agility : Handles multiple accounts, details, and projects simultaneously with precision.

Cultural Awareness : Adapts sales approach to diverse international markets.

Team Collaboration : Works effectively with internal departments to deliver aligned sales strategies.

Additional Information

Understanding of Ultra-Luxury guest expectations and brand alignment.

Experience in project coordination, scheduling, and document control during pre-Opening stages.

Experience in pre-Opening is a must.

A proactive, anticipatory approach with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.

Impeccable grooming and personal presentation aligned with Luxury standards.

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