Business Development Manager

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Accor’s Sofitel Brisbane Central is seeking a commercially driven Business Development Manager to grow MICE, Corporate and sporting events, with a focus on conferences and associations. You’ll identify and convert opportunities, manage key accounts, negotiate within approved structures, and maximise yield while mentoring a Sales team and collaborating with Revenue, Marketing and Operations. The role requires proven luxury hospitality sales experience, CRM proficiency, and a track record of securing new business, plus the ability to travel across Australia. To apply, tailor your CV with measurable wins, highlight RFPs and cross selling, demonstrate leadership and client relationship success, and align your story to Sofitel’s brand standards.

Company Description

Belong in a place where you can be yourself and love what you do. Join our hotel community and we will support you to realise your true potential. You will be part of a team where everyone’s contribution is valued, and where innovation and commercial thinking are encouraged. We empower our ambassadors to bring ideas that elevate performance and create personalised guest experiences — helping our guests feel special, and ensuring you do too.

Located in the heart of Brisbane city, Sofitel Brisbane Central is renowned for sophisticated luxury accommodation, world-class dining, and impeccable hospitality. Our 416 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites embody refined French luxury, delivered with heartfelt, personalised service. The hotel also features premium food and beverage outlets, Club Millésime executive lounge, two fitness centres, a day spa, and flexible conference and event spaces for up to 1,100 delegates.

As part of the global Accor network, Sofitel Brisbane Central offers the opportunity to work within an internationally recognised luxury brand while contributing to the hotel’s strong commercial performance in a competitive Brisbane market.

Job Description

We are seeking a commercially driven and results-oriented Business Development Manager to join Sofitel Brisbane Central, focused on driving revenue growth across MICE, Corporate, Sporting, and associated business events, with a strong emphasis on the conference and association markets.

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Sales (and Director of Sales & Marketing), you will identify and convert new business opportunities, strengthen strategic partnerships, and position the hotel as a preferred destination for premium events, corporate travel, and group business. You will manage and grow key accounts, maximise yield, and deliver sustainable revenue growth in line with budgeted targets.

You will proactively prospect through telemarketing, networking, sales calls, and client engagement, securing a minimum of 10 appointments per week and undertaking sales trips and industry representation as required. You will prepare proposals, RFP responses, and commercial agreements, negotiate rates within approved structures, and maximise account value through cross-selling and upselling.

Representing Sofitel at trade shows, corporate forums, and sporting events, you will enhance brand visibility and drive new business. Collaborating with Revenue, Marketing, and Operations, you will ensure seamless handovers, exceptional client experiences, and optimal commercial outcomes.

As a manager, you will mentor Sales Executives and Coordinators, build capability, and drive consistent performance. You will maintain accurate CRM records, monitor competitor activity, and contribute to the annual Sales & Marketing Plan and Business Plan.

Success in this role requires strong commercial acumen, proven business conversion skills, strategic negotiation, and the ability to build long-term relationships. You thrive in a fast-paced luxury environment, lead by example, and are committed to delivering excellence aligned with Sofitel’s brand standards.

Qualifications

Your Experience and Skills Include:

• Proven experience in conference, MICE, and event sales, preferably within luxury or high-end hospitality.
• Demonstrated success in sales, with a strong track record of generating leads and securing new business.
• Minimum of three years relevant and recent sales experience in the hospitality industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Hospitality, or a related field.
• Proficiency in CRM and event management software/tools.
• Strong customer service focus, with experience in luxury or premium service environments.
• Highly motivated, results-driven, and able to work independently and remotely.
• Exceptional interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Outstanding personal presentation, professionalism, and style.
• Committed to ongoing professional development within the Sofitel brand.
• Flexible and willing to travel frequently across Australia to meet client and business needs.
• Reliable, responsible, and capable of delivering tasks efficiently and accurately while maintaining attention to detail.

Additional Information

Bring passion and dedication to excellence, and we will recognise your contribution with a variety of benefits, rewards and development opportunities within the global Accor network. We are committed to your professional growth, offering leadership development pathways, global mobility opportunities and industry-leading training programs.

Thrive in our Sofitel Brisbane Central community, with:

• Heartist benefits including global accommodation and dining discounts for you, your family and friends
• Complimentary hotel stay package to celebrate your work anniversary
• Secure parking in the centre of Brisbane for only $10 per day
• Direct access to Central train station
• Complimentary meals in the ambassador dining room
• Laundered uniforms and dry cleaning of duty attire
• Access to wellbeing programs and learning platforms

Let your passion shine. Visit careers.accor.com and say “bonjour” to your next career opportunity.