Saddlebrook Resort
Director of Sales & Marketing
Saddlebrook Resort, Wesley Chapel, Florida, United States, 33545
Overview
Director of Sales & Marketing Saddlebrook Resort | Tampa, Florida An Independent, Iconic Resort in the Heart of Florida
We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and hands-on Director of Sales & Marketing to lead the commercial vision of Saddlebrook Resort , an iconic, independent destination resort located just north of Tampa. Known for its world-class golf and tennis facilities, scenic natural surroundings, and expansive meeting space, Saddlebrook is a premier choice for leisure travelers, corporate groups, and destination events. The property is ungoing a $92m renovation currently and is ready to be relaunched as a new resort by the end of 2025.
This is a high-impact role for a dynamic sales leader who thrives in an independent resort environment. The ideal candidate will bring at least five years of DOSM experience in full-service, upscale hotels or resorts. Florida market experience is strongly preferred. This leader must be results-driven, highly collaborative, and capable of driving growth across diverse segments while honoring the resort's long-standing reputation for excellence.
Job Description
* Minimum 5 years of experience as a Director of Sales & Marketing at a full-service resort or hotel; experience in independent properties is highly preferred. * Strong familiarity with the Florida hospitality market, especially Tampa and central Florida leisure and group business segments. * Demonstrated success in driving commercial strategy, managing teams, and achieving revenue and RevPAR goals. * Deep understanding of digital marketing, guest segmentation, and branding for independent resorts. * Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with Delphi.fdc or similar CRM strongly preferred. * Financial acumen with ability to analyze and forecast performance across all business segments. * Excellent presentation and communication skills with comfort in reporting to ownership and executive stakeholders. * Highly motivated, adaptable, and collaborative — able to lead through change and guide a team in a fast-paced, evolving environment. * Willingness to travel up to 10% for sales calls, trade shows, and key client engagements. * Lead all sales and marketing functions across Group, Corporate, Association, Leisure, Golf, and Event segments, ensuring alignment with the resort's revenue goals and brand positioning. * Develop and execute strategic sales and marketing plans, including annual budgets, integrated marketing calendars, and tactical sales strategies to grow market share and direct bookings. * Oversee digital marketing , social media, paid media, and SEO/SEM strategy to expand visibility and drive direct revenue. * Foster strong relationships with key clients, third-party planners, and travel partners; actively participate in sales calls, site tours, and key industry events. * Collaborate closely with Revenue Management and Operations teams to optimize rate strategy, package development, and guest experience initiatives. * Leverage market analytics, STR, and competitive data to identify opportunities, guide forecasting, and support long-term sales planning. * Serve as the Saddlebrook brand ambassador in the community, across industry events, and with key regional and national partners. * Lead and inspire a high-performing Sales, Marketing, and Events team, with a focus on talent development, cross-departmental collaboration, and accountability. * Partner with PR and creative agencies to execute media campaigns and secure press coverage that reflect the resort's lifestyle positioning. * Actively engage in local tourism boards, chambers of commerce, and economic development initiatives to strengthen the resort's regional influence.
Responsibilities
* Minimum 5 years of experience as a Director of Sales & Marketing in a four-star hotel or resort environment. * Prior independent property experience is strongly preferred; Midwest resort experience or pre-opening background is a plus. Will considered branded leaders with seasoned experience. * Demonstrated success leading commercial strategy, developing high-performing teams, and exceeding revenue targets. * Strong understanding of digital marketing strategy, guest segmentation, and brand development in the independent resort space. * Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; Delphi or similar CRM experience highly preferred. * Financial acumen, with the ability to analyze data, forecast performance, and deliver results across all sales segments. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence presenting to ownership and senior leadership. * Self-motivated, collaborative, and adaptable to the pace and demands of a growing independent resort. * Willingness to travel up to 10% as needed for sales missions, trade shows, and industry events.
Why Saddlebrook Resort?
* Join a legacy property with deep roots in Florida hospitality and a renewed focus on future growth. * Make an impact by shaping commercial strategy for a beloved independent resort (that is wrapping a recent renovation) in a competitive destination market. * Collaborative, people-first culture where your leadership will drive real results for the team, the property, and the guest experience. * Competitive compensation, bonus opportunity, and relocation support available.
