Business Development Manager

Working as part of a driven and sales-focussed conference and events team, the Business Development Manager (New Markets) will help promote the organisation’s accommodation, catering and sports facilities to national and international clients.

The primary role of the Business Development Manager is to identify new conference and event market opportunities and target them effectively to initiate further growth during the summer months. The role will require a strong sales focus together with an understanding of relevant market segments and achieving commercial targets. Typical events include academic and charity conferences, sports tournaments, summer schools and high profile national events.

Key responsibilities include:

Business Development:

• New business development through prospecting, qualifying, selling and closing in new market segments which include:Corporate conferencing, team building and training sectorCharity sector and other large associationsArts, heritage and choralSummer schools
• Maintain relationships with existing clients and ensure consistency throughout the sales process
• Conduct sales presentations to new and existing clients
• Track and monitor customer information, produce accurate sales forecasts and relevant reports for existing and new business
• Conduct market research to understand market segment trends and competitive environments
• Develop and implement monthly sales action plans to target each segment effectively
• Develop corrective actions to ensure sales and gross margin targets continue to be achievable
• Attend trade shows and relevant expositions as required
• Engage and promote an ethos of sound commercial decision making
• Effective reporting to senior management

Conference & Event Management:

• Skilful organisation of events and conferences relevant to the sector
• Liaise effectively with key stakeholders to co-ordinate event requirements
• Astute understanding of the administration process associated with clients to include correspondence, contracting, use of the internal property and event management system and room allocations
• Accurate and timely billing of services and management of debtors

The ideal candidate will have at least four years’ sales experience in the C&E/Tourism/Hospitality sector, third level qualification in relevant field a strong advantage.

Candidates must demonstrate:

• Excellent understanding of the conference and events sector, tourism, selling a unique destination and a university environment
• Strong sales record with a high level of achievement; target driven approach with a proven track record of delivering sales growth
• Strong commercial understanding of yield and margins relevant to the sector

Further candidate attributes include:

• Excellent sales and marketing skills Excellent negotiation, influencing and interpersonal skills
• Strong presentation, verbal and written skills
• Strong administration and IT skills
• Ability to establish strong relationships at all levels and effectively negotiate and influence key decision makers
• Sound commercial acumen, analytical skills and an understanding of the delivery of sustainable conference and events services
• Good project management and organisation skills
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, demonstrate high initiative and solve problems creatively

Send in your CV today to find out more on this role!