Job Summary / Overview
We are seeking an experienced Business Development Officer with hospitality industry expertise to drive revenue growth, expand client base, and develop strategic partnerships.
The role involves identifying new business opportunities, managing corporate accounts, and increasing bookings, events, and occupancy through effective sales and relationship management.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and execute business development strategies aligned with the organization's growth and revenue objectives.
Identify, research, and pursue new business opportunities across target markets and industries.
Generate qualified leads through networking, referrals, market research, cold outreach, industry events, digital channels, and strategic partnerships.
Build and maintain strong relationships with prospective and existing clients, partners, and key decision-makers.
Develop and manage a robust sales pipeline, ensuring consistent movement of prospects from lead generation to conversion.
Conduct client meetings, business presentations, product/service demonstrations, and commercial negotiations.
Prepare and submit compelling business proposals, quotations, presentations, and other client-facing documents.
Understand client needs and collaborate with internal teams to develop appropriate solutions and service offerings.
Develop strategic partnerships with organizations, institutions, businesses, and other relevant stakeholders to create new revenue opportunities.
Monitor market trends, competitor activities, customer needs, and emerging business opportunities.
Identify opportunities to expand existing client relationships through cross-selling, upselling, and additional service offerings.
Maintain accurate records of leads, prospects, client interactions, proposals, sales activities, and business development outcomes.
Track business development performance against agreed targets, KPIs, revenue objectives, and conversion rates.
Prepare weekly and monthly business development reports for management.
Represent the organization professionally at meetings, conferences, networking events, industry forums, and other relevant engagements.
Work closely with management, operations, marketing, finance, HR, and other internal teams to ensure seamless client acquisition and service delivery.
Support contract negotiations, onboarding, and handover of new clients to relevant internal teams.
Develop and maintain a strong understanding of the organization's products and services and effectively communicate their value to prospective clients.
Identify and recommend new products, services, markets, or business models that can support organizational growth.
Ensure high standards of professionalism, client service, confidentiality, and ethical conduct throughout the business development process.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
The successful candidate will be assessed against measurable business development objectives, including:
Business Operations
New client acquisition.
Revenue generated.
Number and quality of qualified leads.
Lead-to-client conversion rate.
Sales pipeline value and growth.
Client retention and account growth.
Strategic partnerships developed.
Proposal-to-contract conversion rate.
Achievement of monthly and quarterly business development targets.
Growth in market presence and client portfolio.
Requirements & Eligibility Criteria
Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management, Hotel Management, Tourism, Business Administration, or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years of relevant hospitality business development, sales, guest relations, or client management experience.
Proven track record of driving revenue growth within hotels, resorts, travel, or hospitality service environments.
Strong experience in hospitality client acquisition, corporate account management, and partnership development.
Demonstrated ability to manage the full business development cycle within the hospitality industry.
Strong understanding of hospitality operations, guest experience, and service delivery standards.
Proven ability to engage and manage relationships with corporate clients, travel partners, and hospitality stakeholders.
Experience preparing proposals, service offers, and commercial presentations within the hospitality sector.
Strong negotiation, persuasion, and closing skills in a hospitality or service-driven environment.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM tools used in hospitality or service management.
Strong commercial awareness and understanding of hospitality revenue generation models.
Professional Certification & Membership:
Membership or certification in relevant professional bodies is an added advantage, including:
Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).
Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM).
Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM).
Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).
Relevant sales, business development, fintech, or commercial certifications.
Competency Requirements:
Strong business development and client acquisition skills.
Excellent relationship management and networking abilities.
Strong commercial and financial awareness.
Excellent sales, negotiation, persuasion, and closing skills.
Ability to identify and convert business opportunities into revenue.
Strong presentation and pitching skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong strategic thinking and market development capabilities.
Ability to engage effectively with C-level executives and senior decision-makers.
Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving abilities.
Excellent time management and organizational skills.
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with internal teams.
High level of professionalism, integrity, accountability, and confidentiality.
Resilience and ability to work under pressure in a target-driven environment.
Strong customer-focused and results-oriented mindset.
Key Technical & Professional Skills:
Business Development
B2B Sales
Lead Generation & Prospecting
Client Acquisition
Relationship Management
Account Management
Strategic Partnerships
Sales Pipeline Management
Proposal & Business Pitch Development
Contract & Commercial Negotiation
Market Research & Analysis
Revenue Growth & Sales Conversion
Customer Retention
Cross-Selling & Upselling
CRM & Sales Management Tools
Microsoft Office Suite
Business Reporting & Analytics
Presentation & Stakeholder Management
Preferred Industry Experience:
Candidates with experience in the hospitality sector will be strongly considered:
Hospitality Industry
Hotels & Resorts.
Hospitality Services.
Travel & Tourism.
Event & Conference Management.
Luxury Hospitality Services.
Food & Beverage Hospitality Operations.