Introduction

An Icon Returns – Grand Hotel Locarno on Lake Maggiore

Located in the heart of Locarno, overlooking Lake Maggiore and just steps from its shores, Grand Hotel Locarno returns to a refined sanctuary of elegance, well-being, and discovery. Originally opened in 1876, the hotel has long been a stage for history, hosting landmark moments such as the European Peace Conference in 1925 and the opening of the Locarno Film Festival in 1946. In 2027, this legendary grand hotel proudly re‑emerges, renewing its Belle Époque legacy through a contemporary lens—where timeless grandeur meets modern luxury and the art of vacationing finds new meaning.

Surrounded by alpine scenery, tranquil lake views, and expansive gardens, the hotel offers a rare balance of refined tranquility and restorative retreat. The 110 elegantly designed rooms and suites blend historic character with contemporary comfort, many featuring private terraces or balconies overlooking the lake.

Wellness is seamlessly woven into the experience, with an indoor pool set within historic grottos, an outdoor pool, dedicated yoga and fitness area, and spaces dedicated to relaxation. Culinary offerings range from Mediterranean lakeside dining to refined Asian cuisine, complemented by a historic lobby bar crowned by a magnificent, frescoed ceiling.

With elegant meeting rooms and a spectacular 787-square-meter event space opening onto the hotel’s 4,000-square-meter park, Grand Hotel Locarno is once again both a destination and a stage—proudly restored, thoughtfully reimagined, and ready to create new history.

As Director of Commercial, you will be responsible for the comprehensive commercial strategy of the Grand Hotel Locarno, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa, Lake Maggiore. You will integrate the functions of Sales, Convention Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Management into a unified commercial strategy.

The objective of the position is to ensure a strong, differentiated, and brand-aligned positioning of the hotel, as well as to maximize revenue, occupancy, and profitability in the long term through strategic and operational management of all commercial activities - particularly in the context of the hotel’s opening.

You will develop and implement a holistic commercial strategy for the pre-opening phase and ongoing operations, drive brand presence in all relevant target markets, and ensure a consistent guest experience across all touchpoints.

Your tasks

• Overall responsibility for the hotel’s topline commercial performance (rooms, F&B, events)
• Development and implementation of an integrated commercial, sales, revenue and marketing strategy
• Management of all proactive sales activities (sales calls, trade shows, sales trips, fam trips, key account management)
• Development and implementation of strategic marketing and action plans (digital, print, social media, PR)
• Positioning the hotel as a leading luxury destination in Ticino, including brand strategy and
• Close collaboration with Revenue Management Cluster and AHSE Area Director of Revenue Management to manage pricing, forecasting, analytics and booking behaviors
• Close collaboration with Area Sales & Marketing AHSE and the Marriott Luxury Brand Teams, as well as Global Sales Offices and Global Sales Agents
• Responsibility for the Commercial Action Plan, Business Plan, budgets, forecasts, and reporting
• Development and maintenance of international key accounts and strategic partnerships (luxury travel agencies, consortia, destination partners)
• Management of external agencies (PR, content, digital, production)
• Ensuring a consistent brand presence across all channels and outlets
• Responsibility for website performance, content strategies, and all relevant online platforms
• Planning and executing marketing campaigns to increase revenue and occupancy
• Creating commercial materials (presentations, brochures, newsletters, sales tools
• Leading, developing, and motivating the commercial team (Sales & Marketing, Convention Sales, Reservation Sales, Revenue Management)
• Further development of structures, processes, and market performance
• Ensuring compliance with all brand, quality, and process standards (Marriott International & Arabella Hospitality)
• Management of cross-functional projects and Manager-on-Duty duties

Your profile

• Several years of leadership experience in the commercial sector of the luxury or upscale hospitality industry
• In-depth expertise in sales, marketing, and ideally revenue management
• Proven experience in the international luxury segment as well as in building and developing markets and networks
• Experience in pre-opening, rebranding, or repositioning of hotels is a plus
• Strong strategic thinking combined with a proven track record of operational execution
• Strong brand understanding and a keen sense of quality and aesthetics
• Experience managing external partners and agencies
• Excellent communication and presentation skills at the executive level
• Strong negotiation skills and entrepreneurial mindset
• Strong leadership skills with a focus on team development and performance
• Experience with international hotel brands (e.g., Marriott) is a plus
• Very good Italian, German and English skills
• Willingness to travel frequently for international sales and marketing activities

Benefits

• An exciting role and diverse responsibilities in a forward-thinking and long-established company with a unique hotel portfoli
• Participation in the Arabella Hospitality Commercial Bonus System
• Collegial team spirit
• Permanent employment contract
• Attractive benefits, including company-sponsored supplemental health insurance, discounted hotel rates at our hotel partner Marriott International, and meal subsidies
• An open and appreciative corporate culture in which we actively promote personal development

Contact

Have we piqued your interest? Then please send your detailed application materials, including your salary expectations and notice period, to:

Verena Heller, Human Resources Executive: verena.heller@arabella.com