Business Development Executive - The Old Inn

Business Development Executive - The Old Inn

Full Time

THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS WILL BE THURSDAY 12TH NOVEMBER 2026

Job Title: Business Development Executive– The Old Inn

Location: The Old Inn

Reports to: Director of Business Development

Contract: Full Time, Permanent

Salary: £30,000 - £35,000 per annum, depending on experience

Working Pattern: Flexible working required to support networking and community events

Role Overview

This is a hands-on, sales-focused role responsible for generating new business and delivering revenue growth for The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn. The successful candidate will build relationships across Belfast, North Down and the wider Northern Ireland market, raise the property’s profile and convert opportunities into measurable bookings and revenue.

The role covers accommodation, dining, private dining, meetings, celebrations and exclusive-use opportunities. As a boutique property and member of Ireland’s Blue Book, The Old Inn requires a personal approach that reflects its character, heritage and guest experience. Working with the Sales & Business Development and operational teams, the Executive will manage opportunities through to contract stage, complete a clear handover to the Events Team and remain involved in the longer-term client relationship.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver agreed individual revenue and activity targets, measured through business secured, pipeline value and conversion.
• Proactively identify, approach and convert new business across accommodation, dining, meetings, private events, weddings, celebrations and exclusive use.
• Maintain an active pipeline of qualified opportunities with clear next steps, realistic values and timely follow-up.
• Work with property, events and revenue teams to target need periods, seasonal campaigns and quieter trading dates.
• Develop repeat business by maintaining relationships with clients following their initial booking or visit.
• Build relationships with businesses and professional networks across Belfast, Holywood, Bangor, Newtownards, North Down and the wider market.
• Position The Old Inn for client entertaining, team occasions, small meetings, private dining, overnight stays and corporate gifting.
• Promote The Old Inn’s boutique character and Ireland’s Blue Book membership to support premium leisure, short-break and special-occasion business.
• Develop relevant tourism, travel trade, concierge and destination management relationships where they can generate business.
• Introduce prospective clients and partners to the property through meetings, site visits, hosted events and dining experiences.

Dining & Private Events

• Generate restaurant, private dining, celebration and small event bookings through targeted outreach and relationship management.
• Identify tailored and exclusive-use opportunities that suit the scale and character of the property.
• Promote key trading periods, quieter dining dates, seasonal events and gifting opportunities to relevant clients and contacts.

Client Conversion & Handover

• Manage qualified opportunities from initial enquiry through proposal, negotiation and contract stage, working with internal teams to create commercially sound offers.
• Once event business is contracted, lead a clear handover to the Events Team, who will manage business sheets, planning and final details.
• Remain informed after handover, retaining ownership of client follow-up, repeat business and the wider relationship.
• Represent The Old Inn professionally at relevant networking, client and industry events.
• Keep prospecting, meetings, opportunities, confirmed business and follow-up activity accurately recorded in the agreed CRM or reporting system.
• Provide regular updates on revenue secured, pipeline, partnership activity and upcoming opportunities.
• Work closely with Sales & Business Development, Marketing and property teams, sharing relevant market insight, client feedback and competitor activity.

The Person

• Commercially minded, proactive and confident in approaching new contacts and asking for business.
• A natural relationship builder who understands the personal approach required when representing a boutique property.
• Confident communicating the character, quality and guest experience of The Old Inn to corporate, leisure and private clients.
• Organised and disciplined in managing a pipeline, following up opportunities and reporting results.
• Able to combine a warm, personable approach with clear focus on revenue and conversion.
• Flexible and willing to attend relevant evening or weekend events when required.
• Minimum two years’ experience in sales, business development, hospitality, events or another target-driven client-facing role.
• Demonstrable experience of generating leads, building client relationships and contributing to revenue growth.
• Strong knowledge of Belfast, North Down and the surrounding business and leisure market.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Confident using Microsoft Office and CRM or sales-tracking systems.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Experience within boutique hotels, restaurants, events, tourism or premium leisure.
• Existing relationships within Belfast, North Down or the local professional and business community.
• Experience selling private dining, small meetings, intimate weddings, exclusive-use events or leisure experiences.
• Experience working with tourism, travel trade or destination management partners.

Perks of the job!!

We’repassionate about service, our guests, and, of course, our people.Whether you are new to Hospitality, fancy a different career path or wantto extend your knowledge, Galgorm Collection can offer youanendlessamountof opportunities.Why work for us?Click here to view our work perks!https://www.galgorm.com/why-work-with-us.html

We reserve the right to enhance the criteria to aid shortlisting and, in the event, that we receive large numbers of applications only those that are shortlisted will be contacted.

Please be aware that by applying for this post you are consenting to Galgorm Collection processing the information you have provided for the purposes of Recruitment and Selection for this role.Further details are available in our Job Applicants Privacy Policy available on request from our HR department, please contacthr@rabbithotel.com

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