Business Development Manager, Group Sales

Position Summary

We are seeking a strategic and dynamic sales professional to drive lead generation and revenue growth from North American clients for member hotels with a primary focus on North American properties. This role is responsible for identifying and securing new business opportunities and strengthening relationships with high-value accounts. The ideal candidate will be a proactive and persistent sales professional with a strong track record in lead generation and new business development, possess strong analytical and presentation skills, a data-informed approach to sales strategy, and the ability to manage multiple initiatives across a fast-paced, high-touch environment. Representing The Leading Hotels of the World at events and industry functions, this individual will play a key role in enhancing brand visibility and capturing new business while actively contributing to the strategic direction of the Group Sales team.

Responsibilities

Business Development & Sales Strategy

• Identify, qualify, and secure new business opportunities within the luxury group travel market for our member hotels while ensuring alignment with business objectives
• Create and implement targeted sales strategies that drive measurable growth across leads, bookings, and revenue
• Analyze pipeline activity to uncover opportunities for strategic support, deeper engagement, and business growth with member hotels
• Stay current on market trends, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities to inform sales strategies

Account & Partner Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key accounts, member hotels, and industry partners to increase brand visibility and preference across the assigned region
• Collaborate with hotel partners to develop tailored offerings that increase lead volume, confirmed bookings, and revenue
• Leverage CRM tools to track sales performance and client engagement, using insights to pursue high-potential opportunities

Client Engagement & Event Execution

• Plan and execute sales missions, client educational programs (FAMs), and leadership-assigned events, ensuring high ROI by prioritizing top-performing accounts and hotels
• Represent The Leading Hotels of the World at industry events, trade shows, and networking opportunities to strengthen relationships and uncover new business
• Manage personal travel and coordinate direct and collaborative sales calls independently.

Communication & Internal Collaboration

• Prepare and deliver persuasive presentations; lead productive meetings with internal teams, hoteliers, and stakeholders
• Execute special projects and initiatives as needed to support broader team and organizational goals

Budget & Operational Accountability

• Develop and meet annual expense budgets for assigned market
• Ensure all sales activities are conducted with a focus on maximizing client engagement and ROI

Requirements & Experience

• 3+ years of experience in MICE and group related business development, sales, or account management within the luxury hospitality or group travel sector
• Proven track record of meeting and exceeding sales goals
• Established network of corporate and incentive luxury group travel buyers is highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of the North American luxury travel market and client expectations
• Experience working with high-net-worth clientele, incentive and corporate travel planners, and luxury event organizers
• Fluent in English (written & spoken) other languages are desirable.

 Skills & Abilities

• Strong sales foundation with knowledge of the group travel lifecycle, negotiation tactics, and revenue-driving strategies
• Results-oriented, tenacious, and thrives in competitive, fast-paced environments
• Highly organized, adaptable, and able to multitask independently while collaborating across teams
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate insights into clear, actionable plans
• Builds trust and influence with diverse clients and colleagues; communicates with cultural sensitivity and professionalism
• Skilled in developing and managing key and mid-tier accounts autonomously
• Confident and effective in both verbal and written presentations, with strong interpersonal and cross-functional communication skills
• Proficient in Salesforce, Outlook, Word, Power Point and Excel
• Passionate about luxury hospitality with a strong understanding of high-end travel experiences
• Maintains financi