Commercial Development Officer

Vacancy Description

Officer, Commercial Development (Business Events)

LEVEL 4 

Specified Purpose Contract, full-time

*This specified purpose contract is to cover a maternity leave

Closing Date: Wednesday 24th September 2025 at 3:00pm

Salary: €57375 - €82048 per annum*

*This role will be filled in line with Public Pay Policy at Point 1 of the relevant Salary Scale unless the successful candidate is appointed from an existing public sector role

Blended work model with office locations of: 

• Áras Fáilte, 88-95 Amiens Street, Dublin 1, D01 WR86

• 3rd & 4th Floor Crescent House, Hartstonge Street, Limerick, V94 K35Y

• Unit 5, Calbro Court, Tuam Road, Galway, H91 YKH4

JOB PURPOSE:

The international meetings industry is a high-value sector that delivers significant economic, social, and environmental benefits to Ireland. Fáilte Ireland’s Business Events team is responsible for driving responsible growth in international conferences, meetings, and incentive travel.

As Officer, Commercial Development (Business Events), you will lead initiatives that attract international conferences and events to Ireland, delivering long-term legacy impacts and supporting national policy objectives.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Strategic Leadership

• Lead a team to identify, nurture, and convert opportunities to bring international conferences and events to Ireland.

• Optimise the economic, social, and environmental impact of international business events in line with Fáilte Ireland’s strategic goals.

• Develop and implement operational plans aligned with the Business Events Strategy.

• Contribute to the delivery of divisional strategic goals and national tourism objectives.

Project & Stakeholder Management

• Manage and implement projects that address challenges and opportunities within the tourism and business events industry.

• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to develop short- and long-term plans with measurable KPIs.

• Manage third-party suppliers to ensure effective delivery of strategic initiatives.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with industry partners, government agencies, and academic institutions**.**

Performance & Reporting

• Deliver on personal KPIs and oversee the performance of the support team.

• Provide regular reporting on team performance, project developments, and strategic KPIs.

• Generate insights and identify market trends, opportunities, and barriers to growth, proposing practical solutions.

Sustainability & Legacy

• Support the delivery of sustainable business events that align with Ireland’s climate goals.

• Collaborate with partners to embed sustainability practices and legacy outcomes into event planning and delivery.

Team Leadership & Development

• Train, evaluate, motivate, and delegate effectively within the support team.

• Conduct performance reviews in line with Fáilte Ireland policy.

• Proactively develop team skills to ensure high levels of competence and engagement.

Financial Oversight

• Develop, manage, and monitor operational budgets.

• Ensure activities are delivered within budget and accurately forecasted in line with company policies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Contribute to wider Fáilte Ireland business unit strategies and cross-functional projects.

• Play an integral role in project teams established to deliver key organisational initiatives.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Visionary and results-oriented leader.

• Professional, diplomatic, and confident in engaging with senior stakeholders.

• Organised, detail-focused, and adaptable.

• Passionate about promoting Ireland as a premier destination for international business events.

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Ability to develop trusting relationships

• Drive to embed and maintain high standards and best practice

In order to be eligible to apply for this role you must have / demonstrate in your application form the following:

• Minimum of three years' experience in a related role (business development, business events, tourism) including stakeholder management and project management

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders and work collaboratively with diverse groups.

• Proficiency in project management, with experience in managing projects involving multiple stakeholders.

• Excellent IT skills, including proficiency in collaboration tools, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

• Own means of transport.

• People management

Qualifications/Mandatory Training : 

• A professional qualification (minimum Level 6 under the QQI Framework) in a related discipline is essential.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

• A professional qualification Level 8 (under the QQI framework) in a related discipline

• Proven experience in business development, stakeholder engagement, or project management within tourism, events, or related sectors.

• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.

• Experience in managing budgets and third-party suppliers.

• Familiarity with sustainability practices and legacy planning in the context of business events.

• Proficiency in CRM systems and data-driven reporting.

KEY COMPETENCIES: 

• Strategic Thinking

• Managing Relationships

• Communicating Effectively

• Commercial Awareness