Head of Business Development, Groups & Events

We are looking for an experienced Business Development professional to join our Groups and Events team at an exciting time in its journey where two travel management Companies have merged (Good Travel Management and CT Travel Group). This has developed into an £85m+ turnover company, with ambitious growth plans.

We are part of a high growth, innovative 6th generation family business – John Good Group, who over the past two years have undergone considerable transformation and growth, including multiple acquisitions in several sectors.

This brand-new role is an exciting opportunity for anyone with a strong background in business development and strategic planning within the Travel industry and exceptional relationship building skills.

The Role

This role will be responsible for driving revenue growth through strategic planning, relationship building, and identifying new business opportunities within the travel, groups & events sector. The role holder will work as part of the Groups & Events team to develop and maintain strong and lasting relationships with existing and new clients through the delivery of excellent service, using suitable products and services and by doing so, contribute to the overall success of the Groups & Events department.

Key objectives of the role will be:

Business Development: Develop and implement a comprehensive business development strategy focused on Groups & Events including identifying new markets, target audiences, potential revenue streams, partnerships and growth areas

Client Relationship Management: build and maintain strong relationships with new clients to generate repeat business as well as finding new opportunities

Solution Design: In collaboration with the wider team, lead, shape and deliver responses to newly secured client briefs, RFI’s and RFP’s

Operational: Review and negotiate contract terms with clients and key suppliers

Commercial: be responsible for having a full awareness of the Groups & Events financial targets and supporting the team to achieve and exceed them

What we are looking for:

• Established industry relationships
• Excellent knowledge of destinations and industry trends
• Knowledge of Pipedrive would be beneficial but a willingness to learn is a requirement
• Familiarity with the event planning process, including logistics, operations, and marketing
• Professional attitude with a proven track record of new business development and client servicing in the travel, groups and events sector
• A track record of bringing in new briefs, holding relevant client relationships and winning pitches
• Strong ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including clients, partners, and internal teams
• Ability to develop and execute strategic plans, identify market opportunities, and adapt to changing market conditions
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present effectively to both internal and external audiences
• Highly skilled in using the full range of Microsoft Office products (including Teams, Excel, PPT and Word) as well as web-based sharing tools (e.g. SharePoint)
• Be confident in using new technology solutions introduced for both internal and external use and be willing to undertake training
• An experienced multi-tasker who can juggle multiple briefs, projects and tasks
• Commercially minded
• Excellent attention-to-detail and accuracy
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Willing to take a hands-on approach to support a growing team
• Flexibility to travel

Personal attributes

• A passion for travel and delivering exceptional client experiences
• Strong work ethic and team player attitude with strong independent initiative
• Professional drive and can-do approach
• Curious with a focus on professional and personal development
• Able to cope well under pressure

Company benefits and diversity statement:

We respect and value difference and seek to create an inclusive workplace which promotes and values the diversity of our employees. We believe in promoting an environment where everyone, from any background has access to the opportunities to grow and succeed.

Location:

Hessle, London or Tunbridge Wells and/or Hybrid, (with occasional travel to the other offices)