Business Development Manager, Group

Position Overview:

We’re looking for a sales professional to drive group business across our portfolio of 30+ independent luxury hotels in North America. This role is focused on identifying, developing, and converting group opportunities with corporate clients, agencies, and event planners, with the goal of generating high-value business for our member hotels.

 

Each property in our portfolio has a distinct positioning, requiring a thoughtful, tailored approach to match the right clients and group opportunities with the right hotel experiences. The role combines proactive business development with account management, building a strong pipeline of group leads while deepening relationships with key, high-value clients.

 

The ideal candidate brings experience in group sales within luxury hospitality or travel, along with a proactive and persistent approach to developing new business. They are comfortable working across a diverse portfolio, confident presenting to senior stakeholders, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, client-facing environment.

 

As a representative of The Leading Hotels of the World, this individual will play a key role in driving revenue, strengthening client relationships, and elevating brand visibility across the North American market, with the potential to expand into global opportunities.

This is a full-time position located in New York City. We offer flexible workplace policies that allow for working remotely 3 days a week and require being in our NYC office 2 days a week (Wednesdays and Thursdays).

Key Responsibilities:

Business Development & Sales Strategy

• Identify, qualify, and secure new business opportunities within the luxury group travel market for member hotels, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives
• Develop and execute targeted sales strategies that drive measurable growth in leads, bookings, and revenue
• Build deep knowledge of a growing portfolio of more than 30-plus North American member hotels, each with a distinct positioning, and translate that into compelling sales opportunities with the potential of expanding internationally
• Analyze pipeline activity to identify opportunities for growth, deeper engagement, and targeted support for member hotels
• Stay current on market trends, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities to inform sales approach

 

Account & Partner Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key accounts, member hotels, and industry partners to increase brand visibility and preference
• Partner closely with hotels to understand their unique value propositions and develop tailored strategies that drive lead generation and conversion
• Leverage CRM tools to track sales performance and client engagement, using insights to pursue high-potential opportunities

Client Engagement & Event Execution

• Plan and execute sales missions, client programs (including FAMs), and other key events, prioritizing high-impact opportunities
• Represent The Leading Hotels of the World at industry events, trade shows, and networking engagements to strengthen relationships and uncover new business.
• Proactively plan and execute hotel site visits in collaboration with hotel partners, prioritizing key markets and ensuring timely coordination and leadership approval
• Independently manage a strategic travel calendar for sales calls and events, with efficient planning and leadership approval

Communication & Internal Collaboration

• Prepare and deliver impactful presentations and lead effective meetings with internal teams, hoteliers, clients and stakeholders
• Contribute to special projects and cross-functional initiatives as needed.

Budget & Operational Accountability

• Manage and adhere to annual expense budgets for assigned markets
• Ensure all sales activities are executed with a focus on efficiency, effectiveness, and return on investment

Requirements & Experience:

• 3+ years of experience in MICE and group related business development, sales, or account management within the luxury hospitality or group travel sector.
• Proven track record of meeting and exceeding sales goals.
• Established network of corporate and incentive luxury group travel buyers is highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of the North American luxury travel market and client expectations.
• Experience working with high-net-worth clientele, incentive and corporate travel planners, and luxury event organizers.
• Fluent in English (written & spoken) other languages are desirable.

Skills & Abilities:

• 3+ years of experience in MICE and group business development, sales, or account management within luxury hospitality and group travel, with a track record of meeting or exceeding sales goals
• Strong understanding of the North American luxury travel market, including but not limited to, incentive, and high-net-worth clients; existing industry relationships a plus
• Proven ability to independently generate new business, build pipelines, and manage accounts across the full sales lifecycle
• Ability to quickly learn and represent a diverse portfolio of member hotels, each with a distinct positioning, and translate that knowledge into a supportive sales strategy to generate compelling client opportunities
• Results-driven and proactive, with a persistent approach to securing new opportunities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to build trust and represent the brand effectively with clients and partners
• Organized and self-directed, able to manage multiple priorities while collaborating across teams
• Proficient in Salesforce, Cvent, and Microsoft Office; willing to travel as needed
• Passion for luxury hospitality and high-end travel experiences; fluent in English (additional languages a plus)

Compensation:

Annualized Salary Range: $75,000 - $90,000
Target Annual Incentive bonus: 25%
**Salary is determined by individual candidate's skills, experience, and location.

Benefits:
The Leading Hotels of the World fosters a high-performance culture and generously rewards its employees for their contributions. Here is just a preview of the benefits we offer:

• 22 days of Paid Time Off (PTO), 11 paid holidays, including birthdays as a floating holiday
• Medical coverage available within the first month
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with Company contribution
• 401(k) company match up to 4% of salary
• Up to $500 for home office setup credit
• Up to $500 travel credit that supports and encourages our employees’ passion for travel
• Unlimited access to financial advisors Collaborative and inclusive work environment

About The Leading Hotels Of The World, Ltd. (LHW)

Comprised of more than 400 hotels in over 80 countries, LHW is the largest collection of independent luxury hotels. In 1928, 38 independent hoteliers came together to create LHW. Since then, the Company has carefully curated distinctive hotels, resorts, inns, chalets, villas, and safari camps from the snow-capped Alps of Europe to the African veldt, to share them with adventurous souls who seek the remarkably uncommon. The LHW community is filled of exceptional individuals, united by a passion for the surprising discoveries and details that come with every experience. LHW’s collection covers the globe and promises a broad range of destinations and uncommon experiences, enhanced by LHW’s tiered guest loyalty program Leaders Club. From converted former palaces, and countryside retreats run by the same families for generations, to gleaming skyscrapers in dynamic urban centers, serene private island escapes, glamorous tented camps - and beyond - explore, find inspiration, and experience unforgettable travel moments. For more information visit: www.lhw.com, Facebook at @LeadingHotels, Twitter at @LeadingHotels and Instagram @leadinghotelsoftheworld

LHW is an equal opportunity employer. LHW does not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, handicap, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other applicable legally protected category.