Sales Manager - Leisure and Group

Overview

About The First Collection:The First Collection represents a new era of urban lifestyle resorts, delivering a unique blend of hospitality across Dubai’s vibrant landscape. Known for merging modern sophistication with authentic Dubai charm, The First Collection is where exceptional service meets innovative design. Each hotel in the portfolio offers bespoke experiences, including exclusive access to Soluna Restaurants & Beach Club on the Palm Jumeirah for both dining and beachside relaxation, as well as serene city escapes that reflect Dubai’s dynamic energy. As part of The First Group, a leader in award-winning hospitality and real estate developers in Dubai, The First Collection is more than a hotel brand—it’s an immersive journey into the heart of Dubai.

About The First Collection Business Bay:In the heart of Dubai’s Business Bay, The First Collection Business Bay combines modern design with a welcoming atmosphere. With 437 rooms and suites, the hotel is ideal for both business and leisure guests. Facilities include a rooftop pool, gym, spa, and exclusive access to Soluna Restaurants & Beach Club on the Palm Jumeirah, providing both dining and beachside relaxation for a seamless blend of city convenience and resort escape in one of Dubai’s most vibrant areas.

About The First Group Hospitality

The First Group Hospitality is a Dubai-headquartered, full-service hospitality management company specialising in hotel operations, asset management, and F&B strategy. With a team of industry veterans and a proven track record, the company delivers tailored solutions that enhance efficiency, optimise revenue, and maximise asset value for investors and hotel owners. As a trusted third-party hotel management provider, The First Group Hospitality partners with leading global brands to drive operational excellence and long-term profitability, thanks to expertise spanning property performance optimisation, cost management, and guest experience enhancement. Beyond management, The First Group Hospitality develops and operates a dynamic portfolio of upscale hotels, residences, and award-winning restaurants, creating high-value hospitality assets that stand out in the market.

For more information, visit tfghospitality.com

Job Description

The Sales Manager – Leisure & Groups (Cluster) is responsible for driving revenue across Leisure, FIT/Wholesale, OTA leisure, and Group segments for both The First Collection Business Bay and Waterfront Tribute Collection. The role focuses on proactively developing new business, managing existing leisure and group accounts, and ensuring seamless communication and coordination between sales, revenue, reservations, and operations teams. It is a performance-driven role requiring strong market connections, strategic selling skills, and the ability to represent two distinct hotels under The First Collection portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

1. Sales & Revenue Generation

• Develop and grow production from assigned leisure, wholesale, FIT, OTA leisure and group accounts for both properties.
• Source and secure new leisure and group business, including tour operators, travel agents, DMCs, online partners, and group organizers.
• Drive conversion of group inquiries, ensuring competitive proposals, up-selling, and timely follow-up to maximize revenue.
• Work closely with Revenue Management to implement rate strategies, manage account mix, and support need-period activation.

2. Account Management

• Maintain and grow strong relationships with key travel trade partners, group planners, and wholesale accounts.
• Conduct regular sales calls, client meetings, product updates, joint sales calls, and market visits.
• Manage contracting processes for FIT and group business; negotiate contracts based on cluster rate strategy and guidelines.
• Organize and host familiarization trips, site inspections, and client experiences across both properties.

3. Business Development & Market Intelligence

• Identify new leisure and group opportunities in local, regional, and international markets.
• Track competitor performance, promotions, and market shifts within Dubai and key feeder markets.
• Participate in trade shows, exhibitions, roadshows, and networking events to promote the cluster hotels.
• Provide insights to the Cluster DOS / ADOS on trends affecting leisure and group performance.

4. Coordination & Collaboration

• Work closely with Reservations, Revenue, Front Office, F&B, Events and Operations to ensure smooth delivery of group programs and leisure bookings.
• Ensure group resumes, rooming lists, billing instructions and special arrangements are communicated accurately and on time.
• Collaborate with Marketing to support leisure campaigns, tactical offers, and promotions.

5. Administration & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records and account production in the CRM / sales system.
• Prepare weekly and monthly production reports for leisure and group segments.
• Ensure all contracts, RFP responses, proposals, and rate loading are completed according to TFC and Tribute Collection standards.
• Track sales activities and maintain an updated pipeline for upcoming leisure and group business.

Desired Skill & Expertise

• Proven experience in hotel sales across Leisure, FIT/Wholesale, OTA leisure, and Groups segments.

• Strong market connections with travel agents, DMCs, tour operators, wholesalers, and OTAs.

• Demonstrated ability to source, secure, and grow new business for multiple properties.

• Strong negotiation, contracting, and strategic selling skills.

• Solid understanding of Dubai market trends, feeder markets, and competitor landscape.

• Experience conducting sales calls, client meetings, market visits, and familiarization trips.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with Revenue, Reservations, Operations, and Marketing teams.

• Strong skills in managing group requirements, including resumes, rooming lists, and billing details.

• Proficient in CRM/sales systems, reporting, rate loading, and handling RFPs/proposals.

• Highly organized, results-driven, with excellent communication, presentation, and networking skills.