Manager Visitor Experiences

**Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for business growth and visitor partnerships?**

We are seeking a dynamic manager and people leader for our visitor experience functions, including the Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO).

They will develop and grow council run events in a way that both provides a financial return to Council whilst stimulating tourism visitation to the district for the benefit of the community and wider tourism sector. This is a newly created role will drive the activation of Council venues, promote Whanganui as a tourism destination and add to the vibrancy of the district.

Join our dedicated team who are committed to delivering unforgettable experiences and helping shape the future of Whanganui.

**About the Role**:
As the **Manager - Visitor Experience**, you will be the driving force behind the growth of our venues and tourism businesses. Reporting to the Chief Experience Officer, your role will focus on building and nurturing long-term relationships with corporate clients, event planners, and key industry stakeholders to position council's venues as the go-to for business travel, meetings, conferences, and events.

**_ Your focus will include:_**
- Identifying and pursuing new opportunities.
- Managing key accounts and fostering strong relationships with relevant industry sectors across corporate clients, events, tourism operators, hospitality and accommodation providers.
- Developing and implementing strategic growth initiatives to increase venue bookings and event revenue.
- Collaborating with internal teams to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Analyzing market trends and competitor activities to position Whanganui as a leading visitor destination.
- You will have an integral part in the completion of tenders, management of negotiated rates, and contracts with key stakeholders and the Government sector.
- Delivering exceptional customer service, hosting, and attending industry events.

**About You**:
You are a results-driven business development professional with a proven track record in tourism, attraction and hospitality space. You have exceptional communication and negotiation skills, and you're able to navigate complex deals with ease. With a minimum of 5 years' experience in corporate sales or business development, preferably within the hospitality, events, or tourism industries, you bring expertise in managing corporate accounts and executing successful sales and attraction strategies.
- An instinct for hunting, you thrive on chasing and winning business.
- A strong network of travel and business industry connections and a proven ability to build lasting relationships, maintain and increase client portfolios.
- To recognize opportunities and convert customer needs into event bookings.
- Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet targets in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Strong computer, organizational skills and attention to detail.
- A full, current driving license.
- Tertiary qualifications in Business, Sales, Marketing, or a related field (preferred but not required).

**What we offer**

Our people are accomplished, capable, and driven by curiosity to learn more - about the council, its impact, and their own potential. Your career aspirations will be supported and in our flexible, strengths-based environment you'll be encouraged to be the best version of yourself in and out of work.

We collaborate closely and lead with empathy - for our colleagues and for our community. We enable our people to find the flexibility within their role to do more of what matters to them. When you join us, you'll enjoy our:

- Strong focus on wellness and wellbeing
- Flexible work environment - work from home options
- Assistance with ongoing professional development - access to learning and networking opportunities to help you grow
- Settling in support - if you're joining us from outside of the district, we'll work with you to make a seamless transition

**How to apply**

**Applications close: 11:59pm Sunday 2 March 2025