Business Development Executive

Help Shape the Future of Southport's Visitor Economy

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Sefton Council's Tourism Team as a Business Development Executive, playing a key role in driving conference, meetings and events business into Southport at one of the most significant moments in the town's regeneration journey.

With the opening of the new Southport Marine Lake Events Centre (MLEC), Southport is entering a new era as a leading destination for conferences, exhibitions, meetings and business events. This landmark development will transform the town's business tourism offer, attract new audiences, generate economic growth and create opportunities across the visitor economy.

We are looking for an ambitious, commercially minded and relationship-focused individual who wants to be at the forefront of this exciting growth story.

The Role

Working within the Southport Convention Bureau, you will support the Business Tourism Manager in attracting conferences, meetings and events to Southport, helping to secure new business and maximise revenue opportunities across the destination.

You will work directly with conference organisers, associations, agencies, accommodation providers and venues, promoting Southport as a destination of choice and showcasing the opportunities created by MLEC and the wider destination offer.

Key responsibilities include:

• Generating and converting conference and event enquiries.
• Developing proposals and bids for national and regional conferences.
• Building relationships with event organisers, associations, trade unions and corporate clients.
• Researching and identifying new business opportunities.
• Hosting familiarisation visits and networking events.
• