Business Development Manager

Job Introduction

Sodexo Live! has an exciting opportunity for a dynamic Business Development Manager to join our team and drive business growth in our cultural destination venue portfolio.

As the Business Development Manager, you will be responsible for identifying and developing new business opportunities and forging strategic partnerships with future venue partners. Your passion for and knowledge of cultural heritage, coupled with your deep understanding of the hospitality industry, will allow you to effectively drive revenue growth and showcase the Sodexo Live! business culture and service excellence.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Take ownership of qualified opportunities in the pre-tender phase, building relationships with key client decision makers for specific pursuits and building a detailed understanding of their wants and needs to define their desired outputs and outcomes for the contract.
• Use your understanding of client needs & pain points to develop a client-specific win strategy for the opportunity.
• Own the production and submission of commercially competitive pricing and legal submissions and compelling and high-scoring quality submissions to maximise the company’s position against competitors.  
• Ensure the quality submission for each bid is technically complete in showcasing Sodexo Live! ability to meet the requirements, contains sufficient detail to ensure compliance, is easy to read, uses graphics where they add value, is client specific, contains evidence which supports performance claims and is actively focussed on obtaining the maximum possible quality score as per any guidance provided as part of the tender documents, including a scoring matrix where provided. 
• Actively support the development of the commercial response by critically challenging proposed positions on contract terms and conditions, KPIs, performance mechanisms etc… 

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

To be successful in this role, you will already be a recognised, well-connected business development specialist in the hospitality industry.  You will need to possess extensive experience in senior business development roles specifically focusing on the expansion of cultural destination venues.  A passion for cultural heritage and knowledge of their service requirements is essential.

You will bring a wealth of knowledge and insight, finely attuned to the intricacies of our industry. Your illustrious career is defined by a proven track record of not just meeting but surpassing sales targets and driving robust business growth.

Your exceptional communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills will serve as the linchpin of our endeavours, forging enduring partnerships and propelling us towards a future brimming with promise and possibility.

You will also have:

• A track record of innovation and change.
• Excellent negotiation skills, proven track record of successfully pitching for new business.
• Proven track record of increasing revenue through generation of leads.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to bring together complex teams, precise scheduling and multiple and shifting priorities.
• Demonstrated achievement in the design and implementation of new business development systems, policies and procedures.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage complex teams, precise scheduling and multiple and shifting priorities.
• With extensive UK travel required, you will enjoy a flexible approach to your work and locations and a UK driving licence.

WHAT WE OFFER

We offer a salary of £80,000 plus access to range of excellent benefits, which include: 

• Performance-related bonus
• Company car allowance 
• Contributory pension scheme 
• Life assurance – worth 2 x annual salary 
• Biennial health assessments 
• A flexible benefits fund of £1,300 to utilise a range of benefits, including Private Medical Insurance (PMI), dental, gym memberships, retail / hospitality discounts, etc. 
• 33 days holiday (including bank holidays) – increasing to 36 after 3 years of service

Here, you'll have the freedom to thrive in your own way, making contributions that inspire you and align with your professional aspirations. Embrace this opportunity to be part of something greater, where your work is driven by purpose and your growth is nurtured at every step.

If you have a strong appetite for business development, a high level of professionalism, and unsurpassed enthusiasm for culture, we want to hear from you. Apply today and join us in expanding our cultural venue partnerships.

We’re experience makers and food fanatics. Our experiences are unique, and so are our people. Bring personality, your background and your desire for delighting others. In return we’ll give you all you need to thrive because at Sodexo Live! we’re so much more. Be part of something greater.

We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.