Position SummaryOVG's hospitality division is seeking a highly connected, results-driven
VP, Business Development, to accelerate growth and strengthen long-term partnerships within the U.S. convention center sector. This executive will serve as a market-facing leader and trusted industry voice, responsible for driving revenue growth, expanding market share for hospitality food and beverage accounts, and deepening client relationships across the portfolio. The ideal candidate is a proven dealmaker and relationship builder, with both breadth and depth of connections across the convention center ecosystem-including public authorities, venue operators, city stakeholders, and industry influencers. This role requires a strategic leader who can originate opportunities, shape winning pursuits, and convert relationships into long-term partnerships, while also safeguarding and expanding existing business through proactive, high-touch client engagement.
This role pays an annual salary of $145,000-$175,000 and is commission eligible.
Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays).This position will remain open until October 23, 2026.Responsibilities- Own and lead a proactive business development strategy focused on new food & beverage account acquisition and revenue growth within the convention center sector.
- Leverage an established network to identify, influence, and convert new business opportunities ahead of formal procurement processes.
- Stay deeply informed on industry trends, competitive dynamics, and public-private development activity to position OVG as a preferred partner.
- Serve as a visible presence in the market, representing OVG at industry events, conferences, and key networking forums.
- Build and maintain deep, trust-based relationships with decision makers and influencers, including municipal leaders, venue executives, and consultants.
- Act as a senior client partner and advocate, ensuring strong alignment between client goals and OVG's service delivery.
- Develop and manage a robust pipeline of relationships and opportunities, continuously expanding OVG's reach and relevance in the market.
- Leverage relationships to create early insight into upcoming opportunities and competitive positioning.
- Drive the end-to-end sales process, from opportunity origination through contract execution.
- Shape and oversee the development of compelling, differentiated proposals and presentations aligned with client priorities.
- Partner closely with finance and operations to develop a deep understanding of cost structures, deal economics, and operational delivery, ensuring all pursuits are strategically sound, competitive, and aligned with long-term profitability.
- Lead complex negotiations in partnership with senior leadership to secure profitable long-term agreements.
- Maintain disciplined pipeline management and forecasting, ensuring visibility into performance and growth trajectory.
- Lead a relationship-first retention strategy, ensuring high levels of client satisfaction and long-term partnership stability.
- Proactively identify at-risk accounts and partner with operations leadership to develop and execute retention plans.
- Expand existing partnerships by identifying new revenue streams, extensions, and strategic growth opportunities.
- Partner closely with operations, marketing, and executive leadership to align business development efforts with enterprise strategy.
- Ensure seamless handoff from sales to operations, maintaining continuity and strength in client relationships.
- Serve as a connector across the organization, ensuring client insights and market intelligence inform decision-making.
Qualifications- 10+ years of progressive business development, sales, or client leadership experience within hospitality, convention centers, venues, or related industries.
- Bachelor's degree required. Masters degree preferred.
- Demonstrated success originating and closing complex, high-value deals.
- Deep understanding of the convention center landscape, including public-sector dynamics and procurement processes.
- Well-established, credible network across the convention center ecosystem, with the ability to open doors and influence outcomes.
- Recognized as a trusted partner and industry connector, with a strong reputation and professional presence.
- Exceptional ability to build rapport, earn trust quickly, and sustain long-term relationships.
- Entrepreneurial, growth-oriented leader with a hunter mentality and strong ownership of results.
- Strategic thinker who can translate market insight into actionable growth strategies.
- Highly skilled communicator and negotiator, capable of engaging senior stakeholders at all levels.
- Willingness to travel extensively and maintain a strong presence in key markets and industry forums.
