Sales Manager, Business Events

**as ofOVERVIEW**

Ottawa Tourism’s vision is to be one of Canada’s most visited, sustainable, vibrant, and valued urban destinations and the tourism authority for key economic development and city-building decisions in Ottawa. Ottawa Tourism's mission is to market and sell Ottawa as a compelling leisure and business destination and lead or participate in initiatives that improve Ottawa’s visitor experience. We contribute to the broader economic development objectives of the city and the success of our stakeholders and, by doing so, enrich the quality-of-life for all Ottawa residents.

As a key position within the Business Events Department, the Sales Manager, Business Events contributes to the overall organizational mission and vision by bringing excellence to the critical field of Business Events sales. Reporting to the Director os Sales, Business Events, the incumbent is responsible for building and maintaining a full roster of clients and potential clients in the Business Events Chicago and Washington markets. To succeed in this role, the incumbent should possess confidence and a positive attitude and have a strong history of demonstrating talent, creativity and success in a rapid sales cycle environment. With a passion for the Business Events market and a commitment to building Ottawa’s reputation as a destination of choice within this market, the incumbent must be a strategic and operational thinker as well a client manager who is able to convert relationships and client interest into the successful realization of business objectives.
- Key Competencies_
- Understanding of and appreciation for the general scope of the sales role within a destination marketing context, with a particular focus on the business event market
- Managerial-level communication and presentation skills
- Strong ability to prioritize, manage and complete projects, and think strategically
- Willingness to act as a key contributor in a fast-paced organization
- Ability to accept direct responsibility for initiatives and concerns that are vital to the organizational success of the Meeting &Conventions sales function
- Ability to build and maintain external relationships; high level of competence in client/stakeholder management
- Broad flexibility in outlook, task orientation, working style, and approach
- Strong commitment to continuous self-improvement and to the improvement of the business events sales function
- Primary Areas of Responsibility_
- Generate and manage leads; foster relationships with potential clients
- Develop, cultivate, and manage client accounts with the goal of converting these relationships into actionable outcomes that align with the organization’s strategic sales goals
- Assist the business events and marketing teams in building brand awareness for the destination, with a view to securing the long-term success and value of Ottawa as a top business events destination
- Identify accounts and opportunities for Ottawa Tourism’s members; maintain strong relations with members in order to understand needs and requirements and to maintain full awareness of the unique value propositions offered by the organization’s diverse member businesses
- Manage and/or assist in the preparation of customized bid proposals; conduct bid presentations; liaise with bid stakeholders as necessary, with a view to securing the success of bids
- Plan, manage, and host client site inspections and familiarization (FAM) tours
- Provide feedback to the supervisor and to other senior members of the Ottawa Tourism team in the development of quarterly and annual sales goals
- Perform all duties and requirements of the position while acting with integrity, honesty, and enthusiasm
- Assist supervisor (or other senior leader as directed) in the development and execution of projects and organizational initiatives as required and directed
- Contribute as a key member of the business events department, helping to define, refine, and champion the team’s strategic goals, operational priorities, and long-term vision
- Work collaboratively and in partnership with key members of the Ottawa Tourism team
- Work collaboratively and in partnership with key external stakeholders; manage stakeholder relations to achieve maximum impact and success
- Act as an exemplary ambassador for Ottawa Tourism at all external events, as directed and required
- Essential Qualifications_

The following qualifications are considered by the organization to be essential for the successful ongoing execution of this position:

- Post-secondary education in a relevant discipline
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in sales, ideally in the Meetings &Conventions market
- Comfortable with cross-cultural communications and international business norms and standards
- Strong organizational and administrative skills
- Proficiency in all aspects of Microsoft Office software; comfortable working with CRM platforms and any other required technologies
- Highly developed commu