Director Of Group Conference And Event Sales

Director Of Group, Conference & Events Sales

The Waldorf Astoria London, Admiralty Arch is looking for a Director Of Group, Conference & Events Sales to form part of the pre-opening team for this brand-new luxury hotel set to open summer 2026. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Director Of Group, Conference & Events Sales to support the opening of one of London's most anticipated hotels.

This luxury hotel will be housed in the iconic Admiralty Arch, a Grade I listed building located at the end of The Mall, opposite Buckingham Palace. The hotel will feature 112 rooms and suites, including a two-bedroom VIP suite on the fourth-floor bridge with stunning views of Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square. Guests can also enjoy a rooftop terrace on the sixth floor and a ground-floor terrace overlooking St James's Park.

The Waldorf Astoria London, Admiralty Arch will offer world-class dining options with restaurants and bars helmed by renowned chefs, as well as a Spa and a 320-cover ballroom. This development aims to preserve the historical significance of Admiralty Arch while providing a luxurious experience for guests.

With its prime location and commitment to luxury, the Waldorf Astoria London, Admiralty Arch is poised to become a landmark destination in the heart of London.

As Director Of Group, Conference & Events Sales, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the commercial success of our luxury property. You will lead the strategic and operational management of all group bookings, meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE). You will be responsible for driving revenue, enhancing guest experience, and maintaining the brand's reputation for excellence in luxury hospitality.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for group and event sales aligned with hotel revenue goals - Capitalise on all revenue opportunities across Group, Conference, and Event segments with precision and creativity.
• Set and manage departmental budgets, forecasts, and KPIs.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Revenue Management, and Operations to optimize business mix, profitability and guest satisfaction.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activity to identify new opportunities and deploy innovative tactics to secure market leadership.
• Evaluate business plans, uncover performance gaps, and implement proactive measures to maximise capacity and achieve defined targets.
• Oversee the planning and delivery of all events, ensuring seamless coordination across departments. Lead post-event evaluations and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain the highest standards of service and personalization for luxury clientele.
• Ensure compliance with brand standards and health & safety regulations.
• Cultivate a high-performance culture within the Group, Conference, and Events (GCE) Sales Team, emphasising excellence in relationship management, customer service, sales acumen, and contract administration.
• Lead and nurture the GCE Sales Team, fostering career growth and robust succession planning aligned with the hotel's long-term vision.
• Forge enduring relationships with clients, guests, and team members to gain deep insights into their needs and deliver exceptional service experiences.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking a polished and commercially astute leader with:

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence at executive level.
• Proven ability to engage with ownership groups, investors, and senior stakeholders with professionalism and strategic insight.
• Outstanding organisational and planning capabilities, with a flair for managing complex, high-value events.
• A calm, composed presence under pressure, with the agility to adapt to demanding schedules and evolving priorities.
• Impeccable interpersonal skills and a deep understanding of luxury service etiquette and client expectations.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable commercial strategies.
• Inspirational leadership qualities, with a passion for coaching and developing high-performing teams positioned to exceed targets.
• A natural talent for selling, with the ability to instil best-in-class sales techniques across the department.
• Previous experience working in a world class luxury hospitality environment.

It would be advantageous in this position for you to demonstrate the following capabilities and distinctions:

• Knowledge of the hotel property management systems
• Previous experience in the same or similar role
• Relevant degree, in business development or other relevant business field, from an academic institution