business development manager – business events

RESPONSIBILITIES/FUNCTIONS

Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism is looking for an organized, collaborative and communicative professional who is enthusiastic about making an impact on Winnipeg and its future. If you believe in our city, have a passion for people and process, and are interested in helping our organization operate at its best, consider joining our dynamic and growing team

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of Business Development – Tourism, the Business Development Manager is responsible for increasing overnight visitations to Winnipeg by attracting business events from the Canadian, U.S. and international markets through the SFA lead generator, economic sectors of associations, corporate, government, third-party planners and event right holders. The Business Development Manager prospects leads, attends sales initiatives and networks at a senior level with decision-makers to attract business events to Winnipeg.

RESPONSIBILITIES/FUNCTIONS

• Proactively identify prospects from the SFA lead generator, economic sectors of industry associations, corporate, government, planners and event rights holders
• Conduct daily prospecting and qualifying sales calls through cold calls and lead generation
• Convert sales prospects into confirmed meetings and conventions business for Winnipeg
• Strengthening relationships with clients and stakeholders
• Deliver presentations on Winnipeg's value propositions at regional and national tourism business development initiatives and marketplaces
• Host clients on site visits showcasing Winnipeg
• Develop and execute accurate and detailed sales records on a daily and monthly basis utilizing a customer relations management system
• Develop relationships with clients and build partnerships with the local tourism industry
• Willingness to travel within Canada, United States, Europe and other countries as required, to attend tourism business development initiatives and marketplaces
• Understand the competitive tourism environment related to other cities and Winnipeg's economic sectors
• Represent Tourism Winnipeg on national tourism committees and boards to strengthen partnerships and industry knowledge

Business Development Activities

• This deadline-driven role requires the Business Development Manager to not only meet their own deadlines but also to ensure that all partners adhere to the necessary timelines and deliverables
• Prospect new leads using a variety of tools such as research, search engines, industry directories, trade publications, and memberships
• Strengthening customer relationships and developing new business opportunities
• Adjust selling tactics for market changes and clients
• Develop and work on target lists to identify future opportunities with a focus on Winnipeg's economic sector to connect to local influencers
• Assist the sales and service team in the planning and execution of familiarization (FAM) tours, site inspections, client events and trade marketplaces as required
• Work alongside the sales and service team who provide services such as event planning advice, tool kits, welcome packages for meetings and conventions confirmed for Winnipeg
• Maintain awareness of competing cities and the tourism industry (i.e. through trade publications, research, workshops, committees and relationships)
• Have a strong knowledge of the Winnipeg tourism industry and infrastructure
• Always represent the organization professionally in public settings, keeping in mind that actions, social media activity, and behavior reflect the organization's image and values

Industry Relations

• Work with Team Winnipeg, a marketing consortium of more than 50 tourism partners collaborating to sell Winnipeg as a meeting and convention destination through marketplaces, trade shows, client events, FAMs and marketing collateral
• Give presentations on Winnipeg's value propositions at local, regional and national tourism events and sales initiatives
• Contribute, attend industry meetings and hold memberships to: (i.e. Meeting Professionals International, Professional Conference Management Association, SKAL, ICCA, Destination Canada etc.)
• Develop relationships and build partnerships with the local tourism hotel and hospitality sector to report on leads/referrals
• Maximize collaboration with industry stakeholders by developing relationships and building partnerships with the local tourism hotel and hospitality sector for leads/referrals

Internal

• Work with Team Winnipeg, a marketing consortium of more than 50 tourism partners collaborating to sell Winnipeg as a meeting and convention destination through marketplaces, trade shows, client events, FAMs and marketing collateral
• Give presentations on Winnipeg's value propositions at local, regional and national tourism events and sales initiatives
• Contribute, attend industry meetings and hold memberships to: (i.e. Meeting Professionals International, Professional Conference Management Association, SKAL, ICCA, Destination Canada etc.)
• Develop relationships and build partnerships with the local tourism hotel and hospitality sector to report on leads/referrals
• Maximize collaboration with industry stakeholders by developing relationships and building partnerships with the local tourism hotel and hospitality sector for leads/referrals

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Excellent knowledge of the tourism industry
• Trustworthy and capable of handling sensitive materials including funding information, office communications, budget discussions with the utmost discretion
• Time management skills are imperative
• Ability to efficiently manage multiple tasks simultaneously, handle numerous open files and competing timelines with precision and attention to detail is essential
• Highly energized, flexible, results-oriented individuals with a drive to succeed
• Excellent skills in account management, direct sales and sales presentations
• Strong interpersonal skills and aptitude for relationship building and strategic networking
• Ability to work well independently and within a team environment
• Experience with budget management
• Must be flexible and adaptable to change

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE - REQUIRED

• Post secondary education from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 5 years' experience in sales, account management and business development are a must
• Able to share a track record of success
• Previous sales experience where sales targets were required is a must
• Experience networking with senior level management
• Experience networking and have contacts in the business community
• Experience working in a database management system and MS Office applications

OTHER

• Full-time, in-office position with standard business hours
• Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle
• Travel required
• Satisfactory work record, including satisfactory attendance and punctuality
• Must be available to work extended hours as required
• French/English bilingualism an asset

DIVERSE TEAMS CREATE BETTER IDEAS AND GROWTH IN OUR CITY

A strong connector between business, industry, educational institutions and governments, Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism knows the most diverse teams bring about the best results when it comes to innovation, growth, and impact on a community.

Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism values team members who are diverse in age, gender identity, race and cultural backgrounds, sexual orientation, physical and mental abilities. Diverse voices are critical in the next chapter of Winnipeg's economic growth and contribute to our city's success.

HOW TO APPLY

Option One:

• Step 1: Visit and click "Connect with employers now". Then follow the steps to create or log into your account.

• Step 2: Search for Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism in the Work in Manitoba job portal.

• Step 3: Submit your resume and cover letter through the portal.

Option Two:

• Submit your resume and cover letter to

Applications will be accepted until January 5, 2026. We thank all applicants for your interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.