A day in the life of a Director of Sales and Marketing

Hello, I’m Doug Kelly and I’ve been part of the IHG team for 3 years. Before that I was with Kimpton for 5 years and I’m currently based at the InterContinental Houston Medical Center, where I’m the Director of Sales and Marketing.

Put some coffee in the tank
First things first, my day starts with a good cup of coffee. Once I’ve enjoyed that I can prioritise what needs to be at the front of my thinking, create a list of action items to refer to and check over action items from the day before. That’s the administrative start of the day, but even more important is taking the time to touch base with every member of my team. As their leader, I think it’s vital to set the tone for the rest of the day from the outset, with a positive attitude and affirmative engagement.

No such thing as a typical day
Each day in this post is a whole new adventure, and that’s exactly what I love about the job I’m in. I’m given the autonomy to build something that’s entirely my own, with the help of a first rate team. The average afternoon involves a combination of meeting with clients and strategizing with members of the team. We’re constantly looking for ways to make sure that the hotel continues to be the success it is. I carry my notebook with me everywhere I go, from first thing in the morning to when I finish work at 6pm. When you spend all day every day engaging with co-workers, clients and guests you find yourself with a stream of important events, observations and facts to take away with you, and every one of them goes into my notebook.

Making that connection
It’s that kind of personal connection which I can honestly say is my favourite part of the job. I feel privileged to spend each day engaging first hand with employees and guests from all walks of life, forging the kind of links that the hospitality business is built on. It’s hard to pick a least favourite aspect of my job, but the honest truth is that part of any managers work involves having to make the kind of tough decisions and have difficult conversations that you’d probably rather not make or have. To anyone thinking of following in my footsteps I’d say that the most important attribute is the ability to be selfless. You’re a leader, so you have to put the needs of your hotel and your team first, and try to see things from the perspective of the owners you work for and the people working under you.

Family first
When it comes to inspiration, nothing makes me want to work harder day in, day out than the chance to set a great example to my family and my kids. That’s why, if I ever get a spare few hours, I never think of anything but spending some time with them. Back at work, I’m inspired by the support system offered by the senior leadership team at IHG. Throughout my time with the company they’ve offered guidance, support and the chance to learn first-hand from their years of experience.

In the long term
Looking to the future, I see myself overseeing a region of hotels, and taking on the role of guiding new, younger directors to becoming leaders in their markets. I’d like to provide the next generation with the kind of tools and knowledge which I’ve had handed down to me during my time with IHG.

Doug is just one of the many passionate people who work in our hotels. If his story inspires you to pursue a rewarding career in sales then why wait? Hit the Apply Now button at the top of the page and start your own adventure.