Business Development Manager

Job Description About The Center ClubEstablished in 1962, The Center Club was founded on a charter of non-discrimination as a most distinguished private club which would fulfill their needs in one location easily accessible to political, legal and business communities. Since the beginning, The Center Club has been one of the more prestigious locations in the city for members to meet and dine in comfortable and subtle elegance and enjoy entertaining others of like mind. At The Center Club we provide the finest food and service possible for our members and their guests. From our food and beverage operation to our administrative staff, we maintain the highest level of quality and only the finest of standards. We are happy to have you join our team to help us continue to meet these objectives.Position SummaryThe Business Development Manager is responsible for driving banquet and private event revenue with a primary focus on corporate meetings, business dining, conferences, and professional events. This role is critical to maximizing weekday utilization and establishing the Club as a premier destination for business and professional gatherings.As a relationship-driven sales professional, the Business Development Manager will cultivate ongoing partnerships with member companies, local businesses, and corporate clients, generating repeat business and long-term revenue streams. The role serves as the primary liaison between clients and Club operations, ensuring a seamless, high-quality experience from inquiry through execution.Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesCorporate & Banquet Sales StrategyDevelop and execute a sales strategy focused on corporate meetings, board dinners, conferences, and business events.Proactively target and build relationships with member companies, law firms, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, and local businesses.Drive weekday (Monday–Friday)and weekend event volume, optimizing daytime and early evening usage of Club spaces.Actively solicit new business through networking, referrals, cold outreach, and corporate partnerships.Maintain a robust pipeline of repeat and new corporate clients to ensure consistent booking pace.Client Relationship ManagementServe as the primary point of contact for all corporate and private event clients.Build long-term relationships that result in recurring bookings (e.g., monthly meetings, quarterly board dinners, annual events).Conduct professional site tours tailored to business needs, highlighting technology, privacy, and service capabilities.Provide prompt, customized proposals aligned with client objectives and timelines.Position the Club as an extension of the client's workplace—professional, reliable, and service-driven.Event Planning & ExecutionCoordinate all event logistics including meeting setups, A/V requirements, food & beverage selections, and timelines.Prepare detailed Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and ensure clear communication across all departments.Collaborate closely with culinary and operations teams to deliver efficient, high-quality execution.Be present for key corporate events to ensure seamless delivery and client satisfaction.Anticipate client needs and proactively resolve issues in real time.Revenue Growth & OptimizationMaximize revenue through strategic upselling of premium meeting packages, enhancements, and food & beverage offerings.Develop and promote corporate meeting packages, including half-day, full-day, and multi-day offerings.Identify opportunities to convert one-time clients into long-term contracted or preferred clients.Leverage events to introduce non-member corporate clients to the benefits of Club membership in coordination with membership leadership.Marketing & Business DevelopmentPartner with marketing to create targeted campaigns focused on corporate meetings, holiday events, and business dining.Represent the Club at local business associations, chambers of commerce, and professional networking events.Build relationships with corporate administrators, executive assistants, and event planners who influence booking decisions.Maintain preferred vendor partnerships for corporate event enhancements (A/V, décor, etc.).Reporting & AdministrationMaintain accurate records of all leads, client interactions, proposals, and contracts within the CRM system.Track key metrics including booking pace, corporate vs. social mix, and repeat business frequency.Prepare weekly and monthly sales reports, including revenue forecasts and pipeline analysis.Ensure all contracts, deposits, billing, and follow-up are handled accurately and professionally.Monitor profitability of events and recommend pricing or packaging adjustments.QualificationsBachelor's degree in hospitality management, Business, Marketing, or related field preferred3–5+ years of experience in corporate event sales, catering sales, or city club environmentProven success in selling to corporate clients and managing repeat business accountsStrong understanding of business meeting requirements (A/V, timing, professionalism, privacy)Excellent sales, negotiation, and closing skillsProficiency in CRM/event management systems (e.g., Northstar or similar)Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilitiesPersonal AttributesHighly relationship-driven with a focus on long-term client retentionProfessional, polished, and business-minded demeanorStrong sense of urgency and responsiveness—critical in corporate environmentsSolutions-oriented with the ability to anticipate and meet client needsDetail-oriented with a commitment to flawless executionFlexible schedule aligned with business demands (early mornings, occasional evenings)Compensation & BenefitsCompetitive base salary plus commission and performance-based incentives tied to revenue and repeat businessHealth, dental, vision, and retirement benefitsClub privileges (as applicable)Professional development and networking opportunities