Commercial Director

Our Brand / Sofitel

Emerging as a pioneering French luxury hospitality brand in 1964, Sofitel brings French zest and inspires heartfelt encounters to the most sought-after destinations worldwide. Seamlessly melding local culture with the French zest for life through remarkable savoir-faire and generous service, Sofitel is for free-minded travelers and arts and culture afficionados who have an appreciation for a refined and understated sense of modern luxury.

With over 115 Sofitel and Sofitel Legend hotels in more than 45 countries, our reach is truly global, making the sky the limit for growth opportunities. As our portfolio expands each year, there are ample opportunities to be involved in both our existing properties, and our future openings. 

Our Hotel / Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema

A landmark for Sofitel in the Americas, Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema re-emerges as a revitalized beachfront icon where French elegance meets the vibrant Carioca lifestyle. Designed as a sanctuary of art, craftsmanship, and sensory experiences, the hotel sets a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in Rio de Janeiro.

The property features 172 rooms and suites with the signature Sofitel MyBed, refined art-filled interiors, and sweeping views of Two Brothers Hill. Guests enjoy elevated dining at the 22nd-floor Chef’s Table, a rooftop infinity pool, wellness spa, Beach Club, and the exclusive Club Millésime lounge for personalized service and private check-in.

The design vision is led by Brazilian architect Patricia Anastassiadis, whose storytelling approach blends heritage, artistry, and contemporary sophistication, creating spaces that feel both meaningful and deeply connected to place.

Set beneath the iconic Christ the Redeemer, Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema stands as the ultimate destination for discerning travelers — where luxury meets the true soul of Rio.

Role Description / What you will do

• Develop and implement strategic commercial plans in close collaboration with the Revenue Manager and E-commerce & Marketing Manager, reporting to the General Manager, to proactively drive and grow revenue across all segments;
• Continuously analyze performance metrics and market dynamics, adjusting strategies and tactical actions to ensure objectives and financial targets are consistently achieved;
• Lead and oversee the full sales team lifecycle — from recruitment and onboarding to performance management, coaching, and career development — cultivating a highly proactive, results-driven, and high-performing culture;
• Establish and nurture strong relationships with regional and brand leadership across Sales, while actively engaging with the global sales network to unlock international opportunities and ensure brand alignment;
• Provide deep local market expertise, competitive intelligence, and forward-looking insights to inform strategic decision-making and maintain a strong market position;
• Assume full ownership of pre-opening sales strategy and execution, including the sales critical path, go-to-market approach, account acquisition, pricing positioning, and pipeline development to ensure a successful launch and revenue ramp-up;
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with Hotel Operations, Brand, Revenue, Digital, Graphics, and PR teams to ensure strategic alignment, effective communication, and seamless execution of revenue-generating initiatives;
• Manage and expand a portfolio of key accounts, leading complex rate negotiations, contract agreements, and strategic account management activities to maximize market share, profitability, and long-term partnerships;
• Apply strong negotiation, influencing, and business development skills to secure high-value partnerships and sustainable revenue growth;
• Lead by example with a visible and hands-on leadership style, ensuring both guest experience and team engagement are central to all commercial decisions. Act as a key ambassador for the property, inspiring excellence and fostering a culture of collaboration and performance.

Experience & Qualifications / What you will bring

• Degree in Administration, Sales, Marketing, Hospitality, or a related field;
• Strong sales experience with local and/or international exposure in a similar leadership role, preferably within a luxury and/or lifestyle environment;
• Proven pre-opening experience;
• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to close high-value deals and build strategic partnerships;
• Strong business vision and commercial mindset, with the ability to translate strategy into measurable results;
• Process-driven and results-oriented, while maintaining flexibility and creativity when managing multiple priorities;
• You are an excellent relationship builder, confident in working with other teams, leaders and ownership; you’re passionate about what we can achieve together;
• Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills;
• Collaborative leadership style, confident in working closely with teams, senior leadership, and ownership;
• Strong track record in business development across Corporate, MICE, Luxury Consortia, Inbound Groups, and other key market segments;
• Expertise in strategic account management, building long-term client relationships, and leveraging networking to drive revenue growth;
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the courage to challenge the norm and drive meaningful change;
• Grounded, humble, and team-oriented, approaching challenges with openness and professionalism.

How You Will Shine

• Express entrepreneurial spirit and leadership while embodying the French Art de Vivre;
• Demonstrate humble excellence through a distinguished presence, refined savoir-faire, and meticulous attention to detail (Cousu Main);
• Be a passionate team player — warm, sociable, and genuinely caring toward others;
• Exhibit a strong sense of luxury by creating meaningful stories, rituals, and traditions;
• Embrace a true Francophile mindset, showing curiosity and appreciation for French language, culture, history, and cuisine;
• Demonstrate open-mindedness, creativity, and a spirit of innovation;
• Act as a cultural link by engaging with local arts, gastronomy, fashion, and contemporary design;
• Champion committed luxury with a strong sense of care and responsibility.