Account Director, Global Luxury & Lifestyle Sales, Australasia

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Marketing, Management, Business, Hospitality or a relevant field of work, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience.
• 5 or more years of progressive work-related experience in the service industry with at least 3 years in multi-unit or corporate roles, as well as demonstrated mastery of technical and business knowledge and understanding of multiple disciplines/processes related to the position.  Extensive sales experience is required, as well as client management experience among large, complex luxury accounts.
• Ability to create compelling proposals and presentations to showcase the value of IHG Luxury & Lifestyle Brands, providing an overall solutions approach.
• Ability to conduct regular business reviews and provide ongoing support to develop client loyalty.
• Stay updated on luxury & lifestyle travel market trends, consumer behavior, and competitors' strengths and weaknesses.
• Understand the needs and preferences of high-net-worth travelers. 
• Thinks beyond traditional ways of doing things by using the principles of strategic account management, as well as gaining insight that is the platform for the development of creative and innovative client solutions.  Possesses sufficient business acumen (financial and commercial knowledge) to assess the impact of non-traditional approaches to gaining market share. 
• Knowledge and expertise, both deep and broad, of our luxury & lifestyle brands, along with competitive brands. 
• Experience in working in global markets, deep understanding of managing across diverse, multi-cultural teams and customer organizations.
• Sales management experience in organizing, planning and executing large-scale sales segment plans from conception through implementation and assessment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for providing information to clients, vendors, senior management and staff. 
• Works effectively at board level in client companies, possess strong relationship management skills, and well-developed probing, listening, negotiating and persuading abilities.
• Knowledge of hotel sales & marketing, business planning, etc., along with strong sales ability, sales management, problem solving and analytical skills. 
• Knowledge of macro-economic and industry trends, competitive landscape and other factors which influence account strategies, positions and initiatives. 
• Strong commercial acumen and an ability to influence across an owned, managed and franchised environment 
• Experience with franchise organization or ownership constituencies is preferable. International experience or handling accounts with international scope is required.
• Computer skills in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, social media, and using sales-related software.

Being a global role, the role will require the successful applicant to travel extensively and work outside of normal business hours. 

What we offer

In return, we'll give you a competitive benefits package including salary, private health, bonus and discounted accommodation worldwide and the opportunity to progress your career with IHG.  

At IHG we offer opportunities for flexible and hybrid working arrangements. Additionally, we value diversity, equity, inclusion, and wellness for our colleagues which is represented by our suite of industry leading benefits. 

You'll have the chance to work with a great team of people and the opportunity for room for you.  Please apply on-line and tell us how you can bring your individual skills to IHG. To find out more about us or any other jobs with IHG please go to  www.careers.ihg.com  

IHG is an equal opportunity employer.