Director of Strategic Partnerships & Business Development

Thind Management•Houston, TX

About The Position

Kahani Social Group is seeking a highly connected, entrepreneurial, and results-driven Director of Business Development to help drive the next phase of growth across its restaurant, catering, and events. This role is focused on strategic relationship building to create new revenue opportunities, establish partnerships, develop corporate accounts, and position the brands as the preferred choice for dining, catering, events, and hospitality experiences in Houston. The Director will identify, cultivate, and convert new business opportunities in areas such as corporate catering, private dining, special events, banquets, sponsorships, partnerships, executive dining programs, pharmaceutical/healthcare events, holiday parties, weddings, and community partnerships. The individual will act as an ambassador, spending significant time in the market building relationships and generating new business. Success will be measured by revenue growth, new account acquisition, strategic partnerships, and long-term client retention.

Requirements

5+ years of business development, sales, or strategic partnership experience.
Proven track record of generating new business and exceeding revenue goals.
Existing network of professional relationships within the Houston market.
Strong prospecting, negotiation, and closing skills.
Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
Experience managing a sales pipeline and CRM system.
Ability to work independently with an entrepreneurial mindset.

Nice To Haves

Experience in luxury hospitality
Experience in hotels and resorts
Experience in catering and events
Experience in private clubs
Experience in commercial real estate
Experience in healthcare or pharmaceutical sales
Experience in corporate event sales
Business development leadership experience

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive business development strategy across all brands and business units.
Generate new corporate accounts and strategic partnerships throughout the Houston market.
Prospect and cultivate relationships with corporate executives, executive assistants, office managers, event planners, human resource professionals, healthcare organizations, pharmaceutical representatives, chambers of commerce, community organizations, and real estate and development groups.
Identify opportunities for recurring catering, dining, and hospitality business.
Build a robust sales pipeline and maintain accurate CRM records.
Lead site visits, tastings, presentations, and client meetings.
Establish preferred vendor relationships with businesses and organizations throughout Houston.
Develop referral partnerships with event planners, concierge services, apartment communities, and corporate partners.
Create innovative programs that drive repeat business and customer loyalty.
Identify sponsorship and community engagement opportunities that increase brand awareness and revenue.
Collaborate with restaurant, hotel, catering, and operations teams to maximize revenue opportunities.
Cross-sell services across all company brands and business units.
Develop annual account plans for key clients and strategic partners.
Negotiate contracts and secure high-value agreements.
Represent the company at networking events, industry functions, charitable events, and community gatherings.
Serve as a visible and active presence within Houston's business community.
Maintain a strong understanding of market trends, competitive activity, and emerging opportunities.