The Leela Palaces
Website:
theleela.com
Job details:
About The Leela
The story of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts began when its founder Late Capt. CP Krishnan Nair opened The Leela Mumbai in 1986. For over three decades, The Leela has been on a journey to delight guests by providing unparalleled luxury in captivating environs ensconced in the lap of nature, wrapped in the graciousness of Indian hospitality.
Headquartered in Mumbai, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts is owned by a Brookfield Asset Management-sponsored private real estate fund and operates thirteen award-winning properties in major cities and leisure destinations across India. These include the flagship hotel in the capital city of New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Udaipur, Jaipur, Gurugram, East Delhi, Mumbai, Gandhinagar, Kovalam, and Ashtamudi. The brand is also delighted to announcethe upcoming openingof its latest property in Hyderabad. The Leela has a strongpipeline of future projects. The brand celebrates each hotel through its unique location, art, culture, and cuisine with thoughtful services, celebratory rituals, and immersive experiences. The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts was voted the World’s Best Hotel Brand twice in a row by Travel + Leisure, USA, World’s Best Awards Survey, 2020 and 2021. In 2024, the brand has once again featured in the top 3 World’s Best Hotel Brands, after recognition in 2023. An epitome of true Indian luxury hospitality, The Leela is committed to providing guests with unforgettable stays in settings that capture the essence of India. The brand has a marketing alliance with US-based Preferred Hotels & Resorts and is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance.
Why join The Leela?
- Award-Winning Brand: Join a brand that has been recognized as one of the World’s Best Hotel Brands for two consecutive years.
- Commitment to Excellence: Be part of a team that is dedicated to providing the highest standards of service and hospitality.
- Innovative Environment: Be part of a team that encourages creativity and innovation, ensuring that we stay at the forefront of luxury hospitality.
- Career Growth: Benefit from our strong pipeline of future projects and opportunities for career advancement within The Leela and our global alliances.
- Cultural Experiences: Engage with the rich cultural tapestry of India, bringing unique and authentic experiences to our discerning guests.
Position Overview
Reporting to: Director of Sales / Regional Director – Sales
Location: The Leela Corporate Office
Responsibilities:
The SSM / Account Director – EMC, PCO & MICE Specialist will be responsible for driving MICE, corporate
events, conferences, incentives, and group business from key Event Management Companies (EMCs), Professional Conference Organizers (PCOs), and corporate accounts for all Leela hotels. The role will focus on developing strategic partnerships, generating qualified leads, managing key accounts, and maximizing revenue opportunities across The Leela portfolio.
This position will serve as a key representative of The Leela in the Mumbai market, strengthening relationships within the meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions, and events ecosystem.
Key Responsibilities:
Business Development & Account Management
- Develop and execute a sales strategy to drive MICE and group business across The Leela portfolio.
- Build and manage relationships with leading EMCs, PCOs, corporate travel planners, and procurement teams.
- Identify and acquire new business opportunities from conferences, meetings, incentives, exhibitions, product launches, weddings, and social events.
- Maintain a strong pipeline of opportunities through regular client engagement and market mapping.
- Conduct sales calls, client presentations, networking events, and site inspections to promote The Leela hotels.
Revenue Generation
- Deliver assigned room revenue, banquet revenue, and total account production targets.
- Negotiate contracts, commercial terms, and annual agreements with key accounts.
- Drive conversion of RFPs and event enquiries into confirmed business.
- Collaborate closely with hotel sales teams to maximize cross-selling opportunities across destinations.
Strategic Relationship Management
- Serve as the primary point of contact for priority EMC and PCO accounts.
- Strengthening relationships with industry stakeholders including:
- Event Management Companies
- Professional Conference Organizers
- Corporate event teams
- Travel management companies
- Industry associations and trade bodies
- Develop annual account plans for key clients.
Market Intelligence
- Monitor competitor activities, market trends, and emerging opportunities within the MICE segment.
- Identify upcoming conferences, industry events, and corporate opportunities.
- Provide regular market insights and business forecasts to leadership teams.
Internal Collaboration
- Work closely with property sales teams, event operations, catering, revenue management, and marketing teams.
- Ensure seamless handover of confirmed business and maintain service excellence.
- Participate in strategy reviews and business planning discussions.
Reporting & Administration
- Maintain accurate account and opportunity records in the CRM.
- Prepare weekly sales reports, revenue forecasts, and account production analyses.
- Track account performance against established KPIs and targets.
Desired Candidate Profile
Experience
- 8-12+ years of hotel sales experience, with a minimum of 4-5 years handling MICE, EMC, PCO.
- Strong existing relationships within Mumbai's MICE ecosystem.
- Experience working with luxury hotels, hospitality brands, convention venues, or destination sales organizations preferred.
- Proven track record of achieving high-value group and event revenue targets.
Knowledge & Skills
- Deep understanding of:
- MICE Sales
- Group Sales
- Event Management
- Conference Planning
- Contract Negotiation
- Revenue Management
- Strong commercial acumen and presentation skills.
- Ability to engage with CXOs, event heads, procurement teams, and business owners.
- Excellent stakeholder management and networking capabilities.
- Strong analytical, forecasting, and reporting skills.
Qualification
- Graduate in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Marketing, or related discipline.
- MBA/Postgraduate qualification preferred.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- MICE Revenue Achievement
- Room Nights Generated
- Banquet Revenue Generated
- Number of New EMC/PCO Accounts Acquired
- RFP Conversion Ratio
- Client Retention & Production Growth
- Sales Calls and Engagement Metrics
- Portfolio Contribution Across Leela Hotels
Click on Apply to know more.
