Business Development Manager

Job Description

What if you could build effective relationships with clients and people at all levels across the organisationWhat if you could join a fun, hardworking team at our award-winning hospitality venue, IET London: Savoy PlaceWhat if you were our Business Development ManagerAt the IET, making our world a better place starts by creating a better place for our people. At the IET you’ll have more than just a job. Our work is exciting and challenging, connecting the people who solve the problems that matter. It means working withus has real meaning and impact, and you’ll grow - professionally and personally - in ways you never thought possible. We’re also making significant investments in our people, including providing a modern, vibrant workplace and embracing hybrid working.What you’ll be doingYour role as Business Development Manager will involve actively cultivating new business for Savoy Place, as well as revive past business relationships. This involves employing diverse strategies such as reaching out to lapsed clients, engaging in cold callsto potential clients, participating in networking events, scheduling sales appointments with interested parties and conference agents, and diligently pursuing all leads emanating from sales exhibitions.You’ll lead on converting all potential new business into Savoy Place; though effective relationship building and with excellent negotiation skills, whilst ensuring a thorough handover to the event coordination team.What we hope you can bring to the roleWe are looking for someone who is presently engaged in a Business Development position or a comparable role and are aspiring to progress further. Ideally, you’ll possess a background in operating within a target-driven setting and have demonstrated proactivesales expertise in the venue/hospitality industry.As a natural influencer and adept negotiator, you will excel in establishing impactful stakeholder relationships at all levels and exhibit effective communication skills.Hybrid Working for this role involves home working typically one or two days per week.We’d love to get to know youIs Imposter syndrome creeping in Don’t worry - we’d rather hear from you this time than not hear from you at all! Read on for a little more information about the role; but also, keep in mind that we’re open to discussing flexible ways of working, includingreduced hours and working in an agile way, supported by a hybrid working framework that allows you to find the best place to do your best work.A little more about the role

• To proactively identify and secure substantial new business for Savoy Place with a priority to fill the Kelvin Lecture Theatre & Riverside room with STEM clients.
• To follow up all leads with one to one meetings on or off site to the benefit of the business.
• To follow up leads using all tools to hand inclusive of e shots and telephone follow up.
• To use social media channels to promote & build awareness of the venues capabilities.
• Work with the Sales Development Manager & Marketing team to produce focused & detailed plan for penetration into new & existing accounts.
• To look at opportunities to increase weekend occupancy with a focus on STEM bookers.
• To promote Savoy Place to local businesses to increase awareness of the venue as a location for their meetings & events.
• To establish & develop relationships with named key account conference agents.
• To establish & develop relationships with named key account regular bookers.
• To negotiate sales based against the agreed commercial rates/offers.
• To close deals with a signed contract and then pass onto event coordinators.
• To promote the IET to fellow Professional Engineering Institutions (PEI’s) & engineering affiliates to maximise their awareness of the building & the special rates offered.
• To maximise sales and capacity within Savoy Place thorough effective yield management.
• Maintain working relationship and knowledge of all competitors of Savoy Place.
• To attend where required sales exhibitions, conferences and networking events.
• Conduct site inspections with clients, as appropriate
• Record sales activity and event information accurately on company database to ensure seamless delivery by event operations.

A little more about what we’re looking for

• Proven commercial experience and success in Venue/Hospitality Sales
• Commercially aware with a good knowledge of the London venue market.
• Ability to work within a team while being self motivated.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Clear & effective verbal & written communication
• Confident with presentations to small & large groups
• Proven negotiation skills.
• To have excellent PC skills and database experience.
• To have experience of accurately forecasting sales and working to targets.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including regular evenings and very occasional weekends where required.
• Well presented, with excellent customer service skills and awareness.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels across the organisation.
• Excellent relationship builder

Desirable Criteria:

• Working knowledge of Rendezvous Database.

What if you could be you The IET is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. To find out more, head over to our Work for the IET’ site.