Business Development Manager, Group

Position Overview:

We’re looking for a strategic, high-energy sales professional to drive lead generation and revenue growth for our North American member hotels by identifying and converting opportunities within the North American market with the potential of expanding into other global regions. Supporting a growing portfolio of more than 30-plus member hotels, each with its own distinct story and value proposition, this role is centered on securing new business while deepening relationships with key, high-value accounts.

The ideal candidate brings a strong track record in prospecting and new business development, along with a proactive and persistent approach to sales. They are comfortable using data to inform strategy, confident in presenting to senior stakeholders, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-touch environment.

As a representative of The Leading Hotels of the World at industry events and client engagements, this individual will play an important role in elevating brand visibility, generating new business, and contributing to the strategic direction and success of the Group Sales team.

This is a full-time position located in New York City. We offer flexible workplace policies that allow for working remotely 3 days a week and require being in our NYC office 2 days a week (Wednesdays and Thursdays).

Key Responsibilities:

Business Development & Sales Strategy

Identify, qualify, and secure new business opportunities within the luxury group travel market for member hotels, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives

Develop and execute targeted sales strategies that drive measurable growth in leads, bookings, and revenue

Build deep knowledge of a growing portfolio of more than 30-plus North American member hotels, each with a distinct positioning, and translate that into compelling sales opportunities with the potential of expanding internationally

Analyze pipeline activity to identify opportunities for growth, deeper engagement, and targeted support for member hotels

Stay current on market trends, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities to inform sales approach

Account & Partner Relationship Management

Build and maintain strong relationships with key accounts, member hotels, and industry partners to increase brand visibility and preference

Partner closely with hotels to understand their unique value propositions and develop tailored strategies that drive lead generation and conversion

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 programs (including FAMs), and other key events, prioritizing high-impact opportunities

Represent The Leading Hotels of the World at industry events, trade shows, and networking engagements to strengthen relationships and uncover new business.

Proactively plan and execute hotel site visits in collaboration with hotel partners, prioritizing key markets and ensuring timely coordination and leadership approval

Independently manage a strategic travel calendar for sales calls and events, with efficient planning and leadership approval

Communication & Internal Collaboration

Prepare and deliver impactful presentations and lead effective meetings with internal teams, hoteliers, clients and stakeholders

Contribute to special projects and cross-functional initiatives as needed.

Budget & Operational Accountability

Manage and adhere to annual expense budgets for assigned markets

Ensure all sales activities are executed with a focus on efficiency, effectiveness, and return on investment

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:

3+ years of experience in MICE and group business development, sales, or account management within luxury hospitality and group travel, with a track record of meeting or exceeding sales goals

Strong understanding of the North American luxury travel market, including but not limited to, incentive, and high-net-worth clients; existing industry relationships a plus

Proven ability to independently generate new business, build pipelines, and manage accounts across the full sales lifecycle

Ability to quickly learn and represent a diverse portfolio of member hotels, each with a distinct positioning, and translate that knowledge into a supportive sales strategy to generate compelling client opportunities

Results-driven and proactive, with a persistent approach to securing new opportunities in a fast-paced environment

Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to build trust and represent the brand effectively with clients and partners

Organized and self-directed, able to manage multiple priorities while collaborating across teams

Proficient in Salesforce, Cvent, and Microsoft Office; willing to travel as needed

Passion for luxury hospitality and high-end travel experiences; fluent in English (additional languages a plus)

Compensation:

Annualized Salary Range: $75,000 - $85,000
Target Annual Incentive bonus: 25% (up to 140% earning potential)
Actual compensation within that range will be dependent upon the individual's skills, experience, and location.

Benefits:
The Leading Hotels of the World fosters a high-performance culture and generously rewards its employees for their contributions. Here is just a preview of the benefits we offer:

22 days of Paid Time Off (PTO), 11 paid holidays, including birthdays as a floating holiday

Medical coverage available within the first month

Health Savings Account (HSA) with Company contribution

401(k) company match up to 4% of salary

Up to $500 for home office setup credit

Up to $500 travel credit that supports and encourages our employees’ passion for travel

Unlimited access to financial advisors Collaborative and inclusive work environment

About The Leading Hotels Of The World, Ltd. (LHW)

Comprised of more than 400 hotels in over 80 countries, LHW is the largest collection of independent luxury hotels. In 1928, 38 independent hoteliers came together to create LHW. Since then, the Company has carefully curated distinctive hotels, resorts, inns, chalets, villas, and safari camps from the snow-capped Alps of Europe to the African veldt, to share them with adventurous souls who seek the remarkably uncommon. The LHW community is filled of exceptional individuals, united by a passion for the surprising discoveries and details that come with every experience. LHW’s collection covers the globe and promises a broad range of destinations and uncommon experiences, enhanced by LHW’s tiered guest loyalty program Leaders Club. From converted former palaces, and countryside retreats run by the same families for generations, to gleaming skyscrapers in dynamic urban centers, serene private island escapes, glamorous tented camps - and beyond - explore, find inspiration, and experience unforgettable travel moments. For more information visit: www.lhw.com, Facebook at @LeadingHotels, Twitter at @LeadingHotels and Instagram @leadinghotelsoftheworld

LHW is an equal opportunity employer. LHW does not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, handicap, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other applicable legally protected category.