Charter & MICE Director (W/M/X) / Orient Express Sailing Yachts

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Orient Express Sailing Yachts seeks a Charter & MICE Director to own the global commercial strategy for ultra-luxury yacht charters and incentive programs, reporting to the Chief Commercial Officer. The role demands ten-plus years in luxury hospitality, yachting, or high-end MICE, a track record of multi-million euro sales, and a deep network in luxury travel, yacht brokerage, and UHNW circles. You will define pricing frameworks, build strategic partnerships, supervise complex negotiations, and collaborate with ACCOR Global Sales and shipboard leadership to deliver flawless experiences while protecting brand prestige. To apply, tailor your CV to quantify revenue growth, showcase leadership and cross-functional impact, and demonstrate fluency in French and English.

Company Description

ABOUT ORIENT EXPRESS

Artisan of travel since 1883, Orient Express sublimates the art of travel with its luxury trains, hotels, and sailing yachts. The brand has just launched its first hotel, Orient Express La Minerva, in Rome – which will be followed by Orient Express Venezia at Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in 2026. The experience continues with the recent launch of La Dolce Vita Orient Express train, followed by Orient Express Corinthian in 2026, the first of two Orient Express Sailing Yachts, and finally, the return of L’Orient Express train to railways. Since 2022, Orient Express is part of Accor Group’s leading collection of luxury brands with a century-old legacy in the hotels and fine- dining sectors. In 2024, Accor and LVMH entered into a strategic partnership to accelerate the development of Orient Express. Follow the journey at @orientexpress on Instagram or visit the website at www.orient-express.com

ABOUT ORIENT EXPRESS SAILING YACHT  

140 years after the launch of its first luxury trains, the Orient Express legend continues with the launch of the world's largest sailing ships, the Orient Express Corinthian. A revolution in maritime history, and a fabulous project that pushes back the limits of what is possible. The result of a unique French partnership between Accor, the world leader in hospitality, and Chantiers de l'Atlantique, the world's leading cruise ship builder. This extraordinary sailing ship of the future, with its spectacular interiors, will set sail in 2026. 

Job Description

The Director of Charter & MICE is responsible for defining and executing the global commercial strategy for exclusive yacht charters and MICE business aboard the ultra-luxury Orient Express Yacht. This leadership role drives revenue growth, oversees high-level client partnerships, and ensures the flawless delivery of bespoke charter and incentive experiences aligned with the prestige and heritage of the Orient Express brand.

Reporting directly to the Chief Commercial Officer, the Director leads strategic sales initiatives, manages key stakeholder relationships, and collaborates cross-functionally with ACCOR Global Sales, the Orient Express Management Company, and shipboard leadership to position the yacht as a premier ultra-luxury charter and MICE destination worldwide.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Revenue Ownership

• Develop and implement the global charter and MICE commercial strategy, aligning with overall brand and revenue objectives.
• Own and deliver annual revenue targets for full yacht charters and MICE segments, with clear forecasting, budgeting, and performance tracking.
• Identify market opportunities, emerging trends, and competitive positioning to drive long-term growth.
• Define pricing strategy, contracting frameworks, and commercial policies in coordination with senior leadership.
• Establish KPIs and reporting structures to measure performance, profitability, and client acquisition effectiveness.

Business Development & Global Partnerships

• Lead high-level business development efforts targeting top-tier yacht charter brokers, family offices, UHNW clientele, global corporations, luxury travel advisors, and premier event agencies.
• Cultivate and manage strategic partnerships within the global yacht charter and MICE ecosystem.
• Represent Orient Express Yacht at key international trade shows, luxury travel forums, and industry events.
• Drive collaboration with ACCOR Global Sales and regional sales offices to maximize global reach and cross-selling opportunities.
• Oversee complex negotiations for full yacht buyouts and high-value incentive programs.

Client & Stakeholder Leadership

• Act as executive point of contact for key accounts and high-value charter clients.
• Ensure a consultative sales approach that translates client vision into bespoke, ultra-luxury experiences.
• Maintain long-term strategic relationships to generate repeat business and brand advocacy.
• Oversee contract negotiation, commercial terms, and risk management in collaboration with Legal and Finance teams.

Operational & Cross-Functional Alignment

• Partner closely with Marine Operations, Hotel Services, Culinary, and Shipboard Leadership to ensure seamless execution of charter and MICE programs.
• Provide strategic direction during program design to ensure feasibility, profitability, and brand alignment.
• Lead post-event reviews and performance evaluations to continuously refine the charter offering.
• Oversee sales administration processes, CRM governance, budgeting, and financial tracking for the segment.

Team Leadership & Organizational Development

• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing Charter & MICE sales team as the business scales.
• Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and ultra-luxury service mindset.
• Provide coaching on negotiation, account management, and strategic selling techniques.
• Collaborate with Marketing to develop targeted campaigns and high-impact sales collateral for the segment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years of progressive experience in luxury hospitality, yachting, ultra-luxury travel, or high-end MICE sales, including senior leadership responsibilities.
• Proven track record of managing high-revenue portfolios and delivering multi-million-euro sales targets.
• Deep understanding of the global yacht charter market and/or corporate MICE segment.
• Established international network within luxury travel, yacht brokerage, corporate incentive, and UHNW communities.
• Strong financial acumen, including forecasting, budgeting, and revenue optimization.
• Exceptional negotiation, executive presence, and relationship management skills.
• Fluent in French and English (written and spoken); additional languages are a plus.
• Willingness to travel internationally as required.

Additional Information

 A real work life balance 

• ALL - Heartist® Program: Unforgettable stays and experiences at all Accor locations and partner venues worldwide.  

• And at our Issy les Moulineaux site: Collaborative workspaces, an employee restaurant, unlimited coffee, gaming and sports areas, a concierge service, and a park just across the street. 

Attractive Finance benefits 

• Sustainable Mobility Package up to €700 for the use of "green" transportation, or 75% coverage of Pass Navigo (public transportation pass).  

Learning & development 

• Talent Management at the earth our strategy. 

• We want you to feel free to dare and free to grow, by opening new doors to continuous learning and skills development. Challenge yourself and switch between jobs, brands, and career paths 

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: 
We are an inclusive company and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent.