Director of MICE (W/M/X) / Orient Express Sailing Yachts

Orient Express

Artisan of Travel since 1883, Orient Express is a legendary brand, deeply rooted in history and admired by generations past, present, and future. As a symbol of ultra-luxury hospitality, the brand is currently undergoing an ambitious phase of rebirth and expansion accelerated since 2024 as a Joint Venture between ACCOR and LVMH. 

Our unparalleled portfolio redefines luxury travel and hospitality. At its heart is the iconic Orient Express, with its legendary carriages reimagined as a modern tribute to French luxury. We further expand this vision through strategic partnerships, including our collaboration with ARSENALE Group to launch 'La Dolce Vita' — a train celebrating Italian art de vivre — and introduce exquisite hotels such as O.E La Minerva in Rome, with O.E Palazzo Dona Giovannelli in Venice soon to follow. Additionally, our collaboration with Orient Express Sailing Yachtsbrings to life the Orient Express Corinthian, poised to be the world’s largest sailing ship.

While redefining the future of luxury hospitality, Orient Express places particular emphasis on the employee experience, development, and engagement. 

Orient Express Sailing Yachts

140 years after the launch of its first luxury trains, the Orient Express legend continues with the launch of the world's largest sailing ships, the Orient Express Corinthian. A revolution in maritime history, and a fabulous project that pushes back the limits of what is possible. The result of a unique French partnership between Accor, the world leader in hospitality, and Chantiers de l'Atlantique, the world's leading cruise ship builder. This extraordinary sailing ship of the future, with its spectacular interiors, will set sail in 2026.

Reporting directly to the Commercial Director, the Director of MICE will handle several responsibilities worldwide:   

Define and Implement Action Plans

• Develop comprehensive action plans in alignment with defined objectives and sales strategies.
• Ensure the execution of plans to achieve long-term objectives while adapting to evolving market conditions.

Sales Strategy & Business Development

• Develop a pipeline of sales opportunities for the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Events) distribution channel.
• Work closely with ACCOR Global Sales and Orient Express Management Company to achieve MICE sales objectives.
• Develop/direct initiatives to broaden customer base and market penetration.
• Meet or exceed annual sales goals for the MICE segment

Client Acquisition & Relationship Management

• Schedule and conduct sales calls, presentations, and manage proposals/contracts for incentive groups or full yacht charters.
• Develop and nurture relationships with the yacht charter market, including yacht brokers companies, family offices, event planners and other relevant stakeholders.
• Manage day-to-day client relations including pricing, contracts, win/loss tracking, and overall client satisfaction.
• Travel as needed to develop new business and attend industry trade shows.

Sales Operations & Performance Management

• Develop proposals, reporting, and KPIs to support and guide sales efforts.
• Oversee administrative functions like budgeting, invoicing, and CRM management.
• Manage assigned personnel, including training, development, and performance evaluations.

Collaboration & Execution

• Define with the operation department and the sales manager the characteristics of the yacht charter, including definition of activities, partners and itineraries
• Liaise with charter clients, shoreside, and shipboard staff to ensure smooth execution and high guest satisfaction.
• Work in close collaboration with ACCOR Global Sales team and Orient Express Management Company sales team to achieve the MICE sales objectives

Marketing Support & Collateral

• Assist in developing sales messaging and collateral to support the Orient Express brand in the MICE space.
• Collaborate with Sales & Marketing on campaigns, email marketing, webinars, and other targeted initiatives.

Experience:

· Minimum of 5 years management experience in travel/ultra-luxury hospitality industry Meetings and Incentives role(s)

· Having developed a strong network in the MICE market, including corporate and family offices

· Good knowledge of the yacht brokerage market

· Fluent proficiency in both French and English

Soft skills:

Good organization and time management skills, leadership and people management experience, ability to work well in fast-paced team environment.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.