Head of Commercial Development – MICE

Red D are recruiting a Head of Commercial Development for one of Ireland’s leading Tourist Attractions and MICE Events Venues.

As Head of Commercial Development, you’ll be responsible for developing and implementing an innovative commercial strategy, working with partners to promote the venue as a key player in the MICE space, delivering events revenue, and contributing to the successful growth of the daytime visitor F&B experience.

What the role entails

• Lead a dynamic team that pitches, plans and executes world-class events ranging from 20 to 2,000 attendees from all across the globe.
• Develop our strategic growth plan for the future, specifically around the events business, while also inputting into transformation plans for the daytime visitor F&B experience.
• Work closely with “brand colleagues” to understand their mission and execute their vision for the Venue.
• Manage and build relationships with existing clients and trade partners to create new MICE business opportunities.
• Achieve agreed revenue targets for events sales, and support on visitor catering metrics.
• Create and continually refine all of the marketing materials needed to proactively sell the Venue to MICE markets – locally, nationally, and internationally.
• Host site visits and FAM trips, attend industry and client networking events, trade shows and exhibitions.
• Work closely with the Executive Chef on our food strategy and menu development and collaborate with company partners on the overall strategy.
• Project manage and oversee the implementation and ongoing management of EPOS and Event Management software.
• Responsibility for the annual departmental budget and analysis of everything from ways of working to P&L interrogation.

Who we’re looking for

• You’ll have a track record of leading teams in hospitality venues of a similar scale and ambition, with at least five years’ experience in a similar role.
• You are always thinking commercially, seeing opportunities when they arise and acting on them, with the communication skills to articulate and sell to colleagues and clients alike.
• Budgeting, forecasting and reporting experience is a must – you’ll have a clear understanding of the financial expectations, an ability to report results, and an understanding of both business specific and macro trends.
• Someone who thrives on working in a fast-paced business, sees around corners, has unrivalled attention to detail and a commitment to creating a great working environment.
• A people person who is passionate about hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences, who is a team player who leads from the front and isn’t afraid to roll their sleeves up to get things done.
• Someone who has excellent industry contacts and can maintain excellent working relationships with key stakeholders including Failte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, as well as corporate clients and trade partners.
• You will be a brand ambassador who is excited to travel, connect, network and tell our story.

Benefits for you

• Join an innovative organisation that is passionate about delivering top-of-the-line events and visitor experiences for one of the world’s best-loved brands.
• Be part of the future growth and direction of the business, working on projects that are creative, challenging and rewarding.
• Work with like-minded people who work hard, support each other and have fun along the way.
• A highly competitive salary plus bonus.
• Plenty of opportunity for learning, development and progression.
• Employee Assistance Programme, pension & life assurance schemes, Bike to Work, Refer a Friend rewards.