Are you a natural networker with a flair for sales & events and a passion for hospitality?
We’re on the lookout for a Business Development Executive who’s not afraid to pick up the phone, walk into a room full of strangers, or take the lead at a networking event. Someone who's looking to launch their career, make a real impact on the day to day running's, someone who knows the Dublin hospitality scene, someone with the drive to find new opportunities, build strong and lasting relationships, and who can bring bright and gritty energy to the role.
If this sounds like you then we want you!
We are seeking to appoint an experienced hotel sales person who’s looking to launch their BD career, or a sales person who understands the Dublin scene, to help drive results. You'll play a key part in growing our corporate bookings, growing standard procedures, securing new corporate contracts, helping to create group wide packages, and ensuring our hotel is top of the list for businesses, events, and celebrations.
About the Hotel:
The Mercantile Hotel is newly reopened upscale 105 bedroom hotel located in the heart of Dublin, committed to providing exceptional service and outstanding guest experiences.
The Mercantile Hotel and Bar offers guests a blend of ‘Georgian elegance and contemporary Dublin charm’. Located on Dame Street, in the heart of Dublin, the hotel reopened in June with 105 appointed bedrooms – an increase of 77 rooms. New features include two new bars with an all-day dining and a cocktail-forward menu, and a restaurant menu curated by Michelin-starred chef Stephen Gibson, plus the addition of Café28.
The hotel’s design is inspired by nineteenth-century commerce and travel, with interiors by Millimetre Design that aim to fuse Dublin’s heritage with a vibrant, modern aesthetic. The team has worked extensively with Irish suppliers, including bespoke furniture designers and manufacturers McGuigan Furniture, Mullan Lighting – both based in Monaghan – the Handmade Soap Company, in Meath, and mattress supplier Respa. Meanwhile, chef Gibson – known for founding the award-winning restaurant Pichet and his work with Café en Seine – brings over 30 years of culinary expertise to the hotel’s new food offering. His menus at the Mercantile Hotel reflect a modern Irish approach to classic bistro fare – designed to appeal to both international visitors and local diners – featuring artisanal Irish producers, such as Glenilen Farm. Our team are incredibly proud of the transformation that has taken place, and we believe it offers a very special destination for locals and visitors alike.
Role Overview:
The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying new business opportunities, developing strategic partnerships, and enhancing the hotel's market presence across the corporate, leisure, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events) sectors. The candidate will also have responsibilities relating to enquiry and reservation management and will work closely with the BDM to help plug in business cross the rest of the Mercantile Group venues. Attending relevant events and occasional evening work will form an important part of the role also.
Key Responsibilities:
The Business Development team is responsible for identifying, developing, and securing new business opportunities for the hotel, with a focus on increasing revenue across accommodation, events, F&B, and ancillary services. The role requires strategic prospecting, building and nurturing client relationships, negotiating contracts, and working closely with the sales, marketing, and operations teams to ensure client satisfaction and long-term partnerships. There will be extensive training and the role will be fully supported.
Business Growth & Revenue Development
- Identify and target new business opportunities across corporate, leisure, MICE, and group segments
- Develop and implement sales strategies to increase room nights, events, and F&B revenue
- Create and maintain a strong sales pipeline through proactive outreach, networking, and lead generation
- Conduct market analysis to identify trends, competitor activity, and potential growth areas
Client Relationship Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key corporate accounts, event organisers, travel agents, and other potential partners
- Attend industry trade shows, networking events, and sales missions to promote the hotel
- Organise and conduct site inspections, presentations, and client entertainment as required
Contracting & Negotiation
- Negotiate rates, packages, and contracts with clients in line with revenue management guidelines
- Prepare proposals, quotations, and agreements, ensuring profitability and alignment with hotel strategy
Collaboration & Reporting
- Work closely with the Revenue Manager to ensure pricing and availability align with market demand
- Collaborate with the marketing team to create targeted campaigns and promotional materials
- Report on sales performance, pipeline activity, and business development initiatives to senior management
Candidate Profile:
Experience in a business development, sales, or commercial role within the hospitality or hotel sector is strongly preferred
Demonstrated success in achieving sales targets and developing new markets
Strong knowledge of the Dublin hospitality landscape and existing industry contacts will be considered an advantage
Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
Professional presentation and the ability to represent the hotel with confidence and credibility.
Highly self-motivated with strong organizational and time management abilities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Suite and experience in Guestline, Net Infinity, ResDiary, Salesforce and OpenTable is preferred
What We Offer:
Competitive remuneration package, including performance-based incentives
Opportunities for professional development and career progression
25% Staff discounts and benefits across our portfolio of venues
Employee Assistance programme- Wellbeing app and free counselling sessions available to all employees and their partners
20% off at the Grafton Barbers in Stephen's Green Shopping Centre
Bike to Work Scheme
Taxsaver Scheme
Gym Membership Discount
Support and funding for further education in relevant disciplines
Application Process:
Interested candidates are invited to submit a detailed CV and a cover letter outlining their qualifications, relevant experience, and motivation for applying to this role. Applications will be treated with strict confidentiality.
Please note that due to the high volume of applicants, not every application will receive a response.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From €35,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
