Cluster Account Director Groups, Incentives & Social Events - Italy & Ibiza

*Based in Milan 

Cluster Account Director – Groups, Incentives & Social Events, I will fully comprehend the vision of Six Senses to help people reconnect with themselves, others and the world around them and our values of local sensitivity and global sensibility, crafted experiences, emotional hospitality, responsible and caring, fun and quirky and pioneering wellness. 

Sustainability, Wellness and Out of the Ordinary experiences are at the core of everything we do at Six Senses. I will safeguard these pillars and its strategic planning and development and ensure all directives, practices and initiatives are implemented, embraced, adopted within the hotel.

Duties and Responsibilities 

Cluster Account Director – Groups, Incentives & Social Events, I will assume full responsibility for the efficient operation of the Sales & Marketing department to provide exceptional products and services within brand operating standards. My key role is to identify prospective customers and establish goals for key accounts by analysing historical and other statistical information for groups market. Moreover, I will analyse international & local market trends and competitor activity to recommend strategies that keep the hotel a leader in the marketplace through the development of future and repeat group business.

• Increase of market share in assigned territories with strong account management 
• Build-up of existing portfolio and active prospecting to drive additional share and business 
• In agreement with the Cluster Director of Sales and the Commercial Director, complete and follow an annual budget for room and banqueting sales, a travel plan and an expense budget.
•  Provide feedback and market intelligence regarding changing market conditions, including industry trends.
• Utilize IHG programs, sales developments, global sales structure, and customer events to build and strengthen relationships resulting in new business for all properties
• Careful qualification of group leads resulting in an increased conversion rate 
• Creation and adaption of account action plans
• Strong collaboration with on-site teams to ensure seamless communication, ensuring memorable itineraries and execution of all services related to each booking including pre- arrival, meetings and execution until post group survey
• Organisation and execution of Site inspections, Fam trips, sales activations to ensure highest delivery of service versus client and impeccable communication with on-site teams
• Curiosity to be on top of changes in luxury supply with regular benchmarking to ensure the uniqueness of the property portfolio
• Careful Account maintenance in PMS and CRM system 
• Establishment of quarterly business review reporting about market trends and impactful observations
• Assist to produce regular pipeline meetings in collaboration with the Cluster Commercial Director, Cluster Director of Sales and Cluster Revenue Director to meet and exceed goals and drive additional revenue
• Assist management in annual business plan preparation with meaningful insights 

Skills & Qualifications:

To execute the position of Cluster Account Director – Groups, Incentives & Social Events, I must have the required qualifications, technical skills and experience in a similar role in luxury hotels with proven results and includes the following

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a Group Sales Manager or Director role in a luxury environment preferable overlooking multiple property
• Existing and strong expertise of mainly UK and US Group Landscape, other regions are a plus
• Experience with special group inquiries buyouts, social gatherings
• Strategic thinker and passion for negotiation with hunter mentality 
• A creative mindset and innovative approach 
• Fluent in English and Italian, Spanish is a plus
• System skills in Opera, Microsoft Office Package to create powerful presentations and meaningful proposals
• Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Marketing, Hospitality, Business, or related field preferred.
• Full-time position with travel as per annual sales travel plan 
• Must have work permission for Italy
• Position based in Milan Corporate Office