General Manager - Birr Castle Demesne
Overview
Our client, The Birr Scientific & Heritage Foundation is recruiting for an experienced GM with a strong background in sales and business development, to join their small but growing team at the Birr Castle Demesne. Reporting to the Board of the Foundation, which is a charitable trust the successful candidate will be responsible for commercial success of one of the most unique tourist attractions in Ireland. They should have a proven track record of driving growth with an extensive network in the tourism or related industry.
Location – Birr Castle Demesne, Birr, Co Offaly.
Contract Type – Permanent Full Time – 4-5 days per week. Hybrid work is an option.
Job Description
Sales & Revenue Growth
- Drive revenue growth of Birr Castle Demesne by achieving and exceeding monthly and annual sales targets.
- Prepare and deliver tailored proposals and presentations to prospective tourism partners and internal stakeholders.
- Work in partnership with Tourism organizations to drive awareness and tourism growth to the region of Offaly and the Hidden Heartlands.
Client Acquisition & Relationship Management
- Identify and engage new business opportunities within the tourism sector, including hotels, tourism attractions, agencies, tour operators and other providers.
- Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with clients to foster repeat business and referrals.
- Act as a primary point of contact for the Birr Castle Demesne at all levels to include community and local partners, national & international.
Strategic Planning & Market Analysis
- Create and implement sales & business development strategies to achieve company growth objectives.
- Conduct market research to identify industry trends, potential clients, and competitor activities.
- Provide regular reports, analysis and insights to senior management on segment performance, market opportunities, and challenge
- Together with internal stakeholders & external providers, identify & aim to secure relevant funding opportunities for Birr Castle Demesne.
Team Management
- Lead and support the senior leadership team responsible for the key departments of Gardens, Visitor Experience, Operations and Finance.
- Communicate to the Team the Birr Castle Demesne strategy to drive growth ensuring the vision is understood and all team efforts are aligned.
- Manage and measure the Team Leaders and their respective teams.
- Oversee project managers, where applicable.
- Ensure workplace compliance in line with all relevant legislation.
Requirements
- Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in general management role with a background in sales and business development in the tourism or related industry.
- Knowledge of key players in the tourism or related industry, including private and public organisations.
- Ability to develop and execute sales strategies.
- Previous success in client acquisition and achieving revenue targets.
- Exceptional commercial and negotiation skills.
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present effectively to diverse audiences.
- Strong relationship-building skills to include the stakeholders, team and external partners.
- Strategic mindset with the ability to align business goals with market trends and analyse visitor and market data.
- High level of commercial acumen and ability to identify and capitalize on income generating opportunities.
- Highly motivated, proactive, positive and goal oriented.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a strong drive to meet and exceed targets.
Preferred requirements
- Degree in Business, Tourism, Finance or discipline related area.
- Working knowledge of the non-profit sector including funding opportunities and governance.
For more information, please contact jason.mcdaid@cpl.ie
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