Business Development Manager

University of Essex; Rowhedge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Essex in the UK is seeking a Business Development Manager for Wivenhoe House Hotel and UECS portfolio to drive revenue growth. You will develop sales plans, build pipelines, and convert initial enquiries into revenue while collaborating with Hotel, Operations, Marketing and UECS teams.

You will identify new markets and opportunities, manage relationships with clients and stakeholders, and deliver compelling offers.

Qualifications

• Experience in generating revenue and exceeding targets.
• Knowledge of hotel, meetings and events market.
• Strong IT skills and the ability to attend networking events, conferences and trade shows.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop new business opportunities to grow revenue.
• Develop sales plans and pipelines; convert enquiries to revenue.
• Build strong client and stakeholder relationships.
• Work with Hotel, Operations, Marketing and UECS teams to meet objectives.
• Attend networking events, conferences and trade shows (early mornings, evenings and weekends).

Skills

Revenue generation

Sales targets

Negotiation

Relationship building

Stakeholder management

Networking

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Commercial creativity

Education

Undergraduate degree

Job description

As the Business Development Manager, you will identify and develop new business opportunities to grow revenue and profitability across Wivenhoe House Hotel and the wider UECS portfolio. You will develop sales plans and pipelines, identify new markets and revenue opportunities, build strong client and stakeholder relationships, while taking opportunities from initial enquiry through to conversion. You will be working closely with the Hotel, Operations, Marketing and wider UECS teams to deliver on business objectives and projects .You will also support the delivery of business objectives and projects, while developing compelling offers, generating leads and contributing to commercial targets.

Skills and qualifications required

We are looking for an experienced commercial professional with a proven track record of generating revenue, exceeding targets, managing budgets and identifying new business opportunities, ideally with knowledge of the hotel, meetings, and events market.

You will be a confident relationship builder and communicator, with strong negotiation, persuasion, and sales skills. You will also be commercially creative, organised, and self-motivated, with the ability to spot opportunities, solve problems and work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.

An undergraduate degree or equivalent experience is required, alongside strong IT skills and the flexibility to attend networking events, conferences, and trade shows, including some early mornings, evenings, and weekends.