Director of Commercial - Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

Job description

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is Hilton’s luxury brand of iconic hotels committed to personal service and culinary excellence in landmark locations around the world. Each property delivers unforgettable experiences and offers a strong sense of arrival with impressive public spaces worthy of hosting history. Guests can expect True Waldorf Service from the moment they reserve their stay to the moment they leave the property doorstep.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi made a wow debut in 2019 and is already recognized as one of the finest resorts in the world. Sprawled across three islands, the resort is one of the most sizable in the Maldives. It boasts the country’s largest spa, extensive recreation facilities and it’s the Maldives resort with the most culinary choices (an impressive 11 specialty cuisine dining options). Besides its 118 luxurious villas, the resort is also home to an exclusive offering: a private island, the largest in the country which is to be rented out in its entirety.

Once you get a glimpse of this one of its kind resort, you know you arrived to a sun-soaked paradise. Luxurious villas act as vast private indoor-outdoor playgrounds, each featuring its own private pool. Everywhere you look, from the standalone villa bathtub to the glass-bottomed floors in the spa’s treatment pavilions, the azure water steals the show.

Are you ready to join our talented and dedicated team at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi and take your career to new heights?

What are we looking for?

The Director of Commercial, serving Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi 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 hotel. 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, e-Commerce and Public Relations teams, through working effectively with area support teams. F&B commercial activities will be shared responsibilities with the Director of F&B, Hotel Manager, General Manager and the Director of Commercial.

The Director of Commercial is a role model for the commercial community within the owned and managed portfolio in SEA and develops teams and individuals in these functions whilst being a key business partner to the Hotel General Manager. This 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.

Director of Commercial will be lead, coach, develop, recruit and retain future talents. He/she will manage performance, develop and evaluate the commercial team members on the agreed KPI’s, whilst working effectively as part of a 4D structure on property. The Director of Commercial position is offered as a hybrid placement, combining in-office and remote work options.

 Specifically, the Director of Commercial will perform the following tasks to the highest standards. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of everything that needs to be done.

What will I be doing? 

·  Directly accountable for driving the Top line Budget and Forecast by implementing a commercial strategy and business plan through to execution using the Hilton Worldwide 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 General Manager, Finance and Hotel Manager 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, HWW matrix support teams to ensure the commercial benefits of the hotel.
·  Liaise with VP of Operations, and present 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 do I need?

Director of Commercial serving Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is always working on behalf of our Guests and working with other Team Members. To successfully fill this role, you should maintain the attitude, behaviors, skills, and values that follow;

·  3+ years working as Head of commercial in a luxury hotel.
·  Experience in multiple disciplines with knowledge of Marketing, E-commerce, and Finance.
·  Minimum 3+ years of experience presenting sales plans, presentations, etc to senior level executives and constituent groups.
·  3+ years of 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.
·  Able to reside and work in Maldives. The position will have the option to work remotely with frequent
·  Demonstrated history of exceptional leadership abilities in the formation and management of successful teams work periods at the resort.

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 worldwide every day. And our outstanding Team Members are at the heart of it all!