Position Summary
SAHARA Las Vegas is seeking a strategic and results-driven Director of Player Development to lead the property's casino host team and VIP player development efforts. This role is responsible for driving profitable gaming revenue through player acquisition, retention, trip development, and increased share of wallet while delivering exceptional guest experiences.
The Director will establish a high-performance culture centered on accountability, host productivity, data-driven decision making, disciplined reinvestment and measurable business outcomes. Working closely with Casino Operations, Marketing, Hotel Operations, Revenue Management, and property leadership, this position will ensure player development strategies support the property's revenue, profitability, and guest experience objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Revenue Growth & Player Development
• Develop and execute strategies to acquire, retain, reactivate, and grow valuable casino guests across all gaming segments.
• Drive gaming revenue growth through increased player frequency, theoretical win, trip development, and loyalty.
• Manage player segmentation, host assignments, and VIP relationship strategies to maximize long-term profitability.
• Partner with Casino Marketing to support targeted campaigns, tournaments, hosted events, and player development initiatives.
• Build and maintain relationships with key VIP guests while ensuring profitable reinvestment practices.
Leadership & Accountability
• Lead, coach, and develop the casino host team through clear performance standards and measurable objectives.
• Establish and monitor KPIs related to gaming revenue, player development, host productivity, new player acquisition, and guest satisfaction.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, coaching sessions, and succession planning initiatives.
• Foster a sales-driven culture focused on prospecting, relationship development, and measurable business results.
• Ensure player portfolios are appropriately assigned and actively managed.
Analytics & Technology
• Leverage player data, casino management systems, and reporting tools to identify revenue opportunities and player trends.
• Monitor host productivity, player growth, reinvestment levels, and overall departmental performance.
• Improve reporting processes and utilize technology to enhance operational efficiency and decision making.
• Ensure accurate documentation of player interactions, preferences, and development activities.
VIP Experience & Cross-Functional Partnership
• Ensure high-value guests receive a seamless and personalized resort experience.
• Partner with Hotel Operations and Revenue Management to align VIP accommodations with business objectives.
• Collaborate with Casino Operations, Marketing, Food & Beverage, Entertainment, and Guest Services to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
• Act as a senior advocate for VIP guest needs while balancing profitability and operational priorities.
Financial & Regulatory Oversight
• Create, manage, and monitor the Player Development departmental budget, including host expenses, player reinvestment, hosted events, and related operating costs, ensuring spend aligns with revenue, profitability, and company objectives.
• Develop annual player development business plans, revenue forecasts, host production goals, and reinvestment strategies, and regularly report performance against plan to executive leadership.
• Evaluate departmental performance, profitability, return on investment, and reinvestment effectiveness, taking corrective action when results fall below established objectives.
• Ensure compliance with all gaming regulations, internal controls, company policies, and responsible gaming standards.
Qualifications
• 10+ years of progressive casino player development experience, preferably within a Las Vegas or destination gaming market.
• Proven leadership experience managing casino hosts, player development professionals, or VIP guest portfolios.
• Demonstrated success growing gaming revenue through player acquisition, retention, trip development, and relationship management.
• Strong understanding of casino management systems, player tracking, reinvestment strategies, comp management, and player segmentation.
• Experience partnering with Hotel Operations, Casino Marketing, Revenue Management, and Casino Operations.
• Strong analytical, leadership, communication, negotiation, and business development skills.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, and special events.
• Must maintain a professional appearance, executive presence, and a service-oriented leadership style.
• Nevada Gaming registration or the ability to obtain required licensing.
• Bachelor's degree in business, Hospitality, Marketing, or a related field preferred, but significant relevant gaming experience may be considered.
