Job Description

At Whittlebury Park, we are seeking a detail orientated, well-organised Business Development Executive/Manager - Sports & Entertainment.

Nestled in hundreds of acres of ancient parkland, Whittlebury offers an award-winning four-star hotel, conference, and training centre. Our facilities include our 3 AA Rosette-winning Murray's fine dining restaurant, luxurious spa, and 36-hole championship golf course.

Salary:

30,000 per annum (based on a 40-hour work week)

Reporting to

- Commercial Manager B2B

Role Purpose

To drive profitable revenue for Whittlebury Park by developing and managing strategic relationships in the sports and entertainment sectors, with a particular focus on:

Visiting and home teams across football, rugby, cricket and other elite/performance sports (e.g. MK Dons, Northampton Town FC, Brackley Town FC, Northampton Saints, academies and representative teams) Golf groups, both domestic and inbound, including tours Governing bodies, agents, player management companies and event organisers Film, TV, streaming and content producers seeking on-location filming and unit base facilities

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Market Development

Develop, execute & own a Sports & Entertainment sector business development plan aligned to the resort's commercial strategy and revenue targets Map and prioritise target accounts including professional and semi-professional clubs, universities, national squads, academies, governing bodies, agencies, production companies and location managers Identify and develop new revenue streams such as pre-season training camps, mid-season warm-weather style camps (UK-based), wellness and recovery breaks, end-of-season trips, player retreats, filming packages, and content-led brand activations Monitor competitor activity in the region (stadia hotels, city centre hotels and other resorts) to ensure Whittlebury Park maintains a clear point of difference

Account Acquisition & Relationship Management

Proactively prospect, qualify and convert business from target clubs and organisations (e.g. MK Dons, Northampton Town FC, Brackley Town FC, Northampton Saints and similar clubs within 90 minutes' drive) Build long-term, multi-level relationships with key decision-makers, e.g. Directors of Rugby/Football, Team Managers, Operations Managers, Player Liaison Officers, Team Logistics, Sports Scientists, and agents Develop account plans for high-value key partners, including clear revenue targets, activity timelines and retention strategies Host familiarisation visits, site inspections and hospitality experiences, showcasing bedrooms, spa, leisure, golf, meeting space and private dining options Ensure outstanding post stay follow-up to secure repeat business and multi-year agreements where possible

Sports Team & Performance Requirements

Work closely with Marketing, Conference Sales & Operations, Leisure & Spa, Golf and F&B teams to develop sports-specific offerings, which may include: Nutritionally balanced performance menus and hydration stations Flexible meal times around training, match and travel schedules Secure and discrete team check-in, floor or wing allocations and controlled access Meeting rooms configured for analysis sessions, medical / treatment rooms and kit storage Use of leisure club and outdoor space for recovery and light training sessions Act as internal advocate for sports and entertainment clients, briefing operational teams clearly on preferences, non-negotiables and contractual obligations

Filming & Location Business

Position Whittlebury Park as a "location of choice" for film, TV, streaming, branded content and photography through: Promotion of the estate's diverse backdrops (hotel, spa, golf course, woodland, lakes, event spaces and open countryside) Packaging of location hire with accommodation, catering, parking, unit base, green rooms and production offices Creation of rate cards and flexible pricing structures for different levels of production Build relationships with location managers, production companies, studios and regional film offices; ensure Whittlebury Park is listed on appropriate location databases and directories Manage filming enquiries from first contact through contract, risk assessments, insurance requirements and on-the-day coordination alongside the Operations team

Commercial & Revenue Management

Work with Revenue Management and Conference & Event Sales to shape rate strategies and inventory allocation for teams and productions, balancing yield with long-term value Negotiate commercial terms including rates, inclusions, cancellation policies, and exclusivity where appropriate Prepare accurate and timely business cases for major opportunities (e.g. full-site buys/exclusivity, long-stay productions, large-scale training camps) Maintain an active pipeline in the CRM system, ensuring data quality and robust forecasting for the Commercial Director and wider leadership team

Marketing & Brand Collaboration

Partner with the Marketing team to create segment specific campaigns and assets: sports and filming brochures, videos, case studies, web content and social media activity Represent Whittlebury Park at trade shows, networking events, match days, business clubs and industry forums Support PR activity by securing testimonials, imagery and stories from clubs and productions (subject to NDA and brand guidelines) Ensure all activity aligns with the Whittlebury Park brand, values and guest experience standards

