Business Development Manager/Executive - Crowne Plaza Geelong (Pre-Opening)

Be part of a landmark hotel opening in one of Victoria’s most exciting waterfront destinations!

In partnership with Plenary Group, IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) is bringing its world-class Crowne Plaza brand to the Victorian regional city of Geelong. Scheduled to open in 2026, Crowne Plaza Geelong will redefine premium accommodation, offering a sophisticated stay for both leisure and corporate travelers. It will form part of the highly anticipated Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre precinct, a transformative development featuring a 1,000-seat convention centre, exhibition spaces, and a vibrant retail and hospitality hub. Located in the heart of the emerging precinct, this 200-room hotel will feature spacious suites, an extensive restaurant and bar offering, pool, gym, and meeting facilities.

We’re always looking for new ways to raise the bar. So, we’re searching for a Business Development Manager or an experienced Business Development Executive with a track record of driving sales and smashing targets to help us fill our rooms, meeting and event spaces, to ensure the hotel is positioned competitively in the market, setting the stage for success from opening day and beyond.

A little taste of your day-to-day

Every day is different, but as part of the pre-opening team, you will play a key role in ensuring this new hotel is ready to welcome its first guests, including:

• Prospecting new business across all market segments 
• Preparing proposals and contracts 
• Supporting the team with event planning including event orders, group run sheets 
• Supporting the Director of Sales & Marketing with market research to identify target markets, competitor analysis, and understanding the local business environment. 
• Supporting in the creation and development of sales strategies tailored to the target market segments.
• Creating and implementing sales plans that drive measurable incremental occupancy, increase average rates, increase volume, food and beverage sales.  
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with potential clients.
• Assisting in the recruitment and training of the sales team. 
• Building and maintaining a database of potential clients, leads, and contacts for targeted marketing campaigns and sales efforts.
• Hitting all personal and team sales goals to help us maximise profitability.
• Producing and reviewing monthly reports to monitor performance. 

What we need from you

• Two or more years of experience in a hotel sales 
• Experience working with a large or a variety of market segments
• Strong knowledge of businesses and business trends and competitor activities within the market
• Ability to work autonomously, be proactive and take accountability for workload
• Strong communications skills that can guide, influence and build professional rapport with clients
• Tertiary studies in Sales, Marketing, or Business Administration
• Pre-opening experience desirable
• Tech savvy with IT literacy in Microsoft Office suite, Sales systems and able to learn new systems easily
• Fluent in the English language
• Impeccable grooming standards and good personal hygiene
• Full working rights in Australia without restrictions 

What you can expect from us

Not only will you benefit from a truly unique and career-defining opportunity as part of this exciting hotel opening, but you’ll receive a competitive salary that rewards all your hard work and a wide range of benefits designed to help you live your best work life – including, impressive room discounts and some of the best training in the business.

Most importantly, your career journey will be supported through our lifelong development programs, IHG career milestone celebrations, and transfer of leave entitlements as you move and grow with IHG.

Our mission is to welcome everyone and create inclusive teams where we celebrate differences and encourage colleagues to bring their whole selves to work. IHG Hotels & Resorts provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. We promote a culture of trust, support, and acceptance. Always welcoming different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. 

So, join us and you’ll become part of our ever-growing global family. 

Don't quite meet every single requirement, but still believe you'd be a great fit for the job? We'll never know unless you hit the 'Apply' button. Start your journey with us today.