Business Development Manager

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Commercial Strategy and Planning:

• Develop and implement comprehensive commercial strategies to drive revenue growth across all commercial areas, including Food & Beverage, Retail, and Corporate Events.
• Conduct market research to identify new business opportunities to stay ahead of industry trends.
• Work with the data analytics team to ensure data driven decision making in relation to areas of revenue growth such as pricing, memberships and partnerships.
• Set and monitor financial targets, budgets, and KPIs for all commercial activities, control costs, and optimise resource allocation to achieve financial targets.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, driving efficiency and productivity throughout the organisation.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with customers, partners, suppliers, and key stakeholders.
• Working with the W5 marketing manager, input into promotional and marketing activities.
• Identify new partnership opportunities and work with the sitewide commercial team to manage and develop existing and new sponsors.
• Prepare and deliver presentations and proposals to new and existing clients.
• Attend conferences and events to build relationships with industry partners and staying up to date with new trends.
• Create sales forecasts and actively working towards reaching them.
• Possess a strong understanding of the company’s products, the competition in the industry and positioning.

·        Work with departmental colleagues on concept and idea development that maximise the company’s assets and brand to increase footfall of visitors and increase income.

 

2. Visitor Experience and Customer Service:

• Collaborate with the Operations Manager, Visitor Experience Manager and sitewide Experience Manager to ensure all commercial activities contribute to an exceptional visitor experience.
• Oversee the development and analysis of customer feedback mechanisms to continuously improve service quality and visitor satisfaction.
• Actively contribute to a customer first approach.

3. Support for Food and Beverage, Retail, Corporate and Seasonal Events:

• Provide strategic guidance, oversight and support to the Retail Manager, and Corporate Sales Executive.
• Provide support to the Food & Beverage Manager and Creative Lead.
• Collaborate with these roles to develop and implement innovative menus, merchandising strategies, corporate relationships and event delivery with a focus on driving commercial opportunities.
• Ensure alignment of commercial activities with the centre's brand and visitor demographics.

4. Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing commercially focused team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Provide training and development opportunities to enhance team skills and performance.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback.

5. Financial Management and Reporting:

• Monitor financial performance through analysis of dashboards and other mechanisms to prepare regular reports for senior management.
• Ensure all commercial activities operate within budget and achieve financial targets.
• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or service.

• Any other duties as requested by your Line Manager.

All OTC staff are expected to:

·       Maintain excellent working relationships with other staff and volunteers.

·       Ensure the delivery of BEET to all our customers and be committed to the Odyssey ethos and objectives.

·       Be committed to and work in accordance with our Safeguarding, Health & Safety, Equality and other established policies and procedures.

·       Be flexible undertake such duties that may be required including working flexible hours (evenings, weekends and public holidays)

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential Criteria

3 years’ experience in a business development or commercial role with a strong track record of achieving commercial success and managing resources, PLUS a third level qualification in Business Management, Administration, Hospitality, Sales or a related field.

OR

5 years’ experience in a senior business development or commercial role with a strong track record of achieving commercial success and managing resources.

AND

Proven experience of managing a team – preferably within the science centre, visitor attraction, retail, leisure or entertainment industry.

Strong financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.

A team player with a collaborative approach and proven experience to drive results with internal stake holders

Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills and an ability to communicate to a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.

Creative problem-solver with the ability to think outside the box and drive innovation.

Proven ability to develop and deliver strategic plans with examples of achieving tangible outcomes

A working knowledge of Microsoft Office products.

Ability to work on own initiative, accurately, under pressure to meet challenging deadlines.

Willingness to be flexible (including evenings, weekends and public holidays as required.)

Familiarity with the Odyssey Trust Company and associated brands.

Desirable criteria

Experience working with an IP/Brand.

Proficiency with CRM software.

Salary

Circa £40,000 dependent on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

The Odyssey Group has a range of benefits which it offers to full and part time staff[1].

• Free car parking.

• 33% Discount in the W5 cafe, including coffee and 10% discount in the W5 shop.
• Complimentary tickets to Belfast Giants, friends and family access to W5
• Holidays commence at 31 days per year rising to 34.
• Contributory pension scheme, life assurance, paid sickness benefit and a health cash plan.
• Salary Sacrifice including pensions, holiday and cycle to work schemes.
• Paid staff social events