At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive business development across diverse territories and engage with corporate accounts and events.
- Company: Join a dynamic hotel group with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, discounts on food & beverage, and access to wellness programmes.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to work in a vibrant, fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of our hotels and make a real impact in the hospitality industry.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in business development and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Located just off the M57 close to football action at both Anfield and Everton, this Business Development role covers Wales/Midlands/North cluster of four Crest hotels. You will be responsible for driving business development activity across a diverse territory, from Mid Wales through Shropshire up to Merseyside, focusing on corporate accounts, meetings & events, associations, and group business. You will act as the commercial catalyst for these properties and collaborate with central sales, revenue and operations teams to maximise commercial success.
The role is field based so willingness to travel regularly within the assigned territory and attend networking and industry events is essential.
As Business Development Manager, you will:
- Research and develop new business in your region: target corporates, associations, incentive/group travel planners, leisure group operators, sports clubs, golf/tennis societies and leisure segmentation.
Responsible for:
- The Metropole Hotel Venue & Spa (Mid Wales)
- Park House Hotel & Venue (Shropshire)
- Knowsley Inn & Lounge (Merseyside)
- The Feathers Hotel & Restaurant (Shropshire)
The Business Development Manager will be up to date with market trends, have a constant churn of new initiatives and ideas to ensure the business is always evolving and attracting new business whilst maintaining current client base. The Business Development Manager will identify and engage with target account sectors: e.g., corporate HQs in the North West, associations wanting retreat/meeting venues, sports clubs (Knowsley area), and leisure groups seeking a mix of hotels venues.
Maintain and manage a structured pipeline: research prospects, reach out via email/phone, schedule site tours, manage quote submission, negotiate contracts and close business. As Business Development Manager you will conduct regular site visits across your cluster to build relationships with hotel team, host familiarisation visits for clients in partnership with DOS, and attend client meetings on site when business required.
Develop cluster wide initiatives (for example: multi-venue offerings, off-peak meeting bundles, “stay & meet” packages) and coordinate the marketing roll out with the group Marketing team. Track key metrics: number of leads, proposals sent, conversions, average rate, length of stay, segment mix, event utilisation. Provide insight into what’s driving success and what barriers exist.
Attend local and regional networking/business forums, trade events and exhibitions to grow brand visibility of Crest and secure new corporate relationships. Update the CRM at all key stages of the sales lifecycle, ensure consistency of data and clean reporting. You will provide monthly reporting to the Group DOS: pipeline status, wins/losses, insights, and proposed next-steps for the cluster.
The role of Business Development Manager will report to the Group Director of Sales, as we grow our business and develop our unique hotels the successful candidate has the opportunity to shape the role and to have a real impact on the business. This role is ideal for someone who has strong demonstrable business development and commercial skills, with great communication and time management. The candidate will need previous experience, be able to effectively communicate with each hotel team and use their own initiative.
Experience & Qualifications
- Proven experience in business development within the hotel/venue/meetings/events sector (ideally multi-property or resort environment).
- Excellent network and ability to build relationships with corporates.
- Strong commercial acumen: comfortable negotiating contracts, interpreting revenue/ADR/occupancy data, and aligning business opportunities with hotel commercial strategy.
- Self-motivated, organised, able to manage multiple prospects and priorities across locations.
- Excellent presentation, communication and negotiation skills; confident delivering proposals, site tours and client meetings.
- Proficient in CRM systems, MS Office, comfortable producing reports and insights.
£60 BB per night for Friends and Family rate. Celebration of milestone employment anniversaries. 50% off Food & Beverage in our hotels. Meals on duty provided. Access to Hospitality Rewards Offerings from retail and dining discounts, Employee Assistance Programme and same day on-line GP appointments.
Business Development Manager - Midlands & North Cluster in Knowsley employer: Knowsley Inn & Lounge
Crest Hotels is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where Business Development Managers can thrive while driving growth across a diverse territory in the Midlands and North. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including generous discounts, and a culture that celebrates achievements, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the business while enjoying a supportive and collaborative atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager - Midlands & North Cluster in Knowsley
✨Tip Number 1
Get out there and network! Attend local business events, trade shows, and industry meet-ups. It's all about making connections and getting your name out there, so don’t be shy!
✨Tip Number 2
Research your target accounts thoroughly. Know their needs and pain points, and tailor your pitch accordingly. This will show them you mean business and are genuinely interested in helping them succeed.
✨Tip Number 3
Keep your CRM updated like it’s your best mate! Track every interaction, lead, and follow-up. This not only helps you stay organised but also shows potential clients that you’re on top of your game.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to get noticed and ensures your application lands directly in the right hands. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager - Midlands & North Cluster in Knowsley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Business Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in business development, especially within the hotel or events sector, and showcase your ability to build relationships with corporates.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven business success in the past and how you plan to do the same for our hotels in the Midlands and North.
Showcase Your Networking Skills:Since this role involves a lot of networking, mention any relevant industry events you've attended or connections you've made. We want to see that you can hit the ground running and start building relationships right away.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Knowsley Inn & Lounge
✨Know Your Territory
Before the interview, make sure you research the Midlands and North cluster thoroughly. Understand the key players in the corporate accounts, meetings, and events sectors within that area. This will show your potential employer that you're proactive and genuinely interested in driving business development in their specific region.
✨Showcase Your Networking Skills
Since this role involves attending networking and industry events, be prepared to discuss your past experiences in building relationships with corporates and associations. Share specific examples of how you've successfully engaged with clients and secured new business, as this will highlight your ability to thrive in a field-based position.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Brush up on your knowledge of revenue management, occupancy data, and contract negotiation. Be ready to discuss how you can align business opportunities with the hotel’s commercial strategy. This will demonstrate that you have the strong commercial skills needed for the Business Development Manager role.
✨Prepare Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready to ask. Inquire about the current challenges the hotels face in attracting new business or how they measure success in their initiatives. This shows that you're not only interested in the role but also thinking critically about how you can contribute to their success.