Senior Manager, Business Development

Add expected salary to your profile for insights We are looking for a Senior Manager Business Development to lead the business development team to drive new client acquisition for both MCEC and Nyaal Banyul. The role The Senior Manager Business Development is responsible for driving strategic revenue growth for MCEC and Nyaal Banyul by identifying and pursuing new market opportunities, establishing and building high‑value client relationships, and leading the business development team to achieve ambitious sales targets. This senior leadership role combines strategic planning with hands‑on execution—contributing to go‑to‑market strategies, overseeing business development pipeline management, research and insights, the Victorian Ambassador Network program, negotiating and executing complex deals and partnerships, delivering demonstrated return on investment and ensuring the team has the capabilities, processes, and resources to succeed. Working cross‑functionally with sales and marketing, the Senior Manager Business Development leads the Business Development team to convert prospects into long‑term customers while building a high‑performing culture focused on results, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The role leads the strategy setting and tactical implementation of the Victorian Ambassador program, being a key figurehead of the program with the Ambassadors, ensuring that the program delivers international and national leads to VCET venues in collaboration with the Melbourne Convention Bureau where appropriate. The role involves hosting and attending industry functions, such as events, conferences and tradeshows some of which may take place outside of business hours and require interstate or overseas travel.This is a unique opportunity to help shape the tools, processes, and requirements to successfully promote and sell an established MCEC Melbourne venue as well as a brand new venue in its build stage—Nyaal Banyul. You'll use your creative and innovative thinking to influence how the venue is positioned, ensuring it becomes a standout destination in the market. About you You will bring a deep understanding of the convention and events industry as well as experience managing a business development team. Your leadership colleagues acknowledge your strategic thinking and execution capability, your commercial acumen, your collaborative mindset and ability to work across functions. Clients respect and remember you for your relationship building and influence skills, your resilience and tenacity in competitive situations. Your colleagues and direct reports talk of your inclusive leadership and people development skills and your role‑modeling of service culture. What you're here to do Partner with the Chief Sales and Customer Experience Officer to define and execute the strategic direction of the Business Development team's efforts in alignment with VCET's objectives and strategic plan. Develop and execute strategies to identify and attract new market segments, industries, and customers. Own and deliver revenue targets for new business across various event and customer types. Forecast pipeline and revenue accurately. Lead the identification, pursuit, and conversion of new business opportunities. Develop compelling proposals and presentations tailored to client needs. Build and maintain relationships with key decision makers including corporate meeting planners, association executives, PCOs (Professional Conference Organisers), and event agencies. Lead, develop, and performance‑manage the business development team. Set clear objectives, provide coaching, and ensure accountability for results. Train team members on business development techniques, product knowledge, client management, and proposal development. Foster a high‑performance culture. Maintain rigorous pipeline management using Momentus. Ensure accurate forecasting, opportunity progression, and data quality. Monitor competitor activity, pricing, facility upgrades, and positioning to inform strategy and maintain competitive advantage. Collaborate with marketing on campaigns, content, collateral, and lead generation initiatives. Provide market insights to inform marketing strategy. Build relationships with industry associations, convention bureaus, and tourism bodies to access opportunities and intelligence. Understand venue economics including contribution margins, yield management, and the financial impact of various event types and booking patterns. Lead the strategy setting and tactical implementation of the Victorian Ambassador program, being a key figurehead of the program with the Ambassadors. What does success look like New business revenue achieved versus targets Pipeline value and conversion rates Number of new clients acquired Team performance and development Customer satisfaction scores and feedback About us At MCEC & Nyaal Banyul, we honour diversity, inclusivity, and teamwork. We create a welcoming space where ideas are shared, communities thrive, and legacies are built. Our goal is to be the world's most trusted partner in delivering impactful events. Guided by unity, responsibility, and respect, we strive for excellence and shared success. We value collective success, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Our Gender Equality Action Plan promotes inclusivity, representation, and a positive culture. Ready to Apply Apply today with your CV and Cover Letter. For questions not covered or for a confidential discussion, contact : Applications close: Midday, Wednesday 3 December Please apply early, noting that candidates may be contacted earlier than the above‑mentioned date. You don't have to meet every requirement to apply. Research shows that people from underrepresented backgrounds often hesitate to apply unless they meet all the criteria, yet many candidates who do apply don't tick every box. If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply. We're keen to hear how your unique perspective and experience can strengthen our team.If you need any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to complete your application or participate in the interview process due to a disability, please contact us at Let us know what support you need (please don't include any medical information), and our team will be in touch promptly. Find out more about our venues Join the thinkers making a difference - MCEC Open your eyes to the hills – Nyaal Banyul We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we operate our venues in Narrm and Djilang; the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Wadawurrung peoples of the Kulin Nations. We pay our respects to Elders of all First Nations communities and seek to honour the long‑standing tradition of building community and exchanging ideas on these lands. #J-18808-Ljbffr