Sales Executive Group of Lodges

SUMMARY:
Job Purpose
The Sales Executive is responsible for driving revenue growth across a portfolio of luxury lodges by developing new business opportunities, maintaining strong relationships with travel trade partners, corporate clients, destination management companies (DMCs), travel agents, tour operators, and direct clients. The role focuses on increasing occupancy, achieving sales targets, and promoting the lodge group's brand in both domestic and international markets.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Sales & Business Development

• Identify and secure new business opportunities within leisure, corporate, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), and wholesale markets.
• Develop and maintain relationships with travel agents, tour operators, DMCs, corporate travel buyers, and event planners.
• Conduct sales calls, client meetings, and presentations.
• Negotiate rates, contracts, and preferred supplier agreements.
• Generate revenue in line with monthly and annual sales targets.
• Promote all lodges within the portfolio to maximise cross-selling opportunities.
• Develop strategic sales plans to grow market share.

• Manage a portfolio of key accounts.
• Maintain regular contact with existing clients to encourage repeat business.
• Build long-term partnerships with local and international travel trade partners.
• Resolve client concerns professionally and promptly.
• Conduct account reviews and identify opportunities for business growth.

• Represent the lodge group at trade shows, travel expos, roadshows, and networking events.
• Organise and host familiarisation (FAM) trips for travel agents and tour operators.
• Deliver product training and presentations to travel partners.
• Assist with promotional campaigns and seasonal offers.
• Ensure accurate product knowledge across all lodge offerings.

• Work closely with Reservations and Revenue Management teams.
• Monitor booking trends and market demand.
• Assist in developing sales promotions during low occupancy periods.
• Ensure negotiated rates are correctly loaded into reservation systems.
• Support group bookings and special event enquiries.

• Prepare weekly and monthly sales reports.
• Maintain accurate client records using the company's CRM system.
• Track sales performance against KPIs.
• Forecast future business opportunities.
• Monitor competitor activity and market trends.
• Maintain an up-to-date sales pipeline.

• Build strong relationships with internal departments, including Reservations, Operations, Marketing, and Finance.
• Maintain exceptional customer service standards throughout the sales process.
• Represent the company professionally at all times.

POSITION INFO:
Minimum Qualifications Diploma or Degree in Hospitality Management, Tourism, Marketing, Business Management, or a related field. Sales or hospitality-related qualifications are advantageous. Experience Required 3-5 years' experience in hospitality sales, preferably within luxury lodges, boutique hotels, or safari lodges. Proven experience working with: Travel agents Tour operators Destination Management Companies (DMCs) Corporate clients International travel trade Experience with CRM systems and hotel reservation systems. Understanding of revenue management principles. Experience attending trade shows and networking events. Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel locally and internationally when required. Key Skills & Competencies Excellent sales and negotiation skills. Strong business development ability. Outstanding communication and presentation skills. Relationship-building and networking expertise. Commercial awareness and financial acumen. Strong organisational and time management skills. Ability to work independently and achieve sales targets. Customer-focused with a professional approach. Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and CRM systems.