Director of Sales & Marketing | East Africa

𝗝𝗗 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 is recruiting on behalf of a prestigious, ultra-luxury wilderness portfolio in East Africa for an experienced and commercially exceptional 𝗗𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗢𝗥 𝗢𝗙 𝗦𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗦 & 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗺𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀, 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗯𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱

Our client operates at the very top end of the East African luxury safari market, with a portfolio of exclusive wilderness lodges supported by a dedicated inbound travel division, catering to some of the world’s most discerning ultra-high-net-worth travellers. Set across iconic landscapes in East Africa, these properties command premium rate positioning and consistently attract a highly sophisticated global clientele. This represents a rare opportunity to assume commercial leadership of an exceptional portfolio at a key stage of its continued growth.

With regular travel across the properties and key international source markets, the successful individual will take full ownership of the portfolio’s revenue performance, driving ADR, RevPAR, and overall rate strategy across multiple lodges. A core focus of the role will be the direct management and cultivation of relationships with leading luxury travel advisors, senior tour operator stakeholders, and high-value direct clients. This is a hands-on commercial role, not a brand-led position, requiring an individual who brings an established, active network and the ability to translate those relationships into tangible revenue from the outset.

𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

• 12–15 years of senior commercial experience within luxury safari operations, ultra-premium lodges or resorts, or high-end experiential travel, including a minimum of 5 years at Director level with full revenue responsibility.
• Strong, demonstrable track record of delivering sustained growth in RevPAR and ADR across multi-property or multi-destination portfolios within competitive, globally driven luxury markets.
• Well-established, active network of luxury travel advisors, key tour operator decision-makers, and UHNW clientele, with the ability to convert relationships into revenue.
• Proven success in developing and expanding high-value niche segments such as exclusive-use lodge buyouts, conservation-led travel, family office itineraries, luxury photographic safaris, and top-tier incentive groups.
• Solid working relationships with leading global luxury travel consortia including Virtuoso, Signature Travel Network, and ILTM-aligned advisor channels.
• Prior exposure to, or experience within, an international luxury hotel or brand environment would be advantageous.
• Strong understanding of the East African market preferred, with a comprehensive grasp of the broader global luxury safari landscape considered essential.
• Commercially astute with a high level of financial acumen, including experience in P&L management, RevPAR analysis, channel performance, and portfolio-level budgeting.
• Demonstrated leadership capability in building, managing, and motivating high-performing commercial teams, with clear revenue targets and accountability structures.
• Highly professional presentation and strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage confidently with UHNW clients, industry partners, and senior stakeholders.
• Authentic interest in Africa and its natural environments, supported by relevant experience or exposure.
• Verifiable and contactable references required.

𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘆 – Highly negotiable for the right candidate.

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 – As soon as possible.

➡️𝗣𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗘 – Although we appreciate all applications received, we will only reply to those candidates who have the background and experience required. Thank you.