Manager of Business Development

Company: Global Experience Specialists, Inc
Location: Chicago
Posted on: June 1, 2025

Job Description:

The Business Development Manager will identify and implement objectives, strategies and action plans to pursue and close short- and long-term sales opportunities, as well as ensure consistent, profitable growth in sales and revenue. The Business Development Manager will work in partnership with the Client Services and Operations teams to achieve Company revenue and profit goals, objectives and delivery of customer service while building long term relationships with clients, facilities and organizations.Responsibilities

• Sells, produces, and renews individual accounts serving as the primary sales/client services point of contact.
• Responsible for prospecting and securing sales and services tailored exclusively to the exhibitions and event industry.
• Represents GES to clients, venues, facilities, and industry stakeholders.
• Develops relationships with Convention Bureau Staff, Hotels, Venues, and subcontractors to generate leads and position GES as a trusted partner.
• Prospects for new business by developing targeted solicitation plans for key accounts including any and all potential meeting venues, hotels, associations and corporations exhibition and events opportunities.
• Individually identifies opportunities for cross-selling with other GES lines of business, such as audio-visual and event accommodations.
• Works with GES Business Development and Client Services teams to coordinate with others within GES for all Phases of pre-show, on site and post show project management.
• Maintains accurate records of all sales and prospecting activities including sales calls, presentations, closed sales, and follow up activities within the Salesforce.com (CRM).
• Maintains open and ongoing communication with clients to ensure their needs/expectations are consistently met or exceeded on schedule.
• Creates and conducts GES Capabilities presentations.
• Prepares client centric RFP responses.
• Responsible for the management of shows from planning stages through collection of final invoice.
• Develops creative proposals and presentation materials.
• Negotiates and prepares contracts to secure new business and retain existing business.
• Proactively provides information to clients to assist in securing future business.
• Attends, participates and maintains, memberships in local and national industry organizations to provide maximum exposure for the Company; and meet face to face with clients and prospects.
• Maintains current knowledge of the Exhibitions & Events Industry and our competitors.
• Assists with and assumes Client Services responsibilities when necessary.
• Transitions new employees to the GES culture and workforce.
• Adheres to all company policies, procedures and business ethics codes (CORE Values).
• Account size and revenue volume guidelines:
• Individual Volume - One million dollars or more annually
• Ability to sell, lead, and/or produce as the primary point of contact on accounts up to seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars annually
• Other duties as assigned.Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Hotel/Business Administration, related field or comparable experience.
• 2-8 years consultative Sales/Production experience in the Exhibitions and Event Industry preferred.
• Exhibition Industry experience a plus.
• Experience developing targeted solicitation plans to secure key accounts.
• Self-motivated with a positive attitude.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Dynamic, consultative and influential sales communications style.
• Results oriented individual with proven sales success.
• Demonstrated proficiency in developing short-term and long-term vision and strategy to achieve targeted sales objectives in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to develop and deliver a polished, professional presentation with very limited direction.
• Professional attire-Business professional and Business Casual.
• Ability to negotiate sales contracts.
• Able to problem solve in a positive and creative manner that serves both GES and Client needs.
• Ability to courageously fire ahead and self-navigate through a large company to explore and consult with many professionals to develop custom client solutions.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and events at various stages of development.
• Effective interpersonal skills.
• The ability to develop outstanding relationships with clients and internal team members at all levels of the company.
• Proficient computer skills to include Microsoft Office Suite.
• Moderate travel required - up to 35%
• Available to work nights, weekends, and at event locations.
• Require a flexible work schedule as events occasionally run on weekends and evenings.
• Work will be required in both an office, remote or show floor setting.
• Show Floor conditions can include a somewhat crowded or noisy area where there may be mild discomfort due to temperature, dust or other conditions.Our team members are our family, so we help our team members care for their families. The rewards of joining GES are extensive. We offer a comprehensive benefits package to all full-time employees. Here are some of the highlights:
• 401K with company match
• Wellness benefits
• Employee assistance program
• Vacation time
• Community involvement opportunities
• Team activitiesEqual Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesThe contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
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Keywords: Global Experience Specialists, Inc, Downers Grove , Manager of Business Development, Executive , Chicago, Illinois