Commercial Manager (Pre-Opening)

Commercial Manager (Pre-Opening)

DoubleTree by Hilton Jeddah Al Nahda is opening its doors in the very near future. We have now started the selection process for the Core Management Team, including the role of Commercial Manager.

The Commercial Director is responsible for developing a commercial strategy covering all segments and channels to maximize total revenue and profit performance as well as market share penetration of the hotel.

What will I be doing?

In this role, you will drive the planning and execution of the commercial strategy and activity through supporting the Revenue management team, Sales, Catering and Events, Marketing, eCommerce and Public Relations teams, through working effectively with area support teams. F&B commercial activities will be shared responsibilities with the F&B Manager, Director of Operations, GM and the Commercial Director.

As Commercial Director, you are a role model for the commercial community within the owned and managed portfolio in EMEA and develops teams and individuals in these functions whilst being a Key business partner to the Hotel General Manager. You will support hotels in deriving the most value from Hilton Sales teams. The Commercial Directors role is key to seize new opportunities through strong customer relations and works as an Ambassador for the company with our Owners and Key Stakeholders.

In this role you will ensure that commercial management strategies are set for all revenue streams and that all systems are used to their full potential to yield the highest possible amount of revenue from all available space, whether in Rooms, Meeting Space, outlets or other revenue departments. Driving overall FMS results gaining an Unfair share through a disciplined execution of commercial activities.

You will be lead, coach, develop, recruit and retain future talents. You will manage performance, develop and evaluate the commercial team members on the agreed KPI’s, whilst working effectively as part of a 4D structure on property. Specifically, you will perform the following tasks to the highest standards:

• Directly accountable for driving the Top line Budget and Forecast by implementing a commercial strategy and business plan through execution using the Hilton Commercial Focus process and all available business tools and intelligence available. Deliver as a minimum the budgeted revenues across all revenue streams, to include but not limited; All Rooms, GC&E, F&B, Leisure and Spa with a control on cost of sale, route to market, channel shift and marketing / Ecommerce opportunities.
• Work with the GM, Finance and Operations Director to ensure profits are maximized in line with TGOP and EBITDA targets set.
• Ensure Business Review Guidelines (current to + 5 years) all Pricing & Rate Quotation Strategies are in place to maximize all pricing components of sales and catering opportunities and achieve positive group market share.
• Support various On Property, RDOS’s, and Area Marketing teams in coordinating hotel level marketing, sales and public relations activities. Liaise with regional support and brand teams to provide maximum benefit to hotel performance.
• Support the Cluster Revenue Managers/On Property Revenue Manager and RMCC to establish an optimal mix, review and validate forecasts, develop strategies for different demand periods, and review and approve retail and group pricing strategies.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with all stakeholders, owners, hotel teams, Hilton matrix support teams to ensure commercial benefits of the hotel.
• Liaise with VP of Operations, presents commercial strategies to Regional Team and key stakeholders.
• Consistently conforms to Hilton brand standards and corporate identity and utilizes all communication tools (under the guidance of regional marketing and BPS).
• Keeps in touch with Market trends and review/amend strategies accordingly in line with the evolving market conditions.
• Participate in the leadership activity of the Hotel and Region.

To successfully fill this role, you should maintain the attitude, behaviours, skills, and values that follow:

• Relevant hospitality/travel industry experience in a revenue generating or commercial services role.
• Relevant experience presenting sales plans, presentations, etc. to senior level executives and constituent groups
• Relevant experience working in a collaborative/matrixed environment
• Relevant experience working with departmental financial data to make strategic/tactical decisions
• Relevant experience evaluating and identifying business opportunities for a business
• Relevant experience managing a sales or commercial team
• Fluent in English & Arabic.

Key Responsibilities for Hotel Pre-Opening Leaders

Project Management:

• Oversee timelines, budgets, and resources; manage construction, procurement, and vendor coordination; ensure compliance with deadlines and regulations.

Strategic Planning:

• Develop and execute pre-opening plans; set priorities, anticipate challenges, and establish operational workflows.

Operational Readiness:

• Ensure all departments (front office, housekeeping, F&B, engineering) are prepared, coordinate training and brand standards implementation.

Team Leadership:

• Recruit, onboard, and train staff; foster collaboration and maintain team focus under pressure.

Financial Management:

• Manage pre-opening budgets; monitor forecasts; negotiate vendor contracts and control costs.

Brand Standards:

• Ensure consistency in design, service, and operations aligned with brand guidelines.

Problem-Solving:

• Address unexpected issues quickly; manage risks and maintain safety compliance.

Attention to Detail:

• Oversee final construction, design, and furnishing; ensure operational processes meet quality standards.

Communication:

• Maintain transparent updates with owners, investors, and stakeholders; represent the project in pre-opening events.

Adaptability:

• Adjust plans as needed; stay resilient under fast-paced, high-pressure conditions.

Customer Focus:

• Ensure guest experience remains the top priority from day one.

What is it like working for Hilton, the Best Workplace according to Forbes and GPTW ?

Hilton is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For nearly a century, Hilton has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodation, service, amenities and value. Hilton is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Our vision “to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality” unites us as a team to create remarkable hospitality experiences around the world every day. And our amazing Team Members are at the heart of it all!