Skip to Main Content

Job Title


Business Development Manager – Sports & Special Events and Business Events


Company : Economic Development Winnipeg


Location : Winnipeg, Manitoba


Created : 2025-04-04


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY The Business Development Manager is responsible for increasing overnight visitations to Winnipeg by attracting sports, special events and business events from the Canadian, U.S. and international markets through the sport directorates and economic sectors of associations, corporate, government and event right holders. The Business Development Manager prospects leads, attends sales initiatives and networks at a senior level with decision-makers to attract sports, special events, business events to Winnipeg. Team : Tourism Winnipeg Reports to : Director of Business Development RESPONSIBILITIES/FUNCTIONS Proactively identify prospects from the sport directorates and economic sectors of industry associations, corporate, government and event rights holders Conduct daily prospecting and qualifying sales calls through cold calls and lead generation Convert sales prospects into confirmed sports, special events, meetings and conventions business for Winnipeg Strengthen relationships with clients and stakeholders Deliver presentations on Winnipegs 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 and as required to the United States to attend tourism business development initiatives and marketplaces Understand the competitive tourism environment related to other cities and Winnipegs economic sectors Represent Tourism Winnipeg on national tourism committees and boards in order 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 Strengthen customer relationships and develop 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 Winnipegs economic sector in order 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 whom 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 Winnipegs value propositions at local, regional and national sport and tourism events and sales initiatives Contribute and attend industry meetings (i.e. Meeting Professionals International, Professional Conference Management Association, SKAL, etc.) Develop relationships and build partnerships with the local tourism hospitality sector to report on leads/referrals Maximize collaboration with industry stakeholders by developing relationships and building partnerships with the local sport and tourism hospitality sector for leads/referrals Internal Diligently track and maintain key performance indicators ( KPIs) and work with individual business development quotas Utilize Salesforce (CRM) to maintain accurate and detailed records of prospect leads, new business, sales calls, and existing client interaction Be fiscally responsible with the budget Produce accurate monthly sales reports Undertake special projects as required Work responsibly in accordance with the Corporations Policy Playbook SKILLS & ABILITIES Trustworthy and capable of handling sensitive materials including funding information, office communications, budget discussions with the utmost discretion Time management skills is 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 individual 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 is 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 Valid drivers license and access to a vehicle Travel required 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, Economic Development Winnipeg knows the most diverse teams bring about the best results when it comes to innovation, growth, and impact on a community. Economic Development Winnipeg 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 Winnipegs economic growth and contribute to our citys success. HOW TO APPLY If your passion for Winnipeg along with your collaborative and resourceful attitude, is matched by your proven track record as a Business Development Manager, this exceptional opportunity is ideal for you. Interested candidates can apply by submitting cover letters and resumes to . Applications will be accepted until 9 am Tuesday, April 15th, and applicants of interest will be contacted for an interview. (Rev. March, 2025 )