Interim Account Director Leisure
The Account Director Leisure will play a pivotal role in strengthening Hilton’s presence in the leisure travel market by managing high-value accounts across the German-speaking countries and Nordics. This role drives growth in leisure transient and group segments through strategic partnerships, innovative account strategies, and exceptional client engagement. This is achieved by fostering an inclusive approach to client engagement and collaboration, reflecting Hilton’s values and global culture.
What will I be doing?
Planning Activities:
• Develop and implement account plans aligned with Hilton’s commercial objectives to grow leisure segment revenue.
• Identify new business opportunities within existing accounts and source new high-potential leisure partners.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activity to inform proactive strategies.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment on account priorities and objectives.
• Maintain a neutral approach across ownership and management groups to ensure a consistent approach to customer and team collaboration.
Organizing Activities:
• Coordinate participation in trade shows, roadshows, and client events to maximize exposure and engagement.
• Ensure all activities comply with Hilton’s governance protocols and brand standards.
• Support cross-functional collaboration with marketing, revenue management, and operations teams.
• Maintain accurate account data in Salesforce and other systems to support reporting and performance tracking.
Directing Activities:
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned leisure accounts, ensuring exceptional client service.
• Provide clear communication of Hilton’s value proposition and brand portfolio to clients.
• Lead client meetings, presentations, and negotiations to secure incremental business.
• Represent Hilton at industry events and networking opportunities to strengthen relationships and brand presence.
Controlling Activities:
• Adjust account strategies as needed to achieve revenue and market share goals.
• Track account performance against agreed targets and KPIs, providing regular updates to leadership.
• Analyze ROI for trade shows, events, and account initiatives to optimize resource allocation.
• Ensure compliance with Hilton Best Practices for account management and reporting.
Supportive Functions:
In addition to performance of the essential functions, this position may be required to perform a combination of the following supportive functions as needed by the business:
• Assist with new hotel openings by aligning leisure account strategies with launch objectives.
• Participate in internal sales reviews and planning sessions to share insights and best practices.
• Perform additional duties as required to support Hilton’s leisure segment growth.
What are we looking for?
The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation:
Relationship Management
• Builds trust-based relationships with key decision-makers and influencers.
• Demonstrates strong negotiation and persuasion skills to maximize value for Hilton and clients.
Sales & Commercial Acumen
• Takes initiative to identify, prioritize, and implement actions that support functional and commercial goals.
• Demonstrates strong problem-solving skills and proactively addressing challenges.
• Deep understanding of leisure segment dynamics, including group and transient segments.
• Skilled in account planning, financial analysis, and ROI evaluation.
Communication & Collaboration
• Excellent presentation, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across functions and geographies.
Operational Excellence
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficient in Salesforce and Microsoft Office Suite.
Travel
• Approximately 30% travel across the region primarily to meet with customers but also the team or to attend internal meetings and events.
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field.
• Significant experience in proactive sales roles within the leisure segment.
• Proven success working in multicultural and international environments.
• Fluency in spoken and written English.
• Proficiency in Salesforce or other CRM tools.
Preferred Qualifications
• Fluency in spoken and written German.
• Advanced degree in business, hospitality, or a related discipline.
• Additional language skills are a plus.
• Experience of building relationships with leisure accounts based in the region.
What will it be like to work for Hilton?
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 accommodations, 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!
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