Job Description

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.

• 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.

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