ABOUT THE COMPANY

Hand Picked Hotels was founded in 2001 by owner and Chairman, Julia Hands MBE, and today still remains a family-owned group which has 21 unique luxury country houses and coastal retreats, each hand picked for their individuality. Architecturally distinctive and quintessentially British, every hotel boasts an extraordinary location from Scotland to the Channel Islands, offering breathtaking views from vast countryside to expansive beaches, to lush woodlands.
Dedicated to creating unique and enchanting stays, curated personalised service runs through the heart of every hotel. Whilst each hotel is individual, each property fulfils the company values of family, individuality, community and care, with a team commitment to aiming higher and delight their guests with magical experiences that offer a true escape from the every day.
Due to the ongoing development of the Commercial strategy within Hand Picked Hotels, we are currently seeking an experienced Director of International Sales. This is a newly created role, that will support the 3 divisions within Hand Picked and be responsible for developing and executing a global sales strategy to drive international sales for Hand Picked Hotels in markets outside of the UK.This is an International role and will require extensive travel to the US and Europe.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

• As Director of International Sales, you will be fully accountable for expanding Hand Picked Hotels international leisure guest base through relationships with third party Global Sales Agents (GSAs), Global Sales Offices (GSOs), travel trade and other partnerships/collaborations.
• You will be responsible for developing and executing a global sales strategy to drive international brand awareness and international sales for Hand Picked Hotels outside of the UK.
• Identify and cultivate new international markets and segments (e.g., luxury travel, group bookings).
• Utilising existing network and new relationships, manage and grow relationships with GSAs, global travel agents, International tour operators and corporate clients to deliver business to Hand Picked Hotels.
• Attend and represent the brand at international trade shows, roadshows, and sales events
• With Marketing, lead the creation of international sales materials and ensure brand consistency across all markets.

About you:

• To be considered for this role of Director of International Sales 10+ years of experience in International sales and knowledge of UK hospitality and country hotel positioning.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally extensively – expectation is between 50% - 75% of time would be spent either in International markets or in Hand Picked Hotels
• Strong network of global travel trade contacts, globally, within North America and Europe.
• Highly proactive, with motivation to drive business growth and exceed targets, with relentless drive to pursue opportunities.
• Ability to negotiate contracts, pricing, and other terms with key clients, build and maintain strong relationships with key clients.
• Excellent organizational skill to manage multiple accounts and projects simultaneously.
• You will be an excellent influencer, at all levels including senior stakeholders and the relevant key liaisons at hotel level.
• Outstanding communication skills both verbally and written.
• Ability to negotiate contracts, pricing, and other terms with key clients.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with key clients.
• Strong organizational skill to manage multiple accounts and projects simultaneously.