About the role
We’re looking for an experienced and commercially driven Senior Sales Manager to join us in the pre-opening of our new hotel in Amsterdam.
This is a cluster role, working across two hotels at two different stages. On one side the Amstel project is still taking shape, which means this role is very much about building the commercial side from the ground up: structure, partnerships, and a solid base of business before opening. From the first conversations and site visits, to seeing spaces come together, to the moment the first guests walk through the door, you’ll be closely involved throughout the whole process.
On the other side De Durgerdam is already up and running and you will be responsible for continuing to drive and grow business.
At De Durgerdam, things are personal, hospitality is relaxed and luxury is unfussy. That same thinking will carry into the new hotel, just in a different, but equally special setting.
It’s a pivotal role for someone who can think strategically, but is just as comfortable doing the work themselves, building structure, partnerships, and revenue from the ground up.
Team structure
This is a cluster role and reports into the Head of Sales and Marketing. The role is strongly focused on pre-opening: creating the sales strategy, building the right account base, establishing commercial processes, and positioning the hotel in the market well ahead of opening.
During the initial phase, you will cover the maternity leave of the Head of Sales & Marketing. In this period, you will act as a key commercial point of contact, working closely with the Head of Hospitality and external partners, and supporting selected marketing initiatives.
It is a role with a lot of ownership, a lot of moving parts, and a lot of room to make a difference.
What you will do
- Set up and execute the pre-opening sales strategy for the new hotel, laying the commercial groundwork well before opening
- Build the full commercial foundation: defining segments, shaping the right account base, and setting up reporting and ownership that actually hold up once things get busy
- Establish the sales structure, systems and ways of working, from planning and processes to reporting and internal alignment, making sure nothing slips through the cracks
- Make sure the basics are not just there, but working: tools, templates, trackers and all the behind-the-scenes structure that keeps things moving
- Get out there, open doors, start conversations and turn them into real business
- Build relationships you actually enjoy maintaining, with travel advisors, DMCs, agencies and corporate clients, and turn those into long-term partnerships
- Represent the new hotel and De Durgerdam in the market, telling the story, creating interest and making people want to be part of it before it’s even open
- Own proposals, RFPs, contracts and negotiations, and take them all the way through
- Work closely with revenue, reservations and operations to make sure what’s sold on paper also works in real life
- Keep your eyes open: know what’s happening in the market, what competitors are doing and what guests are looking for, and act on it
- Keep De Durgerdam commercially strong and visible while the new hotel is taking shape
- Step in during the Head of Sales & Marketing’s maternity leave and keep things moving.
- Support marketing initiatives during that period, making sure sales and marketing stay aligned and make sense together
- Keep a clear helicopter view on pipeline, forecasts and budgets, without losing sight of the details that actually drive them.
All of this comes together in being part of something from the very beginning. You follow the project as it develops, from the first mock-up rooms to the moment the furniture is in place, and eventually welcoming your first guests. It’s about seeing everything you’ve been building and selling come to life and knowing that the promises you made along the way turn into real guest experiences.
You in a nutshell
- You have at least 5-7 years of experience in hotel sales, preferably in the luxury or upscale segment
- You have a strong commercial track record: you know how to open doors, build relationships and convert opportunities into business
- You are strategic when needed, but just as comfortable rolling up your sleeves and getting things done yourself
- Pre-opening experience is preferred (but not required). What matters most is that you enjoy working in an environment where not everything is fixed yet and are comfortable building a commercial structure, systems, procedures and account base from scratch
- Flexibility is your middle name: you stay sharp and practical when plans shift, timelines move or priorities change
- You are independent and comfortable with responsibility, and can manage priorities across multiple properties without losing overview
- You know how to bring structure to sales activities, from pipeline management and follow-up to reporting and commercial administration
- You communicate clearly and work well with different internal and external stakeholders
- You speak and write English fluently; Dutch is a strong plus
- You have experience with CRM systems and hotel sales tools
- You have a genuine feel for hospitality, quality and guest experience
What's in it for you?
- 38-hour week
- Competitive salary and benefits
- Opportunity to work on the pre-opening of a brand new hotel brand
- The opportunity to shape sales and commercial strategy in a growing business
- Fun working atmosphere and fabulous team outings
- Healthy and fresh lunch. Great coffee.