PIa51a4900e7ce-29400-38637684
Director of Sales & Marketing Saddlebrook Resort | Tampa, Florida An Independent, Iconic Resort in the Heart of Florida
We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and hands-on Director of Sales & Marketing to lead the commercial vision of Saddlebrook Resort , an iconic, independent destination resort located just north of Tampa. Known for its world-class golf and tennis facilities, scenic natural surroundings, and expansive meeting space, Saddlebrook is a premier choice for leisure travelers, corporate groups, and destination events. The property is ungoing a $92m renovation currently and is ready to be relaunched as a new resort by the end of 2025.
This is a high-impact role for a dynamic sales leader who thrives in an independent resort environment. The ideal candidate will bring at least five years of DOSM experience in full-service, upscale hotels or resorts. Florida market experience is strongly preferred. This leader must be results-driven, highly collaborative, and capable of driving growth across diverse segments while honoring the resort's long-standing reputation for excellence.
Job Description
* Minimum 5 years of experience as a Director of Sales & Marketing at a full-service resort or hotel; experience in independent properties is highly preferred. * Strong familiarity with the Florida hospitality market, especially Tampa and central Florida leisure and group business segments. * Demonstrated success in driving commercial strategy, managing teams, and achieving revenue and RevPAR goals. * Deep understanding of digital marketing, guest segmentation, and branding for independent resorts. * Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with Delphi.fdc or similar CRM strongly preferred. * Financial acumen with ability to analyze and forecast performance across all business segments. * Excellent presentation and communication skills with comfort in reporting to ownership and executive stakeholders. * Highly motivated, adaptable, and collaborative — able to lead through change and guide a team in a fast-paced, evolving environment. * Willingness to travel up to 10% for sales calls, trade shows, and key client engagements. * Lead all sales and marketing functions across Group, Corporate, Association, Leisure, Golf, and Event segments, ensuring alignment with the resort's revenue goals and brand positioning. * Develop and execute strategic sales and marketing plans, including annual budgets, integrated marketing calendars, and tactical sales strategies to grow market share and direct bookings. * Oversee digital marketing , social media, paid media, and SEO/SEM strategy to expand visibility and drive direct revenue. * Foster strong relationships with key clients, third-party planners, and travel partners; actively participate in sales calls, site tours, and key industry events. * Collaborate closely with Revenue Management and Operations teams to optimize rate strategy, package development, and guest experience initiatives. * Leverage market analytics, STR, and competitive data to identify opportunities, guide forecasting, and support long-term sales planning. * Serve as the Saddlebrook brand ambassador in the community, across industry events, and with key regional and national partners. * Lead and inspire a high-performing Sales, Marketing, and Events team, with a focus on talent development, cross-departmental collaboration, and accountability. * Partner with PR and creative agencies to execute media campaigns and secure press coverage that reflect the resort's lifestyle positioning. * Actively engage in local tourism boards, chambers of commerce, and economic development initiatives to strengthen the resort's regional influence.
Responsibilities
* Minimum 5 years of experience as a Director of Sales & Marketing in a four-star hotel or resort environment. * Prior independent property experience is strongly preferred; Midwest resort experience or pre-opening background is a plus. Will considered branded leaders with seasoned experience. * Demonstrated success leading commercial strategy, developing high-performing teams, and exceeding revenue targets. * Strong understanding of digital marketing strategy, guest segmentation, and brand development in the independent resort space. * Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; Delphi or similar CRM experience highly preferred. * Financial acumen, with the ability to analyze data, forecast performance, and deliver results across all sales segments. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence presenting to ownership and senior leadership. * Self-motivated, collaborative, and adaptable to the pace and demands of a growing independent resort. * Willingness to travel up to 10% as needed for sales missions, trade shows, and industry events.
Why Saddlebrook Resort?
* Join a legacy property with deep roots in Florida hospitality and a renewed focus on future growth. * Make an impact by shaping commercial strategy for a beloved independent resort (that is wrapping a recent renovation) in a competitive destination market. * Collaborative, people-first culture where your leadership will drive real results for the team, the property, and the guest experience. * Competitive compensation, bonus opportunity, and relocation support available.
PIa51a4900e7ce-29400-38637684