Director of Sales (m/w/d)

Permanent position / Full-time

Several years of solid professional experience

Start date ideally: 1 July 2026

Executive Team

Grand Hotel Locarno, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa, Lago Maggiore
Opening Spring 2027

An Icon Returns – Grand Hotel Locarno on Lake Maggiore

Located in the heart of Locarno, overlooking Lake Maggiore and just a few steps from the lakeshore, the Grand Hotel Locarno will reopen in the spring of 2027. Since its opening in 1876, the hotel has been closely linked to the history of the town. It hosted the 1925 European Peace Conference and served as the venue for the first Locarno Film Festival in 1946.

Nestled in alpine landscapes and surrounded by the hotel’s expansive grounds, the property offers a blend of historic character and contemporary comfort following a comprehensive renovation. The 110 rooms and suites—many of which feature a private terrace or balcony with lake views—reflect this harmony, as do the indoor pool in the historic vaulted cellar, the outdoor pool, and the wellness and fitness areas. The culinary offerings range from Mediterranean to Asian cuisine and are complemented by a lobby bar set beneath historic frescoes. Elegant event rooms and an event space with access to the 4,000-square-meter park make the Grand Hotel Locarno both a retreat and a stage.

Commercial Director

As Director of Commercial, you will be responsible for the comprehensive commercial strategy of the Grand Hotel Locarno, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa, Lake Maggiore. You will integrate the functions of Sales, Convention Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Management into a unified commercial strategy.

The objective of the position is to ensure a strong, differentiated, and brand-aligned positioning of the hotel, as well as to maximize revenue, occupancy, and profitability in the long term through strategic and operational management of all commercial activities—particularly in the context of the hotel’s opening.

You will develop and implement a holistic commercial strategy for the pre-opening phase and ongoing operations, drive brand presence in all relevant target markets, and ensure a consistent guest experience across all touchpoints.

Your responsibilities:

Overall responsibility for the hotel’s topline commercial performance (rooms, F&B, events)
Development and implementation of an integrated commercial, sales, revenue and marketing strategy
Management of all proactive sales activities (sales calls, trade shows, sales trips, fam trips, key account management)
Development and implementation of strategic marketing and action plans (digital, print, social media, PR)
Positioning the hotel as a leading luxury destination in Ticino, including brand strategy and
Close collaboration with Revenue Management Cluster and AHSE Area Director of Revenue Management to manage pricing, forecasting, analytics and booking behaviors
Close collaboration with Area Sales & Marketing AHSE and the Marriott Luxury Brand Teams, as well as Global Sales Offices and Global Sales Agents
Responsibility for the Commercial Action Plan, Business Plan, budgets, forecasts, and reporting
Development and maintenance of international key accounts and strategic partnerships (luxury travel agencies, consortia, destination partners)
Management of external agencies (PR, content, digital, production)
Ensuring a consistent brand presence across all channels and outlets
Responsibility for website performance, content strategies, and all relevant online platforms
Planning and executing marketing campaigns to increase revenue and occupancy
Creating commercial materials (presentations, brochures, newsletters, sales tools)
Leading, developing, and motivating the commercial team (Sales & Marketing, Convention Sales, Reservation Sales, Revenue Management)
Further development of structures, processes, and market performance
Ensuring compliance with all brand, quality, and process standards (Marriott International & Arabella Hospitality)
Management of cross-functional projects and Manager-on-Duty duties

Here’s what we expect from you:

Several years of leadership experience in the commercial sector of the luxury or upscale hospitality industry
In-depth expertise in sales, marketing, and ideally revenue management
Proven experience in the international luxury segment as well as in building and developing markets and networks
Experience in pre-opening, rebranding, or repositioning of hotels is a plus
Strong strategic thinking combined with a proven track record of operational execution
Strong brand understanding and a keen sense of quality and aesthetics
Experience managing external partners and agencies
Excellent communication and presentation skills at the executive level
Strong negotiation skills and entrepreneurial mindset
Strong leadership skills with a focus on team development and performance
Experience with international hotel brands (e.g., Marriott) is a plus
Very good Italian, German and English skills
Willingness to travel frequently for international sales and marketing activities

Here’s what we offer:

An exciting role and diverse responsibilities in a forward-thinking and long-established company with a unique hotel portfolio
Participation in the Arabella Hospitality Commercial Bonus System
Collegial team spirit
Permanent employment contract
Attractive benefits, including company-sponsored supplemental health insurance, discounted hotel rates at our hotel partner Marriott International, and meal subsidies
An open and appreciative corporate culture in which we actively promote personal development

Have we piqued your interest?
Then please send your detailed application, stating your salary expectations and notice period, to:

Verena Heller, Human Resources Executive: verena.heller@arabella.com