Director of Sales & Distribution Pre Opening Ritz Carlton Diriyah

About The Ritz-Carlton Diriyah

The Ritz-Carlton Diriyah is located in the historic heart of Diriyah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This property combines the cultural legacy of the region with The Ritz-Carlton's service philosophy, aiming to serve global luxury travelers and host events. As a new luxury hotel opening, it offers an opportunity to contribute to the commercial success of the destination.

Director of Sales & Distribution

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, * is seeking a Director of Sales & Distribution to join the Executive Committee at The Ritz-Carlton Diriyah. This full-time role, based in Ad Dir'iyah, Riyadh, requires over 10 years of experience. Reporting to the General Manager, the Director of Sales & Distribution will lead the property's strategic commercial vision, market positioning, and revenue growth. The position involves elevating the hotel's presence in regional and international luxury travel markets, requiring an understanding of luxury consumer behavior, global distribution, high-value market segments, and strategic relationship management.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive commercial strategy to drive market leadership, revenue growth, and long-term asset value.
• Position The Ritz-Carlton Diriyah for luxury leisure travelers, corporate accounts, events, diplomatic clientele, and strategic partnerships.
• Lead sales and distribution activities, ensuring optimal channel performance and alignment with luxury market expectations.
• Identify emerging business opportunities, market trends, and luxury travel demand patterns to enhance competitive positioning.
• Build and nurture relationships with ownership representatives, key clients, travel advisors, luxury consortiums, and international partners.
• Collaborate with Revenue Management and Marketing teams to maximize market share, rate integrity, and overall commercial performance.
• Inspire, mentor, and develop a high-performing commercial team focused on excellence and results.
• Ensure all commercial initiatives reflect The Ritz-Carlton's commitment to personalized service and guest experiences.

Candidate Qualifications

• Significant experience leading sales and commercial functions within internationally recognized luxury hotel brands.
• Understanding of luxury travel distribution, global account management, and premium customer acquisition.
• Business acumen with the ability to translate market intelligence into sustainable revenue growth.
• Leadership style that empowers teams while fostering accountability, collaboration, and excellence.
• Executive presence and the ability to influence ownership groups, senior stakeholders, and key industry partners.
• Appreciation for luxury hospitality and an understanding that commercial success is linked to guest experiences.
• Experience managing complex luxury hotel operations, pre-openings, or flagship properties is valued.

Working at Marriott International

Joining Marriott International provides global career opportunities across its portfolio of luxury and premium brands. The company offers leadership development and executive career pathways. This role provides the opportunity to contribute to a significant luxury hospitality project in Saudi Arabia and access a global network of commercial and hospitality leaders. The Ritz-Carlton brand emphasizes excellence, craftsmanship, and service, with a focus on delivering its "Gold Standards." Marriott International is an equal opportunity employer, valuing diverse backgrounds and committed to non-discrimination.

Application

This role offers an opportunity for commercial leaders to contribute to positioning The Ritz-Carlton Diriyah among luxury hospitality destinations.