This role is based in Visit Belfasts business developmentdirectorateaspartofourbusiness events sales team. Our multi award-winning business team are responsible for promoting Belfast and Northern Ireland across the UK & Ireland, Europe and US as a leading destination for conferences, meetings and events. The team work with our industry partners to identify and convert new business for Belfast and the wider region. This role involves working with our partners, and our local ambassador network to attract high- value business events for the city in a range of key sectors from life and health sciences, technology, agri-food, advanced manufacturing and business/professional services. Key aspects of the role involves prospecting and lead generation, representing Belfast and Northern Ireland at in-market events, tradeshows and sales missions, developing bid strategies and proposals for prospective clients, pipeline management and conversion, organising and hosting client site visits and FAM trips. Duties & Responsibilities Develop new business through identifying and converting sales opportunities within the national and international conferences, meetings, and events market. Develop strong relationships with association, corporate, and agency clients in national and international markets to maximize opportunities for Belfast and our industry partners. Contribute to the development of sales and marketing plans and promote Belfast as a destination in key markets, developing client relationships, and identifying new opportunities. Maximize conversion of sales opportunities through effective sales, CRM, and pipeline management. Implement bid strategies for new opportunities, working in partnership with city stakeholders, industry partners, and local ambassadors/sector experts. Create professional bids, proposals, and presentations to showcase Belfast as a leading business events destination. Co-ordinate and participate in face-to-face and virtual sales and marketing activities in key markets, including tradeshows, exhibitions, and workshops, to effectively promote Belfast as a business events destination and to maximize return on investment from sales platforms. Manage operational plans and budgets for sales and marketing activity. Report on sales performance and achievement of KPIs using CRM and effectively manage and evaluate sales calls, bids/proposals, leads, and sales activity. Assist the department in growing commercial income from industry partners and securing participation from partners in Visit Belfast to support business tourism marketing activity. Develop and manage an effective database of existing and potential conference clients through Visit Belfasts CRM system. Represent the business development team at industry, stakeholder, and partner events. Contribute towards business planning, strategy development, and delivery of operational plans within the business development department. Be available to work outside normal hours, including attending networking and client events. National and international travel is an essential part of this role. Person Specification Essential Qualifications: Degree-level qualification. Essential Relevant Experience: Minimum of 3 years of sales and business development experience. Demonstrated track record of success in meeting and exceeding sales targets. Experience of delivering presentations at a senior level. Experience of developing strong bids and proposals. Sales management and CRM experience. Client, account management, and business development experience. Essential Special Aptitudes: Results-driven and target-oriented. Excellent sales and marketing acumen. Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiating skills. Ability to communicate effectively with clients and partners from different countries and cultures. Ability to initiate, build, and maintain effective client and partner relationships at all levels. Excellent planning and organizational skills. A self-starter, who is a team player, with energy, drive, and enthusiasm. Ability to work under pressure effectively. Proficient in key MS Office applications (Word, Teams, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). Desirable Qualifications: Qualification in a relevant discipline, such as tourism, event management, marketing, or business studies. Desirable Relevant Experience: Tourism/event management experience. Business events/MICE experience. Working knowledge of sustainability practices and principles. Experience of Salesforce CRM and/or Salesforce Account Engagement. Experience of Canva for creating bids and presentations. Digital experience. What We Offer Attractive pension scheme with a 20.5% employer contribution. 25 days annual leave (pro-rata) with an additional 11 public holidays. Hybrid working (3 office days and 2 days working from home). Opportunity to work at a city-level, engaging with leading industry partners and making a real impact. Inclusive working environment with regular staff engagement events and activities. Opportunity to work in a dynamic, fun, and welcoming industry. Closing date:5pm Thursday 12th December 2024 Visit Belfasts equal opportunities monitoring form must be enclosed with your CV.