Overview

Rudding Park, one of the UK''s leading luxury resorts, is seeking a dynamic Director of Sales to drive business growth and strengthen our market position. We are looking for an ambitious, results-driven sales leader who thrives on challenge, loves innovation, and knows how to turn vision into success.You will lead the resort sales strategy across leisure, corporate, MICE, and partnerships, building strong relationships while maximising revenue opportunities. With proven experience in luxury hospitality or high-end venues, you''ll combine commercial acumen with inspirational leadership to deliver results. With a proven track record in both proactive and reactive sales, alongside an extensive network of contacts, exceptional relationship-building skills, and a results-driven approach, you will play a pivotal role in driving revenue growth and expanding market share across all key resort revenue streams.As Director of Sales, you will lead and be accountable for the seamless performance of the Event Experience Team, Destination Experience Team, Proactive Sales, and Resort Membership, delivering prompt, efficient, and anticipatory service at every stage. The role will be working alongside Head of Revenue and Head of Marketing in the Commercial team. Your remit covers meetings and events, weddings, groups, transient business across all areas of resort including Spa and Golf and membership at Rudding Park - with a clear focus on exceeding revenue targets through innovative sales strategies, upselling, and cross-selling. You will also ensure that all service level agreements, key performance indicators, and guest expectations are consistently achieved and surpassed throughout the entire guest pre-arrival journey.This is a rare opportunity to join an award-winning independent hotel with a reputation for excellence, innovation, and exceptional guest experience.What We Are Looking For

Proven track record of successful proactive and reactive sales, with a strong focus on Corporate, MICE, weddings, leisure and golf segmentsExceptional negotiation, communication and presentation skillsEstablished network of contacts within the UK''s hospitality industry, ideally in the resort-based sectorThrive in a culture that prioritises human connection through inclusive practices and meaningful engagement of our team and guestsSelf-motivated, proactive and able to work independently without direct reportsAbility to travel as required to meet clients and attend industry eventsStrong analytical skills and a data-driven approach to decision makingPrevious experience in a standalone senior sales role is advantageousKey Responsibilities

Create comprehensive proactive and reactive sales strategies and action plans to maximise revenue and market penetration within Rooms, MICE, Weddings, Spa, Golf and MembershipIdentify new business opportunities and expand existing accounts to achieve sales targetsDevelop custom solutions to meet the needs of corporate clients and secure long-term partnershipsPromote the Resort''s exceptional facilities to attract and secure bookings for corporate and MICE segmentWork closely with The Sales Team to provide exceptional service and exceed guest expectation to deliver robust pipelines and secure businessLeverage your industry expertise and contacts to drive sales and increase bookings for the Resort''s facilitiesManage the annual payroll budget for The Sales Team in alignment with overall financial objectivesBe the ambassador for the Rudding Park and champion a guest-centric approach, delivering a personalised and memorable experience for every guestDevelop and steer language and behaviour to exceed 4 red star standard and delivery of a fast paced sales culture, surpassing industry best practiceEnsure regular 1-1 meetings, annual reviews and ongoing development and coaching for all direct reportsPlay an active role and contribute to the wider thinking and planning of the Commercial Team in weekly Commercial Team and Monthly Commercial MeetingsAccountability for the achievement of financial targets, agreed service levels and KPI\''s i.e. call conversions, email response rate, sales pipelineAccountable for overseeing, driving and coordinating all reactive activity to maximise revenue generation and exceed guest expectations with meaningful and memorable touch points, thus increasing conversion and a greater market shareRecruit, support, develop and manage The Sales Team and promote aligned visionLead and monitor annual team objectives and set monthly objectives in line with forecasted business needsManage and develop both revenue generating and non-revenue generating supplier relationships i.e. Spa Seekers, Red Letter Days, Your Golf Travel, RFP\''s, entertainment, music, marquees etcBe the ambassador for the Rudding Park and champion a guest-centric approach, delivering a personalised and memorable experience for every guest.Market Research and Analysis

Stay updated with and champion industry trends, market dynamics and competitor activitiesAlongside The Head of Revenue and Head of Marketing, conduct regular market research and analysis to identify opportunities for growth and improvement.Networking and Relationship Building

Utilise your existing network and actively build new relationships with key stakeholders, influencers, and decision-makers in Corporate, MICE, Weddings, Spa, Golf and MembershipRepresent Rudding Park at relevant industry events, conferences and trade-shows.Performance Tracking and Reporting

Monitor Sales performance and revenue metrics regularlyProvide detailed reports to the management team, highlighting achievements, recommended strategies and clear actions to overcome challengesMonitor key performance indicators (KPIs), service level agreements and other relevant metrics to achieve objectives for proactive sales within your own sales pipelineHave an agile and flexible mind set to ensure a proactive and efficient approach to changing business needsIn return for your hard work and commitment we offer

Company sick pay for up to 4 weeksA range of discounts including 50% off spa days and dining, not to mention preferential room rates for employees and family (subject to availability of course)Annual party, family fun days, award dinners - we love to celebrate!Up to 30 days annual leave, increasing with length of serviceComplimentary overnight stay for you and a guest (including dinner, bed and breakfast with spa) when you complete a three month probationFREE food and drink; The Green Room is our team\''s dedicated space to chill out, when not ''on stage'' looking after our guests. You''ll find a range of hot and cold food options with different areas to relax, catch up with your ''co-stars'' or watch TV.Investment in personal growth through Apprenticeship, Training Courses and Development Programmes.Can\''t wait until pay day? Wage Stream allows you to pay yourself when you need it!Hospitality Rewards include FREE Employee Assistance Programme from Day 1Local discounts on gym membershipsComplimentary counselling sessions to support mental healthWellbeing App with a range of support such as podcasts, fitness videos, recipesPlus Other Great Senior Leadership Team Benefits

Anniversary Red Letter Days Experience to the value of £150Complementary Overnight Stay once a yearComplementary use of our facilitiesHeavily discounted Spa and Gym membershipand much more!About Rudding Park

A privately-owned luxury hotel, Rudding Park has 90 bedrooms and suites, a destination spa, three restaurants and a kitchen garden, private cinema, two golf courses and meetings and events venue. Set in 300 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland, Rudding Park is one of the most beautiful Harrogate hotels. The Spa features the first Roof Top Spa in the UK and offers an extensive range hydrotherapy and thermal experiences. The Spa also offers an indoor swimming pool with natural waters, a Juniper Log Sauna, Rasul for traditional Moorish mud treatments, Retail Therapy, Hair Studio, Nail and Beauty Studio.

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