Business Development & Guest Relations Manager

Business Development and Guest Relations Manager | Westwood Skye, Westville, Durban

About Westwood Skye

Westwood Skye is a premium provider of secure self-catering accommodation located within the prestigious Westwood Estate in Westville, Durban.

We offer ten fully equipped self-catering lodges and specialise in accommodation for corporate travellers, project teams, universities, schools, sports teams, medical visitors, relocation clients and long-stay guests.

We are entering an important growth phase and are looking for an ambitious business development professional to help us increase occupancy, build long-term corporate relationships and become an important part of our future growth.

The Opportunity

This is an initial contract opportunity focused on generating new business and increasing occupancy.

Our immediate objective is to increase occupancy over the next three months by developing sustainable corporate, institutional and group accommodation partnerships.

The role will initially be structured as a contract / retainer-based appointment, with performance-based commission. For the right person, there is an opportunity for the role to develop into a longer-term position as the business grows.

Primary Purpose of the Role

To develop new corporate, institutional and group accommodation business for Westwood Skye, while also supporting the reservations and guest relations function during busy periods.

The successful candidate must be comfortable prospecting, cold calling, arranging meetings, presenting the business, following up leads and converting opportunities into confirmed bookings.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development

• Identify and qualify new corporate, institutional and group accommodation opportunities.
• Build relationships with decision-makers in companies, schools, universities, travel agencies, sports organisations, hospitals and project-based businesses.
• Arrange meetings and presentations with potential clients.
• Prepare proposals and accommodation quotations.
• Negotiate accommodation agreements and repeat-booking arrangements.
• Develop long-term partnerships with corporate, school, university, sports and travel clients.
• Maintain a structured sales pipeline and follow-up system.
• Report on leads, meetings, proposals, conversions and revenue generated.
• Achieve agreed occupancy and revenue targets.

Reservations and Guest Relations Support

• Assist with guest enquiries and accommodation quotations when required.
• Support the Reservations Manager during busy periods.
• Liaise with guests before, during and after their stay.
• Help ensure excellent customer service and encourage repeat business.
• Identify opportunities to convert once-off guests into repeat or long-term clients.

Ideal Candidate

Applicants should have:

• Proven business development, sales or relationship management experience.
• Strong ability to generate leads and close new business.
• Excellent communication, presentation and negotiation skills.
• Experience in hospitality, accommodation, tourism, conferencing, corporate travel, property or related sectors would be an advantage.
• Existing corporate, school, travel, sports or institutional contacts would be highly advantageous.
• Strong organisational and follow-up skills.
• A professional and confident approach.
• The ability to work independently and take responsibility for results.
• Own vehicle and a valid driver’s licence.

Remuneration

We are seeking an exceptional individual and are prepared to reward performance accordingly.

The package will include:

• A negotiable monthly contract retainer for the right candidate.
• Attractive performance-based commission on new business generated.
• The opportunity to earn substantial additional income through successful business development.
• The opportunity to grow into a longer-term role as the business expands.

The detailed retainer, KPI and commission structure will be discussed with shortlisted candidates.

How to Apply

Please submit the following:

• Your CV to ***email_hidden***
• A short cover letter explaining how you would increase Westwood Skye’s occupancy.
• Examples of previous business development achievements.
• Your earliest available start date.

This is more than a sales position. We are looking for someone who wants to build long-term relationships, grow a respected accommodation brand and become an important part of Westwood Skye’s future success.