At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive high-value group and corporate revenue through innovative sales strategies.
- Company: Join a vibrant hospitality venue focused on creating memorable experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting role with potential for career advancement in the thriving London events scene.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that transforms events into unforgettable experiences while maximising revenue.
- Qualifications: Proven sales experience and a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The Business Development & Group Sales Manager is responsible for driving high-value group and corporate revenue by selling Draughts as a complete hosted experience, where food, drink, and play work together to maximise dwell time, spend per head, and repeat bookings. This role focuses on quality of revenue, not just quantity of bookings.
Key Responsibilities
- Outbound Sales & Pipeline Ownership (Primary Focus)
- Proactively identify and pursue new group, corporate, and events opportunities
- Build and manage an outbound pipeline targeting:
- Corporate teams and HR / People leads
- Agencies and creative studios
- Local SMEs and community groups
- Universities, societies, and clubs
- Conduct structured outreach via email, phone, LinkedIn, and in-person meetings
- Own follow-ups, objections, and deal closure
- Group Sales with F&B Yield Ownership
- Sell group and corporate experiences that prioritise food and drink spend, not just room hire
- Confidently lead conversations around:
- Sharing menus
- Drinks packages
- Match the right format to the right client, occasion, and budget
- Maximise use of the space by reviewing different activities, even not related to the business that could be hired for
- Event Structuring & Spend Optimisation
- Design and recommend event formats that balance play with food and drink offerings
- Coordinate with Operations on event execution and design considerations
- Avoid under-selling space or time where spend potential exists
- Track and show clear ROI for all events
- Protect guest experience while maximising commercial return
- Account Development & Repeat Business
- Convert one-off bookers into repeat clients
- Track not just repeat bookings, but repeat spend behaviour
- Re-book clients into:
- New menus
- Seasonal drinks launches
- Different dayparts (e.g. midweek socials, end-of-year events)
- Build long-term accounts based on trust in the full experience, not discounts
- Look after all group enquiries and increase revenue by upselling packages and maximising hiring fees
- CRM Ownership & Sales Reporting
- Take ownership of the CRM for all group and event leads
- Ensure accurate logging, tagging, and follow-up of every opportunity
- Maintain a live pipeline with deal value, probability, and forecast dates
- Participate in weekly pipeline reviews with leadership
- Commercial Insight & Feedback
- Feedback insight on:
- What sells fastest
- Which formats repeat
- Price sensitivity and objections
- Soft periods and high-yield opportunities
- Help inform marketing campaigns and product development
- Own the writing and delivery of the business newsletter in line with the newsletter calendar, ensuring content is relevant, commercially focused, and drives engagement and repeat bookings.
- Suggest and implement structural changes where needed to improve performance and retention.
What Success Looks Like
- A healthy, predictable outbound sales pipeline
- Increasing group and events revenue month-on-month
- Improved utilisation of midweek and off-peak capacity
- A growing base of repeat corporate and group clients
- A CRM that contains real, usable commercial data
- Repeat group & events revenue growth
Skills & Experience
- Has proven experience in sales, business development, or commercial hospitality roles
- Is confident with outbound outreach and follow-up
- Can sell experiences, and spaces
- Is organised, resilient, and comfortable with targets
- Understands the balance between revenue growth and guest experience
- Is comfortable using CRM systems (platform-agnostic)
Nice to Have
- Familiarity with London corporate or community markets
- Experience selling to or working within the London events or hospitality sector
- Familiarity with group booking or events management platforms
- Experience producing or contributing to client-facing communications such as newsletters, proposals, or email campaigns
Business Development & Group Sales Manager employer: Draughts
Draughts is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and collaborative work culture, perfect for those passionate about hospitality and sales. With a focus on employee growth, we offer comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring our team members thrive in their roles while enjoying the unique advantage of working in a dynamic environment that prioritises quality experiences over mere transactions. Join us in London, where your contributions directly impact our success and the memorable experiences we create for our clients.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development & Group Sales Manager
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like Business Development & Group Sales Manager at Draughts, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Draughts. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Business Development & Group Sales Manager. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development & Group Sales Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for Draughts:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Draughts. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at Draughts
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Draughts that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Draughts that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Draughts’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
