What’s the job about?
As the Commercial Manager of the largest conference hotel in The Hague, you carry the significant responsibility of filling all 306 rooms and multiple meeting spaces. Your creativity, networking abilities, and go-getter mindset will be essential in achieving this - but there’s more to the role.
In this position, you stay informed about developments in both the national and international markets while maintaining strong relationships with industry peers. You keep a close eye on trends and leverage your creativity to stand out from the competition. Continuously seeking new business opportunities, you also nurture existing client relationships. Alongside the General Manager, you play a key role in representing the hotel.
Beyond sales and strategy, you are a strong leader and mentor, ensuring your team has the tools and guidance needed to excel. You take pride in teaching the art of sales and event management and inspiring your team by approaching challenges in innovative ways. Additionally, as part of the management team, you contribute to the overall leadership of the hotel, fostering a culture of exceptional hospitality. You drive mid- and long-term commercial strategies, collaborating across departments to achieve shared goals
Tasks & Responsibilities
At its core, your role is to lead and empower your team to drive sales, revenue, reservations, and group and event bookings by developing new business opportunities and expanding existing ones. The following key responsibilities will support you in achieving this goal:
Maximize Revenue Opportunities: Evaluate the hotel’s business mix and identify opportunities to optimize revenue.
Sales Strategy & Analysis: Regularly review and analyze sales strategies, adjusting where necessary to improve effectiveness.
Reporting & Budgeting: Prepare and present commercial progress updates to YTL Hotels (the owning company) and the Hotel Management Team. Develop the annual budget and work proactively to achieve the targeted results year-round.
Public Relations & Social Media: Establish a clear PR and social media strategy, ensuring a steady flow of engaging content across both channels.
Marketing Leadership: Lead (digital) marketing initiatives and drive campaigns to boost group sales and improve conversion rates.
Forecasting & Strategy Adjustments: Monitor and evaluate forecasts, adjusting strategies accordingly to maintain optimal performance.
Local & Brand Marketing: Initiate and participate in local marketing activities, as well as Marriott-branded initiatives.
Cross-Department Collaboration: Maintain close communication with the Revenue and Conference & Events teams to align on strategy and pricing.
Team Development & Leadership: Coach and develop the Sales & Marketing team by setting clear goals, supporting personal development, identifying needs, and fostering a positive work environment.
Business Insights & Reporting: Prepare, analyze, and present reports to track business progress and identify new opportunities.
Proactive Business Development: Actively identify and pursue new business opportunities by engaging key accounts and maintaining strong relationships with existing clients.
Industry Representation: Represent The Hague Marriott at international events and trade fairs, strengthening the hotel's presence in key markets.
Partnership Management: Build and maintain close relationships with key MICE distribution partners, including Cvent, as well as national and international DMCs and PCOs.
Sales Optimization: Take a proactive approach in securing and finalizing sales opportunities from sources such as GSOs, Marriott partnerships, familiarization trips, and roadshows.
Market Analysis: Assess market demand using internal and external reports, including market share analysis, competitive pricing insights, and overall market conditions.
Booking Trend Monitoring: Provide regular updates on transient booking patterns to inform strategic decision-making.
Supplier & Interdepartmental Collaboration: Maintain strong working relationships with key suppliers and internal departments to ensure seamless operations.
Networking & Business Development: Actively engage in relevant business and networking clubs to enhance brand visibility and create new opportunities.
Manager on Duty: Occasionally take on Manager on Duty shifts during weekends to support hotel operations.
You are:
As the Commercial Manager, you are a dynamic and charismatic leader—someone who can inspire, persuade, and bring creativity to every aspect of the role. You combine industry expertise with life experience and a “can-do” attitude, always ready to take on new challenges. We are looking for the following qualities and qualifications:
Industry Knowledge: Strong familiarity with hotel property management systems.
Sales Management Experience: 3–6 years of proven success in hotel sales management.
Leadership Experience: At least 3 years of experience leading a team of 4–8 people.
Relationship Building: Strong leadership skills with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
Market Visibility: Extensive networking experience, ensuring a strong market presence and the ability to identify new opportunities.
Communication Skills: Exceptional oral and written English communication skills.
Organizational Excellence: Strong ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
Strategic Vision: A mid- to long-term focus on business growth, with the ability to develop and execute a clear commercial strategy.
Adaptability & Resilience: Ability to perform well under pressure and manage demanding travel schedules.
Professionalism & Ethics: A deep understanding of professional etiquette, decorum, and social skills required for extensive interactions with clients, investors, and business partners.
Revenue & Forecasting Expertise: Strong experience in hospitality forecasting, pricing strategies, and inventory control.
Team Leadership & Motivation: Proven ability to lead, manage, and motivate a high-performing team to exceed sales targets.
Analytical Skills: The ability to interpret key business indicators, assess competitive trends, and develop strategic responses.
Sales Coaching & Development: A passion for selling, combined with the ability to coach and mentor team members in effective sales techniques.
Tech & Social Media Savvy: A strong sense of what’s trending in social media and emerging technology within the industry.
Reporting Structure
You report to the General Manager and your direct reports are;
Sales Manager
Events Manager