Director of Commercial Strategy

We are looking for a Director of Commercial Strategy to join our pre-opening Team at Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich.

Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich is located in the heart of the old town, within the main business centre, close to the city’s leisure attractions and a short walk from the shores of Lake Zurich. Set to open in 2024, Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich will feature 80 guestrooms and suites and three dining outlets, comprising an all-day dining venue, a speciality restaurant, and a lobby lounge. The property is ideally placed for meetings and gatherings, and the renovation will enhance conference and event facilities, including a grand historic ballroom.

As a Director of Commercial Strategy you will be responsible for the strategic direction and operation of the Sales, Catering, Reservation and Communications Departments. You will be formulating the Pre-Opening and annual Marketing Plan and setting up overall strategies for sales, promotions and advertising. You will also be responsible for ensuring that all strategies are established in line with the positioning of the hotel and are in accordance with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group corporate guidelines. During the pre-opening period, your primary goal includes establishing premium positioning and rate leadership among the top hotels in Switzerland.

During the pre-opening phase the Director of Commercial Strategy will be responsible drive the Commercial Strategy divisional critical path including recruitment of the Revenue, Marketing, Communication and Sales team, process structuring and MO standards compliance. 

The Director of Commercial Strategy will be responsible for the following duties:

• Manage, supervise and support the team with a view to optimizing the profitability of the hotel and delivering a luxury guest experience in adherence to Management Agreements.
• Formulate pre and post-opening marketing activities and decisions together with the General Manager and VP, S&M - Europe.
• Direct the Hotel’s sales activities through the Director of Sales and ensure that the Sales Team meets their goals as laid out in the annual Marketing Plan.
• Develops the hotels pre-opening and annual Marketing Plan and set Human and Financial resources allocation against these objectives together with the General Manager and VP, S&M - Europe. The DoCS is accountable for controlling the Marketing Budget to the agreed annual level.
• Oversee and direct the activities of sales representation in Europe, USA, Asia and middle East
• Initiate and develop key marketing and brand building activities within the Swiss market – to promote the broader acceptance of MOHG brand in general.
• Work with the RSO resources and the PR representation in Europe to increase positive media exposure for both hotels and increase brand as well as hotel acceptance.
• Together with the General Manager establish and implement a strategic rate structure for all market segments. Supervise and manage revenue management process and pricing decisions and through the Director of Reservations/Reservations Manager, ensure that inventory controls are applied.
• Initiate employee development and evaluation programmes for all subordinate staff to ensure the highest level of professional competence and efficient continuity within those positions.
• Attend selected overseas trade and travel functions, i.e. trade shows and local Hotel and Tourist Association meetings to promote sales and the overall image of the hotel.
• Oversee the management of the Sales & Catering system in the office.
• Maintain close relationships with all key decision makers both in local and international markets.

What are we looking for?

• Extensive Sales and Marketing experience within hospitality, ideally within a luxury setting. Pre-opening experience is a plus.
• Ability to assemble, analyse, understand integrated spread sheets and complex technical information.
• Strong presentation skills and effective management, leadership and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication skills both written and spoken in English and German.