At the Vancouver Convention Centre, a division of BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo), we work to create unforgettable moments, world-class experiences and stronger connections to community, industry and culture.
As British Columbia’s flagship convention centre, we host more than 500 events each year and welcomes hundreds of thousands of global attendees to premier conferences, trade shows, banquets and more.
This position is posted to inform employees of the vacancy and support transparency in the recruitment process.
This role is currently being filled on a temporary basis, and an internal candidate is being considered.
The Vancouver Convention Centre is hiring a Business Development Manager.
The Business Development Manager identifies and prospects potential clients and develops and delivers proposals with the goal of enticing groups to bring their programs to Vancouver, as well as negotiates contracts and secures business. This position requires a flexible and open-minded approach to sales strategies, not only for new business but also multi-year opportunities. Primarily, this manager pursues business in the long-term market (12 months or more into the future).
You are someone who loves to participate in innovating processes and taking on projects outside of your normal scope of work to broaden your insights and contributions back to the success of our business. You collaborate easily with other departments, sales territories, industry stakeholders, and build strong relationships based on trust and delivering amazing experiences.
WHAT YOU WILL DO:
- Spearhead discussions and collaboration with different departments, internal and external suppliers to collect and present a wide variety logistical detail in response to complex RFPs.
- Identifies, generates, and develops potential business by proactively prospecting new clients through, sales calls, presentations, and by exhibiting at and attending industry trade shows and events.
- Maximizes space utilization not only within each event to ensure an efficient delegate flow and appropriate room usage but also within the facility so that the VCC can host as many simultaneous events as possible.
- Identifies and develops promotional opportunities in conjunction with relevant industry partners including ongoing evaluation of business information from sources such as market intelligence, trends, industry changes, and research.
- Develops and maintains strong, strategic relationships with industry partners to generate new business and sustain existing business.
- Negotiates contracts and space rental rates in what is an extremely competitive marketplace. There is the constant balance required between maximizing economic benefit for the province through out-of-town delegates and the need for the facility to maintain and increase revenues
- Prepares, coordinates, and conducts strategic client hosting opportunities (FAMs, site inspections, chef’s tables) as a means for securing new and repeat business.
- Actively pursues leads sourced by industry partners such as Destination Vancouver, Hotels, and third parties.
- Develops compelling proposals that may include internal supplier support, discounting, Convention development funding, or hotel rebates.
- Negotiates contracts and event components such as space, date requirements, rental rates, payment schedules, and addendums
- Develops a strategic sales plan that not only identifies prospective business but also ascertains the unique needs and requirements of each client so that the community can create compelling proposals to win business.
Implements a proactive re-booking strategy to secure repeat business.
- Obtains the necessary level of information to ensure that accounts/events are populated with the most current and correct information in our Event Management system so that reports to our stakeholders are accurate and our inter-departmental colleagues are set up for success
- Engages regularly with clients on-site to ensure customer satisfaction.
WHAT YOU WILL BRING:
- A bachelor’s degree in business or economics is preferred. A combination of education and experience in a relevant industry and role will be considered.
- Direct experience in business development and/or client relations is required.
- 5 to 7 years’ Business Development experience required, and experience gained at a venue or convention hotel would be an asset.
- Understanding of logistics/operations is an asset.
- Understanding of provincial stakeholders is useful.
- Sound working knowledge of a wide variety of standard software applications including CRMs, and specifically Momentus (EBMS), and Microsoft Office programs.
- Exceptional customer experience skills with ability to anticipate clients and guests’ needs.
- Excellent communication skills including the ability to have difficult conversations and to effectively handle and resolve issues.
- Detail-oriented, organized with the ability to prioritize while working well under pressure to meet tight timelines.
- Highly adaptable and able to rapidly learn new skills and behaviours in response to changing circumstances in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate in a team environment and able to work independently.
This posting will close on Tuesday, November 17, 2026.
We are proud to be a diverse organization. We welcome all eligible and qualified applicants to apply to join our team, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetics, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Please note that we can only consider applicants who are eligible to work in Canada.
