Business Development Manager (Ontario-Based – Independent Contractor)

Business Development Manager
(Ontario-Based – Independent Contractor)

Full-Time | Ottawa or Toronto, ON | Contract Position

About Discover Saskatoon:
Discover Saskatoon is the official destination marketing and management organization (DMMO) for Saskatoon, dedicated to increasing the city’s visibility and reputation as a premier destination for meetings, conventions, cultural events, and group travel.

We are seeking a highly motivated Manager, Business Development (Ontario-Based) to drive national business event sales and secure high-value conventions for Saskatoon. As an independent contractor, this role will lead destination sales efforts in Ontario, focusing on association, corporate, and third-party meeting planners to position Saskatoon as a top-tier host city.

If you are an experienced sales leader with a strong national network, a strategic mindset, and a passion for destination marketing, this opportunity is for you!

Position Title: Business Development Manager
Contract Duration: 3 years
Reports to: Vice President, Destination Management
Application Deadline: Monday, March 31^st, 2025 by 8:00 am (ET)

Overall Purpose:

The Business Development Manager (Ontario-Based) will spearhead Discover Saskatoon’s business event lead generation and sales efforts across Eastern Canada, with a primary focus on national association and corporate meetings. Reporting directly to the Vice President, Business Development, this position is responsible for prospecting, managing full bid cycles, fostering key industry relationships, representing Discover Saskatoon, and ensuring Saskatoon remains competitive as a business events destination.

The ideal candidate is a highly skilled sales professional with a deep understanding of the meetings, conventions, and business events landscape. They must be a proactive self-starter who thrives in a remote, independent contractor role while remaining highly engaged with the Discover Saskatoon team.

Key Responsibilities:

Business Development & Sales Strategy

• Identify, qualify, and develop high-value business event leads aligned with Saskatoon’s economic and sectoral strengths.
• Manage full bid cycles, from prospecting and proposal development to securing contracts.
• Cultivate and maintain a national client pipeline, proactively engaging with key accounts to drive business to Saskatoon.
• Develop compelling bids and incentive packages, positioning Saskatoon competitively in the Canadian meetings and conventions marketplace.
• Represent Discover Saskatoon at key industry trade shows and events, including but not limited to:
• Tête-à-Tête
• Canadian Meetings & Events Expo (CMEE)
• PCMA Events
• CanSPEP Events
• Ottawa Meet Week
• MPI and CSAE Events
• Cities in Sync confirmed events

Industry Influence & Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with national association executives, corporate meeting planners, and third-party event organizers.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Discover Saskatoon and the Ontario-based business events community.
• Leverage partnerships with Cities in Sync and industry associations to enhance Saskatoon’s market positioning.

Bid Development & Incentive Strategy

• Identify and evaluate bid opportunities based on market intelligence and feasibility.
• Develop and execute bid presentations that effectively communicate Saskatoon’s strengths.
• Oversee bid documentation and stakeholder coordination, ensuring seamless execution.
• Track bid success rates and refine sales strategies to improve conversion.

Event & Trade Show Management

• Plan and attend client networking events, industry conferences, and sales missions.
• Host familiarization (FAM) tours and site visits for key decision-makers considering Saskatoon as a host city.
• Support Discover Saskatoon’s in-market activations to maximize engagement with meeting planners and industry stakeholders.

Reporting & Market Intelligence

• Provide monthly sales reports, detailing:
• Leads generated and conversion progress
• Market trends and competitive insights
• Event pipeline updates
• Financial performance against KPIs
• Deliver ongoing intelligence on competing destinations and new opportunities for Saskatoon.
• Submit post-event reports and strategic recommendations to drive continuous improvement in sales strategies.