Cluster Assistant Sales Director - Government & Royalty GCC - Raffles & Fairmont the Red Sea

Cluster Assistant Sales Director - Government & Royalty GCC

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is seeking a Cluster Assistant Sales Director to lead government, diplomatic and royal clientele for Raffles & Fairmont the Red Sea resort.

Company Description

Raffles & Fairmont the Red Sea is positioned within the kingdom's groundbreaking Red Sea Project. It features 361 rooms, eleven distinct dining concepts, including an overwater restaurant with views of the Red Sea and mangroves, and a spa. The resort is situated next to an 18 hole championship golf course and reflects Fairmont's association as a world class golf destination. It sets new standards in sustainable development on 200 km of untouched coastline, an archipelago of more than 90 unspoiled islands, dormant volcanoes, rich marine habitat and ancient archaeological sites.

Job Description

Position Summary: The Cluster ADOS - Government & Royalty is a highly specialized and confidential role responsible for generating and managing all business related to government travel, diplomatic missions, royal families, and ultra high net worth individuals requiring royal level protocols. The position demands exceptional discretion, cultural sensitivity, and an existing network within these exclusive circles. The individual will be the resort's ambassador for this elite segment, curating bespoke experiences and negotiating complex, high stakes contracts while maintaining confidentiality and security.

Essential Functions & Core Responsibilities

• Strategic Relationship Management & Protocol
  • Develop and nurture long term relationships with key contacts in government entities, embassies, consulates, royal diwans (courts), and family offices within the GCC.
  • Possess an expert understanding of international and regional diplomatic protocols, royal hierarchies, and cultural nuances to ensure all interactions are conducted with appropriate respect and formality.
  • Serve as the single point of contact for all communications, always ensuring absolute discretion and confidentiality.
• Bespoke Sales Process & Itinerary Curation
  • Manage the entire sales process for highly complex and confidential bookings, often involving extensive entourages, specific security details, and unique logistical requirements.
  • Curate and present completely customized proposals for entire wings, villas, or full resort buy outs, including detailed itineraries, security plans, and highly personalized amenities.
  • Coordinate with all operational departments (Security, F&B, Housekeeping, Spa, Butlers) to design and execute flawless, one of a kind experiences that anticipate and exceed every guest need.
• Contract Negotiation & Compliance
  • Expertly negotiate and manage complex contracts that include specialized clauses for security, privacy, force majeure, and diplomatic immunity.
  • Have a deep understanding of government per diem rates, billing procedures (e.g., direct billing to embassies, payment against letters of credit), and compliance requirements.
  • Ensure all financial transactions are handled with accuracy and discretion, adhering to strict internal and external audit trails.
• Market Intelligence & Networking
  • Maintain an impeccable network of contacts and actively leverage it to generate new business within the government and royal circles.
  • Continuously gather intelligence on market trends, competitor activity, and the movements of key figures within the segment.
  • Represent the resort at high level diplomatic functions, national day celebrations, and exclusive industry events.
  • Conduct a minimum of proactive, targeted sales calls and schedule face to face client meetings per week with key decision makers.
• Internal Coordination & Security Liaison
  • Act as the primary liaison between the guest's security team and the resort's security and management team, facilitating thorough advance planning and risk assessments.
  • Conduct pre arrival briefings with all relevant resort departments to ensure complete readiness and understanding of all protocols and requirements.
  • Manage all aspects of the pre arrival process, including but not limited to vetting of staff, privacy controls, and specific suite preparation.

Qualifications Mandatory:

• Bachelor's degree in International Relations, Business Administration, Hospitality, or a related field. Master's degree is a plus.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in ultra luxury hospitality sales, with at least 3 years specifically focused on the Government, Diplomatic and Royalty segment.
• A verifiable, extensive, and portable portfolio of high level contacts within government agencies, royal families, and diplomatic corps, particularly within the GCC and key international markets.
• Experience handling UHNWI and Royal Families.
• Impeccable professional references that attest to discretion and performance.

Highly Desirable

• Previous experience working in a palace hotel or a resort renowned for hosting royalty and heads of state.
• Formal training in international protocol and security coordination.
• Fluency in Arabic is essential; fluency in additional languages (e.g., French, English) is a significant advantage.
• An existing security clearance is highly advantageous.

Key Competencies & Behavioral Indicators

• Utmost Discretion & Confidentiality - unquestionable integrity and the ability to handle sensitive information with the highest level of confidentiality.
• Cultural Savvy & Diplomacy - deep respect for and understanding of diverse cultures, traditions, and protocols.
• Executive Presence - poise, professionalism, and communication skills to interact confidently with ambassadors, royalty and C suite executives.
• Bespoke Service Mindset - innate ability to anticipate unexpressed needs and curate highly personalized, flawless experiences.
• Crisis Management - remains calm, composed, and solution oriented in high pressure situations with complex logistical challenges.
• Resilience & Patience - understands that sales cycles are long and relationship based, requiring persistent and respectful nurturing.

Performance Metrics (KPIs)

• Achievement of Total Revenue Goal for the segment (often the highest ADR and total revenue per guest).
• Number of Successful VVIP & Royalty Visits hosted without incident.
• Client confidentiality & satisfaction measured through direct feedback from principals and their offices; zero breaches of privacy.
• Account penetration & growth within assigned portfolio of key accounts and royal households.
• Repeat & referral business from existing high profile contacts.

Working Conditions

• This role operates with an exceptionally high degree of autonomy and confidentiality.
• Must respond to the needs and inquiries of this clientele, which may operate outside of standard business hours.
• This position is based in Riyadh but requires travel for the Red Sea / resort as per the management decision and business needs.
• Travel may be required for key client meetings or to accompany high profile site inspections.
• Success is measured not only in revenue but in the flawless execution of visits and the strengthening of the resort's reputation within this elite segment.

Additional Information

• Understanding of ultra luxury guest expectations and brand alignment.
• Experience in project coordination, scheduling, and document control during pre opening stages.
• Experience in pre opening is a must.
• A proactive, anticipatory approach with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Impeccable grooming and personal presentation aligned with luxury standards.

Seniority Level

Mid Senior level

Employment Type

Full time

Job Function

Sales and Business Development - Hospitality