Business development Manager: Tourism & hospitality

SUMMARY:
A well established group of companies with major real estate in the tourism and hospitality space in Gauteng is seeking a Business Development Manager to drive new business initiatives throughout the business.

POSITION INFO:

1. Business Strategy & Growth:

   • Develop and implement strategic plans to grow the company’s market share in the hospitality industry.

   • Analyze market trends and competitor offerings to identify potential areas for expansion.

   • Identify and target new business opportunities within the hospitality sector, including hotels, resorts, event venues, and restaurants.

   • Develop and execute plans to meet sales targets and KPIs.

2. Client Acquisition & Relationship Management:

   • Build, maintain, and nurture strong relationships with potential and existing clients, including senior executives, key decision-makers, and stakeholders.

   • Negotiate contracts and manage the proposal process to secure new business.

   • Engage in proactive outreach through cold calls, meetings, industry networking events, and presentations to acquire new clients.

   • Ensure excellent customer satisfaction through regular follow-ups and by addressing client needs.

3. Market Research & Analysis:

   • Conduct research to identify emerging market trends and new business opportunities within the hospitality sector.

4. Collaboration & Internal Communication:

   • Work closely with marketing, operations, and product teams to tailor solutions that meet client needs and align with the company’s objectives.

5. Reporting & Forecasting:

• Prepare regular sales forecasts, pipeline reports, and updates for senior management.

• Track progress against sales targets and adjust strategies as needed.

• Key Skills & Competencies:

• Sales Expertise: Proven experience in sales or business development, ideally within the hospitality industry.

• Negotiation Skills: Strong negotiation and deal-closing capabilities.

• Market Knowledge: Deep understanding of the hospitality market, including trends, competition, and customer needs.

• Client-Focused: Excellent customer service skills, with a focus on building long-term relationships.

• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present and influence at all levels.

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think critically and develop strategies that drive business growth.

• Project Management: Skilled in managing multiple projects simultaneously, with an eye for detail and deadlines.

• Problem Solving: Ability to think creatively and strategically to overcome challenges.

• Team Collaboration: Experience working collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications:

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Hospitality Management, or a related field is preferred.

• Experience: Minimum of 5 - 7 years of experience in business development, sales, or account management in the hospitality or related industry.