Director of Sales - Rydges Canberra

About EVT: Rydges Canberra is part of EVT, one of Australasia’s market-leading experience creators offering careers that can take you wherever you want to go across entertainment, ventures, and travel. In a world of cookie cutter experiences, here at EVT we believe in changing the game. It’s why we all call ourselves Daymakers - because each day is a chance to add the wow factor for our customers and continually grow in our own careers.

Proudly owned and operated in Australia and New Zealand, Rydges offers refreshingly local stays in city, regional and resort-style hotels. We’re not just in the neighbourhood, we’re part of it. Every hotel is designed for ease, connection and quality. From check-in to check-out, our local heroes bring a can-do attitude and “too easy” service. Whether it’s for work or a well-earned break, our place feels like home with the charm of somewhere new. Join us to help make every moment memorable.

EVT has an endless range of roles and careers paths to explore across over 140 entertainment experiences like Event Cinemas and Moonlight Cinemas, 150 award winning restaurants and bars, and 80+ hotels, including QT, Rydges, Atura, LyLo, Independent Collection and Australia’s most loved year round alpine resort, Thredbo. Our ventures include a ~$2.3B property portfolio and hotel management, just to name a few. Once you’re in, there’s no limits on where your career could take you.

The Role

Rydges Canberra is looking for a talented and driven Director of Sales with a genuine hunter mentality to lead our sales team and drive revenue growth. Leading a team that includes a Sales Manager (Conference & Events) and Conference Coordinator, you'll take full ownership of the hotel's sales performance — proactively hunting new business, growing our corporate account base, and setting the pace for the team around you. This role suits someone who is ready to operate at Director level now: commercially confident, hands-on, and just as comfortable presenting to a boardroom as they are picking up the phone to chase a lead.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the hotel's sales strategy with a strong, proactive focus on corporate segment growth and new business development.
• Actively hunt and convert new business, building a strong pipeline through prospecting, networking and industry.
• Lead corporate contracting and rate negotiations, ensuring competitive positioning and strong account terms.
• Lead, develop and train the sales team - including the Sales Manager (C&E) and Conference Coordinator - building their capability and confidence to take on greater responsibility over time.
• Present confidently and persuasively to clients, stakeholders and key accounts, owning high-value proposals and pitches.
• Drive team engagement, setting a high-energy, high-accountability standard for performance.
• Oversee sales reporting, forecasting and CRM accuracy in line with EVT policy and procedure.
• Maintain strong awareness of the competitive landscape and market trends, applying insight to sharpen the hotel's corporate sales approach.
• Contribute to business reviews and the Annual Business Plan and Financial Budget.

What You'll Bring

• A genuine hunter mentality energised by new business development, proactive prospecting and closing deals, not just account maintenance.
• Strong corporate sales background, with hands-on experience in corporate contracting and rate negotiation.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing a sales team, with the ability to coach others toward Director-level readiness.
• Confidence and polish presenting to senior stakeholders and clients, with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to set and execute a sales strategy in a hotel environment.
• Proficiency in CRM systems and hotel sales reporting tools.

How You Work

• Daymaker ethos — no one’s too big for the small things.
• Inclusive leader — values diverse perspectives; builds belonging.
• Owner’s mindset — acts on data/feedback; ships improvements.

Perks from Day One

As part of EVT, you unlock Elevate Perks from your first day. Parity for all levels - no ivory towers.

• 50% off dining and stays across EVT hotels – QT, Rydges, Atura, LyLo and more.
• $2 movie tickets + discounts on Gold Class, Moonlight Cinema and Candy Bar.
• Seasonal perks at Thredbo.
• Rapid career growth across our hotel & entertainment network.
• Paid parental leave; community & volunteering opportunities.

Police Check Acknowledgement

Please note that the successful candidate for this position will be required to undergo and satisfactorily pass a criminal record check as part of the recruitment process.

Join Rydges Canberra and become an EVT experience creator, opportunity taker, the ultimate Daymaker.

Join and make a positive impact on our people, communities, and environment every day.

Send your CV and a short cover letter. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and review applications as they come in - don’t wait! We can’t wait to see the places your career will go with EVT.

When you click apply, you’ll be taken to our secure EVT careers portal (powered by Dayforce). This is our official system for managing applications across the EVT Group. You’ll simply enter your details and answer a few quick screening questions so we can get to know you better.