Manager, Business Events

**Overview**

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. Our 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, enriching the quality of life for all Ottawa residents.

As a key position within the Business Events Department, the Manager, Business Events contributes to the organizational mission and vision by bringing excellence to the critical field of Business Events sales. Reporting to the Assistant Director, Sales, Business & Major Events, the incumbent is responsible for building and maintaining a full roster of clients and potential clients in the **international market**. Success in this role requires confidence, a fresh way of thinking, a positive attitude, and a strong history of achievement in a rapid sales cycle environment.

With a passion for the Business Events sector and a commitment to building Ottawa’s reputation as a destination of choice globally, the incumbent must be both a strategic and operational thinker and a client manager capable of converting relationships into tangible business outcomes. The Manager is expected to act independently while also thriving in a collaborative team environment.

**Key Competencies**
- Deep understanding of sales within a destination marketing context, with emphasis on international business events
- Managerial-level communication and presentation skills
- Strategic thinking and project management capabilities
- Strong understanding of Ottawa as a global player
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic organization
- Ownership of initiatives critical to business events success
- High competence in client/stakeholder relationship management
- Adaptability in task orientation, working style, and approach
- Subject matter expertise in international business events
- Commitment to continuous self-improvement and team development

**Primary Areas of Responsibility**
- Generate and manage leads; foster relationships with international clients
- Cultivate and manage client accounts to align with strategic sales goals
- Support brand awareness initiatives to position Ottawa as a top-tier international business events destination
- Plays a key role in supporting and advancing the Think Ottawa ambassador program
- Identify opportunities for Ottawa Tourism’s members; maintain strong member relations and awareness of their unique value propositions
- Prepare and present customized bid proposals; liaise with stakeholders to ensure bid success
- Plan and host international client site inspections and familiarization (FAM) tours
- Provide input on quarterly and annual sales goals
- Act with integrity, honesty, and enthusiasm in all duties
- Support senior leadership in executing strategic projects and initiatives
- Contribute to the Business Events Department’s strategic goals and long-term vision
- Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders for maximum impact
- Represent Ottawa Tourism as an ambassador at international events

**Desired Qualifications**
- Post-secondary education in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, or Finance
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in sales, ideally in international business events
- Comfort with cross-cultural communication and global business norms
- High level of interpersonal awareness and emotional intelligence
- Strong organizational and administrative skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM platforms
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently, multitask, and meet sales targets
- Strong commitment to professional development
- Team-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement
- Proven ability to build long-term partnerships and collaborative relationships
- Experience in international sales environments
- Flexibility to work outside normal business hours
- Eligibility and availability for regular international travel
- Experience managing projects through full life cycles in a fast-paced environment

**Assets**
- Bilingual (English and French)
- Additional language capabilities, preferably in a language relevant to international markets
- Any additional educational qualifications or training relevant to the position

**The Hiring Process**
- Initial Phone Screen
- In-Depth Interview
- Peer Interview
- Interview with the Vice-President Sales, Business & Major Events
- Reference checks
- Offer

**_ Land Acknowledgement_**
- Ottawa Tourism is located and operates on the traditional and unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin people, who have travelled and inhabited these lands for millennia._

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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement_**_
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