📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director of Sales & Marketing - Sheraton Kota Kinabalu
🔹 Company: Marriott International
🔹 Location: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
🔹 Job Type: Full time
🔹 Category: Hospitality
🔹 Date Posted: April 28, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading the sales department for a property with over 300 peak rooms and significant local catering revenue.
- Managing reactive and proactive sales efforts to achieve booking goals and property revenues.
- Developing and implementing property-wide strategies to meet or exceed customer expectations.
- Building long-term, value-based customer relationships to drive revenue growth.
- Managing a marketing budget to develop property-specific campaigns and collateral.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the local market and customer needs.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Manages the development of a strategic account plan for demand generators in the market.
✅ Manages the property's reactive and proactive sales efforts.
✅ Determines and develops marketing communication activities in conjunction with regional marketing communications.
✅ Provides customer intelligence to evaluate market and economic trends and adjust sales strategy accordingly.
✅ Reviews competitive shopping reports and other resources to maintain awareness of the hotel’s market position.
✅ Researches competitor’s sales team strategies to identify ways to grow occupancy and RevPAR and increase market share.
✅ Attends sales strategy meetings to provide input on weekly and overall sales strategy.
✅ Suggests innovative marketing ideas and develops deployment strategies to continue to grow market share.
✅ Evaluates and supports participation and account deployment with Area Sales and Group Sales within the Sales Office.
✅ Serves as the sales contact for the General Manager, property leadership team, Group Sales and Area Sales leaders, and customers.
✅ Identifies public relations opportunities and coordinates activities to augment the overall marketing communication strategy.
✅ Supports the General Manager by coordinating crisis communications.
✅ Executes and supports Marriott’s Customer Service Standards and hotel’s Brand Standards.
✅ Manages the marketing budget to enable development of property-specific campaigns, promotions, and collateral to drive revenue and meet property objectives.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to multitask, and a keen eye for detail to ensure successful execution of various responsibilities.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: 2-year degree from an accredited university in Business Administration, Marketing, Hotel and Restaurant Management, or related major; 4 years experience in the sales and marketing or related professional area.
OR
4-year bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Hotel and Restaurant Management, or related major; 2 years experience in the sales and marketing or related professional area.
Experience: Previous work experience in Malaysia. Hotel pre-opening experience is preferred.
Required Skills:
- Proven leadership and team management skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
- Fluency in English.
Preferred Skills:
- Demonstrated skills in supervising a team.
- Lodging sales experience.
- Hotel industry work experience, demonstrating progressive career growth and a pattern of exceptional performance.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with relevant experience in the hospitality industry and a strong understanding of the local market will be best suited for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Director of Sales & Marketing role in Malaysia, the estimated salary range is MYR 150,000 - 250,000 per annum. Final offer will be determined based on experience and qualifications.
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement plans.
- Discounted hotel stays and food & beverage discounts.
- Opportunities for career growth and development within Marriott International.
Working Hours: Full-time position, typically working 40 hours per week. May require occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Marriott International is a global hospitality company with a portfolio of approximately 9,000 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 141 countries and territories.
Company Size: Marriott International has 10,001+ employees globally, providing a large and diverse work environment.
Founded: Marriott International was founded in 1927, with a rich history in the hospitality industry.
Company Description:
- Marriott International is committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people-first culture.
- The company is dedicated to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law.
- Marriott International is focused on providing exceptional customer service and creating memorable experiences for its guests.
Company Specialties:
- Hospitality
- Lodging
- Business Travel
- Travel
- Hotels
- CSR
- Sustainability
- and DEI
Company Website: http://www.marriott.com
ASSUMPTION: Working for Marriott International offers opportunities for career growth and development, as well as exposure to a global network of hospitality professionals.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the management level, requiring strategic thinking, leadership, and decision-making skills.
Reporting Structure: The Director of Sales & Marketing reports directly to the General Manager of the property and oversees the sales department.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position, with the possibility of occasional remote work for specific tasks or meetings.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to regional or corporate sales and marketing roles within Marriott International.
- Expansion into other areas of hotel operations or management.
- Development of leadership and management skills through training programs and mentorship opportunities.
ASSUMPTION: This role provides a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the success of a new hotel property and to grow both personally and professionally.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: The Sheraton Kota Kinabalu Hotel is a new property set to open in Q3 2025, featuring modern amenities and convenient access to key attractions in the area.
