Business Development Manager

This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in driving the social and economic value of the Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland's World Heritage Site, working closely with key business partners and tourism agencies to promote both the Causeway and the Carrick–a–Rede rope bridge.
As Business Development Manager you'll grow visitor and travel trade business, drive revenue growth and develop partnerships, whilst at the same time ensuring the sustainability and conservation of these special places.
If you're a confident communicator, strategic thinker and natural collaborator, adept at developing and building effective working relationships, entrepreneurial in your approach, and keen to use your commitment to natural and built heritage to promote these places within and beyond Northern Ireland, we'd love to hear from you.
Salary up to GBP40,000 pa.
At the National Trust, we protect and care for places so that people and nature can thrive. Many millions share the belief that nature, beauty and history are for everyone. So, we look after the nation's coastline, historic sites, countryside and green spaces, ensuring that everyone benefits.
Working at the Giant's Causeway and Carrick–a–Rede Portfolio you'll help ensure that these unique landscapes are protected for future generations, while providing visitors with exceptional experiences. The sense of purpose and fulfilment that comes from knowing that your work makes a difference is a significant part of what makes working here special.
Our team is a vibrant mix of professionals who are passionate about heritage, conservation, tourism and customer service. You'll collaborate with a diverse group of individuals, from visitor experience experts to marketing professionals and operational teams. The variety of perspectives and expertise makes for an enriching work environment.
As Business Development Manager, your role will be multi–faceted, blending strategic planning, partnership development, and client management. You'll be responsible for attracting a sustainable pipeline of visitors, both domestic and international, to the Giant's Causeway and Carrick–a–Rede. You'll directly sell, negotiate and agree terms with clients, primarily through attendance at travel trade, tourism and Business Development events, monitoring financial performance, preparing reports, and presenting findings to senior management.
Both conservation and commercially minded, you'll know what makes a great visitor experience. You'll review and conduct research to identify trends, opportunities and areas for improvement using your knowledge to create long–term business plans and set achievable targets, finding the right balance of visitor and revenue streams.
You'll collaborate with the marketing team to develop and execute appropriate marketing activity, focusing on the domestic and international markets, and you'll identify and establish partnerships with local businesses, tourism agencies, and international partners to develop a sustainable business model.
Building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders, including government agencies and community groups is crucial to our mission, and you'll play a key role in fostering these connections.
Sustainability is at the core of everything we do, and you'll be involved in initiatives aimed at reducing our environmental impact and promoting sustainable tourism practices. We're committed to the professional development of our employees, so you'll have access to resources to help and support your professional development.
As an experienced manager, you'll need to be able to demonstrate the following skills and experience:
• Experience of working with stakeholders, developing internal and external relationships.
• Experience of working in the tourism industry at a senior management level.
• A track record of strong negotiating and networking in a Business to Business environment
• A proven track record in evaluating and analysing commercial opportunities and business growth.
• Great communication and negotiation skills, you're the perfect ambassador for our work.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, managing a number of competing demands and requests.
• Creativity and insight to inform new product development and to develop new ventures and partnerships.