Associate Director of Sales | Holiday Inn Express

About IHG Hotels & Resorts

IHG Hotels & Resorts is one of the world's leading hotel companies, with over 6,000 hotels across more than 100 countries. Our family of brands includes InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, voco, Hotel Indigo, Staybridge Suites, and many more.

At Holiday Inn Express, we believe travel should be simple and smart. We focus on delivering everything our guests need for a comfortable and productive stay, providing exceptional service and great value.

About the Role

Holiday Inn Express Gurugram Sector 50 is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Associate Director of Sales to lead business development initiatives, drive revenue growth, and strengthen market presence. The ideal candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic sales plans, building strong client relationships, and maximizing hotel occupancy and revenue opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Sales & Business Development

• Develop and execute strategic sales plans to achieve room revenue, occupancy, and market share targets.
• Identify and secure new business opportunities from corporate, government, travel trade, and MICE segments.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key corporate accounts, travel agents, event planners, and business partners.
• Conduct regular sales calls, client meetings, and presentations to generate new business.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and customer requirements to identify growth opportunities.
• Represent the hotel at trade shows, networking events, and industry forums.

Revenue & Financial Management

• Achieve assigned sales targets and contribute to overall hotel profitability.
• Support annual budgeting, forecasting, and revenue planning processes.
• Prepare monthly sales reports, business forecasts, and market analysis.
• Collaborate with Revenue Management teams to maximize room rates and occupancy.
• Drive incremental revenue through corporate contracts, group business, and local partnerships.

Guest & Client Relationship Management

• Ensure exceptional service delivery to all clients and key accounts.
• Coordinate with hotel departments to ensure smooth execution of group bookings and events.
• Maintain high levels of customer satisfaction and retention.
• Handle VIP and key account requirements professionally and efficiently.

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and motivate the sales team to achieve departmental objectives.
• Monitor team performance and provide regular feedback and development opportunities.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance.
• Support recruitment, training, and succession planning initiatives.

Marketing & Brand Promotion

• Work closely with Marketing teams to develop local promotional campaigns.
• Enhance brand visibility and awareness within the Gurugram market.
• Promote IHG One Rewards and other brand initiatives.
• Ensure all sales and marketing activities align with IHG brand standards.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum 4–6 years of hotel sales experience with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Experience working with branded hotels preferred.
• Strong understanding of the Gurugram and NCR corporate market.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent sales negotiation and presentation skills.
• Strong business development and account management capabilities.
• Financial acumen with experience in budgeting and forecasting.
• Effective leadership and team management skills.
• Strong communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and hotel sales systems.

Why Join IHG?

At IHG Hotels & Resorts, we live our purpose of True Hospitality for Good. We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels welcomed, valued, respected, and heard.

What We Offer

• 5-day work week

• On-duty meals
• Medical insurance & ESIC (as applicable)
• Learning & development opportunities
• Employee stay and F&B Discounts across IHG hotels
• Global Internal transfer mobility within IHG (optional, subject to eligibility & NOC

Equal Opportunity Employer

IHG Hotels & Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all colleagues.