Director of Sales and Marketing

Opening Director of Sales

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $100,000 - $110,000
• UP to 30% in Bonus
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Program
• Paid Time Off
• Hotel Travel Benefits
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Additional Benefit Programs

Melton Hospitality Advisors has been retained by our client to identify an accomplished and commercially driven Opening Director of Sales for an exciting new hotel opening in the Richmond, Virginia market.

The property is scheduled to open in June 2027 , and our client is following brand-recommended pre-opening timelines by bringing key leaders on board well in advance of opening. This approach allows the Director of Sales to establish the hotel's market presence, build key relationships, develop the sales strategy, and position the property for a successful launch from day one. This opportunity is ideal for a hospitality sales leader who enjoys building something from the ground up, creating momentum in the marketplace, and helping shape the culture and commercial success of a new hotel.

The Opportunity

The Director of Sales will serve as the commercial leader for the property and will work closely with the General Manager and ownership team throughout the pre-opening process and beyond.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Developing and executing the hotel's sales and marketing strategy
• Establishing key account relationships and market partnerships
• Driving corporate, group, and negotiated business
• Creating awareness and excitement in the market prior to opening
• Building and managing the sales budget and revenue objectives
• Working closely with revenue management and operations teams
• Leading local sales efforts, community engagement, and networking initiatives
• Supporting the recruitment and development of future sales team members
• Representing the hotel with professionalism and credibility throughout the community

This individual will have the unique opportunity to help define the hotel's identity in the marketplace before the first guest checks in.

Successful Candidates Will Bring

• Hotel Director of Sales experience within a branded environment
• Experience with Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, or comparable brands
• Strong local market knowledge and relationship-building ability
• Proven success exceeding revenue and market share goals
• Experience developing corporate, group, and negotiated account business
• Excellent presentation, communication, and networking skills
• Strategic thinking balanced with hands-on execution
• Strong organizational and leadership abilities

Preferred Qualifications

• Hotel opening or major repositioning experience
• Lifestyle, upscale, premium select-service, or full-service hotel background
• Experience building sales strategies from the ground up
• Familiarity with Marriott sales systems and processes
• Existing business relationships within the Richmond market and surrounding region

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

Many sales roles focus on maintaining an existing book of business. This opportunity offers something different.

The selected candidate will have the chance to:

• Shape market positioning before opening
• Build relationships and demand from the ground up
• Partner directly with ownership and hotel leadership
• Create the commercial strategy rather than inherit one
• Establish themselves as a key leader in a highly visible hotel opening

About Melton Hospitality Advisors

At Melton Hospitality Advisors, we believe exceptional hotels are built by exceptional leaders. We partner with hotel owners, operators, and management companies to identify leaders who strengthen culture, elevate performance, and create lasting impact. Our work is grounded in hospitality experience, thoughtful evaluation, and a commitment to long-term fit rather than short-term placements.

We understand the importance of getting leadership hires right because leadership stability impacts everything from guest satisfaction and associate engagement to asset performance and long-term value.

Interested in Learning More? Apply today!

We welcome conversations with hospitality sales leaders who are excited by the opportunity to help launch a new hotel and build something special from the ground up.