Business Development Executive

Leeds Castle

Designed to Entertain & Amaze

Business Development Executive

Role Profile & Job Description

LEEDS CASTLE

JOB DESCRIPTION

Leeds Castle is a stunning, 900-year-old moated castle, set in
500 acres of Grade II listed parkland, situated in the beautiful
Kent  countryside.  The  Castle  has  been  open  to  the  public
through the Leeds Castle Foundation since 1974 and continues
her story as a glamorous retreat and popular visitor attraction.

To  help  maximise  the  commercial  potential  of  Leeds  Castle
through sales and promotion of hospitality events, travel trade,
accommodation  and  filming  and  to  support  the  sales  team  in
reactive selling.

JOB TITLE:

REPORTS TO:

RESPONSIBLE FOR:

DEPARTMENT:

LOCATION

PURPOSE

KEY TASKS

  Support  the  Sales  Manager  on  the  research,  booking  and  planning  of  Exhibitions,
Showcases  and  fam  trips  across  MICE,  weddings,  private  events,  travel  trade  and
filming.

  Pre-planning  for  promotional  events  to  include,  booking of  the  event,  working  with
Marketing on collateral required, stand design and set up, researching attendees and
pre-booking of appointments.

  Represent  Leeds  Castle  at  external  exhibitions,  trade  shows  and  networking  events

and at on-site showcases and fam trips

  Planning ‘follow ups’ with clients, sending information or proposals and input of data

on to systems.

  Proactively set up meetings with new and existing clients and regular follow ups with

clients on the database.

  Grow partnerships with local businesses, such as hotels and universities, to promote

Leeds Castle and encourage good working relationships.

  Support the Sales Team by responding to enquiries.

  Support the Sales Team on larger enquiries or with key clients.

  Supporting with conducting site visits, including on weekends.

  Produce regular reports on enquiries, sales and income.



Implement feedback questionnaires, review and collate negative and positive feedback
from  guests  through  direct  emails  and  online  review  platforms,  responding  as
appropriate.

  To  be  responsible  for  the  investigation,  response  and  resolution  of  customer

complaints.

  Configuring  and  updating  the  computer  system  including  rate  templates  and

contractual notes.

  To work with the Sales Manager on special offers, new packages for both hospitality

and travel trade and designing and planning new dine and sleep events.

  Support the delivery of a seamless customer experience across commercial events in

line with the Leeds Castle spirit of place.

  Research key industry trends and keep up to date with best practice.

  Support  the  Marketing  Team  in  the  delivery  of  relevant  campaigns  and  activity,

providing content as required.

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CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES

  Ensure income targets and KPI’s are met for both hospitality events and travel trade.

  To promote and proactively sell hospitality, travel trade, accommodation and filming

at Leeds Castle.

  Monitor  positive  and  negative  feedback  and  report  back  on  any  necessary

improvements or changes to be made.

  To support the sales team in achieving their KPI’s

  Follow  Company  regulations  in  Health  &  Safety  and  maintain  a  safe  working

environment.

  To ensure personal standards of presentation, performance and attendance beyond

reproach at all times.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE

  At least 3 years with proactive sales experience in commercial events.

  A good industry knowledge of travel trade, hospitality and accommodation.

  High attention to detail and passionate about delivering 5* service.

  Excellent communication skills and able to build a strong workplace culture.

  Organisational  skills  with  the  ability  to  plan,  prioritise  and  work  quickly,  ensuring

deadlines are met.

  A good team player and strong advocate for the business.

  Please be aware this role will require frequent nights away from home.

In addition to your main areas of responsibility, the values and behaviours that are required
from  all  our  people  for  the  successful  delivery  of  our  vision  and  strategy  are  summarised
below:

VISION

To be the South’s top heritage destination for relaxation, hospitality & experiences that
surprise & delight

WELCOMING Everyone is treated as a valued guest

BEHAVIOUR We welcome our guests with warmth & the personal touch, going the extra mile
to make sure guests have a fabulous experience, while keeping them safe. We are inclusive,
welcoming people of all races, genders, ages, sexualities & abilities.  We build connections
with communities & partner organisations to reach those who experience barriers to visiting.

SURPRISING We are a living, breathing heritage site, a place that uses its assets with joy.
We look at life through a different lens, seeking surprising hidden stories & new approaches

BEHAVIOUR We are curious, think laterally & always look for the Leeds Castle ‘twist’ to make
us stand out.  We are agile, flexible & open to change.

VALUES

ENDURING As estate custodians, we understand our assets, think long-term in caring for &
improving them & leaving a healthy, positive legacy for future generations.

BEHAVIOUR We manage finances for the long-term, investing wisely & monitoring payback.
Staff spend charitable funds prudently, always seeking best value.  We minimise
environmental footprint & work towards net zero carbon emissions.  We plan regular
maintenance & capital projects to protect our assets, doing the job properly & once. Our
decision making is ethical, transparent & has integrity.

NURTURING We continue the estate tradition of looking after our people & communities.

BEHAVIOUR We respect different skills, experience & views.  We work as one team,
supporting & developing staff, recognising this is a lifestyle, not just a job. We take ownership
of challenges & opportunities, successes & failures, always learning from experience. We are a
good neighbour & partner, with a positive influence in Kent and beyond.

All candidates will be recruited against the above criteria regardless of their sex, racial, ethnic
or  national  origin,  disability,  age,  sexuality  or  responsibilities  for  dependents.  We  value  a
diverse workforce and celebrate our differences

This Job Description is not exhaustive.  You should be aware  that you may be required to
perform other duties as required. By signing this job description, I am in agreement that I will
adhere to the duties asked of me.