Office Location(s): The hotel is located at the intersection of Jalan Laiman Diki Road and Jalan Coastal Road in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
Geographic Context:
- Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah, one of the 13 states of Malaysia.
- The city is known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and the iconic Mount Kinabalu, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Kota Kinabalu is a major tourist destination, with a growing business travel market.
Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is typically Monday to Friday, with occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed to support hotel operations and events.
ASSUMPTION: The vibrant and growing tourism industry in Kota Kinabalu presents exciting opportunities for career growth and development in the hospitality sector.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission through the Marriott International careers portal.
- Phone or video screening to assess communication skills and cultural fit.
- In-person or virtual interview with the General Manager and/or other members of the hotel's leadership team.
- Final round interview with the Area Director of Sales & Marketing or another senior leader from Marriott International.
- Background check and reference checks for the final candidate.
Key Assessment Areas:
- Sales and marketing strategy development and execution.
- Leadership and team management skills.
- Customer relationship management and customer service skills.
- Market analysis and competitive intelligence skills.
- Budget management and financial acumen.
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Demonstrate your understanding of the local market and customer needs in your application materials.
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, leadership style, and customer service approach.
- Research Marriott International's company culture and values to show your fit for the organization.
ATS Keywords: Sales management, marketing strategy, customer relationship management, team leadership, budget management, market analysis, public relations, crisis communication, revenue management, event management, strategic planning, coaching, talent acquisition, networking, customer service, collaboration, hospitality industry, hotel operations, hotel management, hotel pre-opening, lodging sales experience.
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's sales and marketing skills, leadership potential, and cultural fit within Marriott International.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics 365)
- Marketing automation and email marketing tools (e.g., Mailchimp, HubSpot)
- Social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Tableau)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the specific needs of the hotel property and the broader Marriott International organization.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Put people first, always.
- Value the power of inclusive teams.
- Act with integrity, always.
- Assume nothing, do something.
- Reach for the highest standards, together.
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented.
- Results-driven and focused on achieving goals.
- Adaptable and responsive to change.
- Customer-focused and committed to exceptional customer service.
- Strategic and forward-thinking.
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you demonstrate your commitment to putting people first in your daily work?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you led a team through a significant change or challenge, and what was the outcome?
- How do you approach building and maintaining strong customer relationships, both internally with colleagues and externally with clients?
ASSUMPTION: Marriott International values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, and seeks candidates who align with these principles.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The hotel is a new property, which may present unique challenges in establishing market presence and customer base.
- The role requires a significant amount of travel within the region to attend industry events, meet with clients, and visit other Marriott International properties.
- The work schedule may require occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays to support hotel operations and events.
- The role may involve managing a team with varying levels of experience and skillsets, requiring strong leadership and coaching skills.
ASSUMPTION: The challenges associated with this role can be mitigated through strong leadership, effective communication, and a commitment to continuous learning and development.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to other Director of Sales & Marketing positions within the hospitality industry, but may have a greater focus on new property pre-opening and market penetration strategies.
- Compared to other industries, the hospitality industry places a strong emphasis on customer service, relationship building, and adaptability to diverse customer needs.
- Career progression in the hospitality industry may involve transitions between different brands, property types, and geographic regions to gain diverse experience and exposure to different aspects of the business.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in hotel pre-opening and market penetration strategies, which can be valuable for future career growth in the hospitality industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a pre-opening marketing and sales strategy to generate buzz and secure bookings for the new hotel property.
- Conducting market research and competitive analysis to identify gaps and opportunities in the local hospitality market and develop targeted sales and marketing campaigns.
- Managing a team to execute a large-scale event or conference, ensuring exceptional customer service and successful outcomes.
ASSUMPTION: The sample projects for this role may vary depending on the specific needs of the hotel property and the broader Marriott International organization.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does this role fit into the broader sales and marketing strategy for Marriott International in the region?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the company?
- How does the company support work-life balance for its employees?
- What are the key challenges facing the hotel in the first year of operation, and how can this role help to address them?
ASSUMPTION: Asking insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to understanding the organization's goals and expectations.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Marriott International careers portal.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, with a focus on your sales and marketing expertise and leadership potential.
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, leadership style, and customer service approach.
- Research Marriott International's company culture and values to show your fit for the organization.
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of your interview to express your continued interest in the role.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
