Account Director - GCC

Job description

JOB OVERVIEW The Account Director – GCC at Faena The Red Sea is responsible for developing and managing high-value business across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with a primary focus on luxury leisure, groups, and corporate segments. The role will build strong relationships with luxury travel advisors, tour operators, DMCs, corporate accounts, family offices, event planners, and other key commercial partners across priority GCC markets. This role plays a critical part in positioning Faena The Red Sea as the preferred ultra-luxury Red Sea destination for affluent GCC travelers, family and multigenerational stays, private celebrations, leisure groups, corporate retreats, executive travel, and high-value meetings and events. The position requires deep knowledge of GCC source markets, strong commercial relationships, and an ability to translate the distinctive Faena experience into compelling business opportunities. As a senior commercial ambassador, the Account Director will drive revenue opportunities across suites, villas, dining, wellness, experiences, meetings, events, and exclusive buyouts while ensuring every engagement reflects the prestige and artistry of the Faena brand. The role works closely with Sales, Events, Marketing, Revenue Management, Reservations, Operations, and other stakeholders to convert demand, maximize account production, and deliver highly personalized guest and partner experiences. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES · Develop and execute a strategic sales plan for priority GCC markets, driving production across luxury leisure, groups, and corporate segments. · Build and maintain strong relationships with luxury travel advisors, tour operators, DMCs, corporate travel buyers, family offices, event planners, and other key intermediaries across the GCC. · Identify and secure opportunities for high-end FIT and family leisure travel, private celebrations, leisure groups, corporate retreats, executive stays, meetings, incentives, and exclusive buyouts. · Position Faena The Red Sea as a preferred ultra-luxury destination for GCC travelers and organizations seeking privacy, distinctive experiences, and exceptional service. · Manage a portfolio of high-value GCC accounts with clear revenue targets, account strategies, annual production goals, and measurable conversion objectives. · Develop new accounts and grow existing partnerships through regular sales calls, presentations, market visits, client entertainment, site inspections, and curated familiarization trips. · Lead negotiations for preferred agreements, corporate rates, group opportunities, and strategic partnerships in line with the hotel’s commercial and revenue objectives. · Work closely with Events and Operations teams to convert and execute group, meeting, retreat, and celebration business while ensuring a seamless client and guest experience. · Partner with Marketing to identify GCC-specific campaigns, partnerships, trade activations, and market opportunities that strengthen awareness and generate qualified demand. · Collaborate with Revenue Management to optimize pricing, availability, need periods, and commercial offers across leisure, corporate, and group opportunities. · Maintain accurate account plans, sales activities, pipelines, call reports, and opportunity tracking within CRM systems, ensuring timely follow-up and forecasting. · Monitor GCC travel trends, school and public holiday calendars, corporate activity, major events, competitor developments, and market intelligence relevant to demand generation. · Represent Faena The Red Sea at key GCC trade shows, roadshows, sales missions, networking events, and client functions as required. · Coordinate closely with Reservations and the wider Commercial team to ensure high-value enquiries are handled promptly, accurately, and with a strong focus on conversion. · Uphold the highest standards of luxury selling, relationship management, professionalism, and Faena brand representation at all times. QUALIFICATIONS DESIRED · Minimum 5+ years of experience in luxury hospitality sales, with strong exposure to GCC leisure, groups, and/or corporate segments. · Established network of luxury travel advisors, tour operators, DMCs, corporate accounts, family offices, event planners, or other relevant partners across GCC markets strongly preferred. · Previous experience with ultra-luxury hotels, resorts, destination properties, or high-end travel brands is highly desirable. · Strong understanding of GCC travel behavior, luxury leisure distribution, corporate account management, group sales, and relationship-led commercial development. · Proven track record of developing accounts, converting high-value business, and achieving or exceeding revenue targets. · Exceptional communication, presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills. · Ability and willingness to travel frequently across GCC markets and represent the hotel at trade and client events. · Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen, market awareness, and a proactive approach to business development. · Fluency in English is mandatory; Arabic is highly desirable. · Proficient in Microsoft Office, CRM systems, and hotel sales/commercial platforms. · Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality, Tourism, Marketing, or a related field preferred. SKILLS · Strategic thinker with a hands-on, collaborative approach to account development and market activation. · Results-driven with a focus on measurable revenue outcomes, account production, and market share growth. · Excellent communication, negotiation, presentation, and relationship-building skills. · Strong analytical, forecasting, pipeline management, and commercial planning capabilities. · Entrepreneurial mindset with deep knowledge of GCC luxury travel and hospitality markets. · Proven luxury selling skills, excellent oral and written communication, and exceptional 5-star customer service skills. The FAENA Movement is a journey of art, culture, and community. Rooted in the soulful traditions of the South and elevated by imaginative design, our culture celebrates authentic hospitality and transformative experiences. We create spaces where dreams are brought to life—through bold ideas, meaningful collaboration, and a deep sense of purpose. As we continue our expansion into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, FAENA The Red Sea will mark a new chapter—visionary in spirit, exceptional in execution. We’re building more than a hotel; we’re shaping a world of beauty, wonder, and connection. If you’re driven by creativity, excellence, and a desire to be part of something extraordinary, we invite you to help bring this vision to life.