Head of Business Development

Head of Business Development   Due to ongoing expansion and growth, we have a fantastic new opportunity for an experienced Head of Business Development for the Great National Hotels & Resorts Group. As a senior member of Great National Group's Team, the Head of Business Development will be responsible for identifying growth opportunities and developing client acquisition strategies to expand our client base, market presence an increase group revenue. This role offers huge amounts of exposure to someone who is seeking career development and is truly passionate about the Hospitality industry.   Great National are proudly certified as a Great Place to Work for the second year running and are certified as an Outstanding Employer for 2024 as part of Failte Ireland's Employer Excellence Program. We offer structured programs for growth and career advancement as we consider our employees to be our greatest asset.   Objective of the Role The ideal candidate will be pro-active, forward thinking and an energetic self starter driven to achieve sales targets with a natural ability to execute effectively a focused sales & business development plan for the agreed market segments.   Duties will include:       The management and implementation of the Group Business Development strategy to ensure maximum revenue & profitability and provide potential and existing clients with the highest level of sales service.       Achieve revenue targets across assigned segments in order to maximise on the opportunities that exist in all markets and to achieve budget targets and budgeted revenues through new sales channels       Setting acquisition goals, developing business growth strategies, analysing market trends, managing customer relationships, and collaborating with other departments.       Diligently pursue and own all elements of the business development cycle: from defining opportunities and identifying potential clients to devising sales & marketing strategies, structuring deals, negotiating agreements, and signing contracts.       Leveraging both new and established partnerships to cultivate a robust pipeline of high-quality future client acquisition opportunities.       Collaborate with our team to develop go-to-market strategies that lead to the establishment of valuable relationships, and tangible results.       Demonstrating a high level of professionalism and proficiency in finalizing deals and managing the necessary documentation.       Set up & attend online and face-to-face meetings with potential clients, showcasing to potential clients the various services of the GN Group.       Providing potential clients' GNG team solutions that address their current areas of concern and that improve their business performance.       Demonstrating a high level of professionalism and proficiency in finalizing deals and managing the necessary documentation       Develop a broad industry network and sustain valuable relationships within the sector.       Cultivating & maintaining these relationships with industry partners and potential industry partners to build a network of referrals.       Representing GNG at industry events, conferences, and networking events.       Update the management team weekly on KPIs and visits.       Participating in structured weekly meetings that facilitate the sales process, information sharing, potential customer discussion, and planning tactics.       Maintaining & updating the CRM on the acquisition pipeline.       Managing client relationships and expectations, demonstrating the ability to maintain composure and answer relevant client questions while presenting our service offering.       Possess exceptional skills in building and maintaining strong rapport with clients, fostering trust and loyalty whilst analysing performance data to identify opportunities to further sales growth of the GNG portfolio.       Ability to interact with all levels of the organization and attend and actively participate in the quarterly executive leadership team meeting.       Undertake monthly tracking of corporate accounts to monitor production and identify any decreases, taking the necessary action to remedy same.       Identify key competitors and carry out regular competitor analysis; monitoring their performance, rates and sales activity.       To be fully aware of the main market developments and other factors that would influence business or create favourable market conditions.       Maintain the highest standards of professional conduct at all times when dealing with clients. The ideal candidate - Proven experience in business development and client acquistion, preferably in a similar industry or related field Possess a Business degree or a relevant qualification Highly motivated, proactive organised multi-tasker, with experience in sales at both operational and management levels A proven track-record in achieving sales with a solid results driven mindset Experience in report writing and the ability to lead and motivate the sales team to develop to meet current and future objectives A creative thinker with an outgoing personality who can drive new relationships as well as maintain existing ones. Ability to understand market trends and adapt strategies accordingly. An exceptional results driven negotiator Ability to multi-task, whilst remaining calm, under high pressure and tight deadlines Excellent interpersonal, communication and networking skills, internally and externally Ability to motivate and lead people with experience of effective people management in a team environment. Have a full clean driver's license and their own transport What we can offer you:   Company funded educational programmes Shape your career path with us! Opportunity for internal career growth, progression & promotion with the GN Group nationwide. Advanced online training programs through our E-learning personal development platform Access to GN Employee Assistance & Digital Wellbeing Program Recruitment bonus through our GN refer a friend scheme Excellent Employee Recognition Programme including employee of the month, long service awards, team recognition days and random treat days Employee Social Events to celebrate our teams success together Attractive 20% Employee discount on bar & restaurant food Favourable Friends and Family discounted best available rates in our GN Hotels nationwide. Save money and be healthy with our Bike to work scheme Xmas savings club On site parking   The Great National Hotel & Resorts Group is an equal opportunities employer.