Reporting & Governance

Provide monthly reporting on pipeline, conversion, revenue performance and key account activity Track and analyse segment performance (sports, entertainment, filming) and recommend tactical actions during need periods Ensure all contracts align with company policies, legal requirements, health & safety and insurance standards Maintain accurate records of all negotiations and agreements

Sales Culture & Momentum Leadership

Lead and energise proactive telesales activity across the Commercial team, including the planning and delivery of focused telesales days and campaigns Create a high-energy, high-accountability sales environment that celebrates activity, effort and results Act as a visible champion for outbound sales, consistently reinforcing the importance of prospecting, follow-up and conversion Publicly recognise and communicate sales wins, big bookings and breakthroughs to drive momentum and positive competition Work with the Commercial Team to embed a "hunter mindset" across the team, encouraging confidence, resilience and commercial curiosity Support and coach colleagues on sales conversations, objection handling and value-led selling (without line management responsibility)

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Revenue & Profitability Total incremental revenue from sports teams & entertainment accounts (rooms, F&B, spa, golf, events) Number and value of multi-year agreements secured, ensuring diversity of account portfolio Average length of stay and ancillary spend per team / production Business Development Activity Number of qualified new accounts opened in target segments per quarter Volume and quality of client meetings, site visits and familiarisation events RFP/Proposal conversion rate Strategic Impact & Relationships Number of key accounts with active account plans Retention and repeat business rate from teams and productions Internal feedback from Operations on clarity of information and collaboration Brand & Market Presence Visibility of Whittlebury Park in relevant sports and filming networks, directories and trade press Case studies and PR opportunities generated (where permitted)

Experience & Qualifications

Essential

Proven track record in B2B business development or sales within hospitality, venues, sports, events or entertainment, and passionate about sport Demonstrable experience of winning and growing key accounts Strong understanding of the operational needs of sports teams and/or production crews (schedules, confidentiality, welfare needs, logistics) Skilled negotiator with experience of complex, multi-stakeholder deals Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly across the region and occasionally nationwide

Desirable

Experience working directly with professional or semi-professional sports clubs, governing bodies, or sports marketing agencies Experience in location sales, film/TV production support or working with location managers Familiarity with the Northamptonshire/Buckinghamshire/Oxfordshire sports and events landscape Knowledge of hotel revenue management principles and CRM systems

Skills & Attributes

Commercially astute with strong financial awareness and ability to build compelling business cases Excellent relationship-builder and networker; comfortable engaging at Director and Board level as well as with operational stakeholders Highly organised with strong project management skills and attention to detail Confident presenter and communicator - written and verbal Resilient, self-motivated and target-driven, with a hunter mentality Able to work flexibly, including some evenings, weekends and match/event days Passionate about sport, entertainment and delivering outstanding guest experiences

Benefits:

At Whittlebury Park, we believe in rewarding our dedicated staff with a fantastic range of benefits. When you join our team, you can look forward to:

Free Golf & Leisure Membership:

Complimentary access to our Leisure Club if you work a minimum of 40 hours per month, and a complimentary Golf Membership if you work a minimum of 60 hours per month.

Free Staff Meals:

Enjoy a delicious meal on us while on duty.

Healthcare Cashback:

Receive cashback on essential healthcare expenses (contracted hours staff only).

Employee Awards:

Be recognised and rewarded for your hard work and dedication, whether through our Employee of the Month scheme or Welcome to Workdays.

Exclusive Discounts:

Food & Beverage:

Up to 50% off food and drink, including our popular Sunday carvery.

Spa Products and Treatments:

Treat yourself to discounted spa products and treatments, plus exclusive staff offers.

Hotel Stays:

Benefit from discounted rates on luxurious stays.
Join us at Whittlebury Park and take advantage of these amazing benefits while working in a stunning, award-winning environment. Whether we are hosting corporate working groups, family celebrations, wedding parties, or providing a tranquil retreat for guests seeking respite from the stresses of life, our mission is always to make someone's day.

If you possess the skills to be part of a dedicated, professional, high-performing team, we would love to hear from you!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 30,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Canteen Company events Company pension Discounted or free food Employee discount Free parking Gym membership Health & wellbeing programme On-site gym On-site parking Referral programme
Work Location: In person