Business Development Manager, Group

The Leading Hotels of the World • New York, NY

18h • Hybrid

About The Position

We’re looking for a sales professional to drive group business across our portfolio of 30+ independent luxury hotels in North America. This role is focused on identifying, developing, and converting group opportunities with corporate clients, agencies, and event planners, with the goal of generating high-value business for our member hotels. Each property in our portfolio has a distinct positioning, requiring a thoughtful, tailored approach to match the right clients and group opportunities with the right hotel experiences. The role combines proactive business development with account management, building a strong pipeline of group leads while deepening relationships with key, high-value clients. The ideal candidate brings experience in group sales within luxury hospitality or travel, along with a proactive and persistent approach to developing new business. They are comfortable working across a diverse portfolio, confident presenting to senior stakeholders, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, client-facing environment. As a representative of The Leading Hotels of the World, this individual will play a key role in driving revenue, strengthening client relationships, and elevating brand visibility across the North American market, with the potential to expand into global opportunities.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in MICE and group related business development, sales, or account management within the luxury hospitality or group travel sector.
• Proven track record of meeting and exceeding sales goals.
• Established network of corporate and incentive luxury group travel buyers is highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of the North American luxury travel market and client expectations.
• Experience working with high-net-worth clientele, incentive and corporate travel planners, and luxury event organizers.
• Fluent in English (written & spoken) other languages are desirable.
• 3+ years of experience in MICE and group business development, sales, or account management within luxury hospitality and group travel, with a track record of meeting or exceeding sales goals
• Strong understanding of the North American luxury travel market, including but not limited to, incentive, and high-net-worth clients; existing industry relationships a plus
• Proven ability to independently generate new business, build pipelines, and manage accounts across the full sales lifecycle
• Ability to quickly learn and represent a diverse portfolio of member hotels, each with a distinct positioning, and translate that knowledge into a supportive sales strategy to generate compelling client opportunities
• Results-driven and proactive, with a persistent approach to securing new opportunities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to build trust and represent the brand effectively with clients and partners
• Organized and self-directed, able to manage multiple priorities while collaborating across teams
• Proficient in Salesforce, Cvent, and Microsoft Office; willing to travel as needed
• Passion for luxury hospitality and high-end travel experiences; fluent in English (additional languages a plus)

Nice To Haves

• Established network of corporate and incentive luxury group travel buyers is highly preferred.
• Existing industry relationships a plus.
• Additional languages are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Identify, qualify, and secure new business opportunities within the luxury group travel market for member hotels, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives
• Develop and execute targeted sales strategies that drive measurable growth in leads, bookings, and revenue
• Build deep knowledge of a growing portfolio of more than 30-plus North American member hotels, each with a distinct positioning, and translate that into compelling sales opportunities with the potential of expanding internationally
• Analyze pipeline activity to identify opportunities for growth, deeper engagement, and targeted support for member hotels
• Stay current on market trends, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities to inform sales approach
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key accounts, member hotels, and industry partners to increase brand visibility and preference
• Partner closely with hotels to understand their unique value propositions and develop tailored strategies that drive lead generation and conversion
• Leverage CRM tools to track sales performance and client engagement, using insights to pursue high-potential opportunities
• Plan and execute sales missions, client programs (including FAMs), and other key events, prioritizing high-impact opportunities
• Represent The Leading Hotels of the World at industry events, trade shows, and networking engagements to strengthen relationships and uncover new business.
• Proactively plan and execute hotel site visits in collaboration with hotel partners, prioritizing key markets and ensuring timely coordination and leadership approval
• Independently manage a strategic travel calendar for sales calls and events, with efficient planning and leadership approval
• Prepare and deliver impactful presentations and lead effective meetings with internal teams, hoteliers, clients and stakeholders
• Contribute to special projects and cross-functional initiatives as needed.
• Manage and adhere to annual expense budgets for assigned markets
• Ensure all sales activities are executed with a focus on efficiency, effectiveness, and return on investment

Benefits

• 22 days of Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 11 paid holidays, including birthdays as a floating holiday
• Medical coverage available within the first month
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with Company contribution
• 401(k) company match up to 4% of salary
• Up to $500 for home office setup credit
• Up to $500 travel credit that supports and encourages our employees’ passion for travel
• Unlimited access to financial advisors
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed