Director of Business Development

Surrey Hotel and Motel Association; Surrey; Hybrid; CAD 95,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Surrey Hotel & Motel Association is seeking a dynamic Business Development Director to lead initiatives supporting Surrey's hotel and motel businesses. This role involves developing new business opportunities, managing client relationships, and executing marketing strategies to enhance the accommodation sector's growth. Candidates should possess strong leadership skills, a background in sales, and a deep understanding of the tourism market.

Benefits

Full benefits including health and dental

Variable pay for performance component

Qualifications

• 4-5 years of sales or marketing experience in tourism/accommodation.
• 3-5 years of supervisory or management experience.
• In-depth knowledge of the Surrey market.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop new business opportunities in MICE and Sports sectors.
• Manage key client relationships and implement strategies to expand accounts.
• Plan and represent Surrey’s accommodation sector at industry conferences.

Skills

Sales and business development

Leadership

Strategic marketing planning

Customer service

Negotiation

Research

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration

MBA

Tools

Google Ads

Meta Ads

Simpleview

Cvent

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

POSITION PURPOSE

The Surrey Hotel & Motel Association (SHMA) is seeking a dynamic and highly motivated accommodation/tourism professional to become the face of our organization and lead group initiatives to better support Surrey's hotel and motel businesses.

Business Development Director Job Responsibilities:

Sales & Marketing Responsibilities:

• Identify and develop new business opportunities in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and Sports sectors to increase overnight stays at Surrey hotels and motels.
• Review and analyze marketing communications to optimize brand performance and conversion.
• Evaluate existing sales partnerships, enhancing successful initiatives and refining underperforming ones.
• Manage key client relationships and implement strategies to expand existing MICE accounts while building new ones.
• Oversee event/meeting sales leads distribution to Surrey properties via platforms like CVENT and Simpleview CRM.
• Maintain and update content on SHMA websites (SurreyHotelsAssociation.com and StaySurrey.com).
• Plan, budget, and represent Surrey’s accommodation sector at major Canadian industry trade and convention conferences, including Tete a Tete, CMEE, CSAE, and PCMA.
• Foster internal and external relationships to increase lead generation and market share.
• Execute group marketing plans for MICE and collaborate on marketing efforts for Sports groups.
• Build relationships with hotel and motel stakeholders through both digital communications and in-person meetings.
• Research and track emerging market trends and opportunities.
• Recommend new services and contribute to the association’s long-term strategic objectives.
• Provide insights on product development, distribution, and promotional strategies.
• Identify and pursue sponsorship opportunities, including nonprofit engagement.
• Travel to key vendor locations, distribution centers, and other relevant venues.

Communication & Administration Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with hotel managers, customers, suppliers, distributors, partners, and vendors.
• Communicate and collaborate with the SHMA board of directors, providing recommendations on key initiatives and performance metrics.
• Lead the preparation of marketing plans and budgets, ensuring alignment with DBC’s bi-annual MRDT reporting requirements.
• Oversee SHMA grant applications, ensuring board approval and maintaining communication with applicants.
• Track and report organizational expenses, ensuring alignment with DBC’s reporting structure.
• Share key industry updates with SHMA members through newsletters (e.g., MailChimp).
• Assist in developing a system for measuring key performance indicators.
• Cultivate a culture of growth and entrepreneurship within the association.
• Manage relationships with external partners, including the City of Surrey and Discover Surrey.
• Refine engagement strategies for members and stakeholders.
• Propose strategies to best support Surrey’s accommodation sector.

Qualifications & Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of the Surrey market and the hotel/tourism sector.
• Self-motivated with a track record of achieving both short-term and long-term goals independently.
• Experience with digital marketing platforms (e.g., Google Ads, Meta Ads) is an asset.
• Proven experience in working with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong background in sales and business development.
• Exceptional leadership, management, and mentoring skills.
• Expertise in strategic marketing planning.
• Financial and business acumen.
• Ability to meet deadlines and deliver projects on time.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working with Destination Management Organizations or civic government.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Familiarity with Simpleview and/or Cvent platforms.
• Solid negotiation and research skills.
• Customer service-focused with a big-picture mindset.
• Proven experience in lead generation and management.
• Quick learner with a passion for the role.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) for reporting, analysis, and communication.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field; MBA is a plus.
• 4-5 years of sales or marketing experience in the tourism and/or accommodation sectors.
• 3-5 years of supervisory or management experience.
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle for client meetings.

Additional Details & Compensation:

• $95,000 + variable pay for performance component of up to 10%
• The role requires 4 days in office and 1 day hybrid, with potential to evolve based on business needs and performance over time
• Full benefits including health and dental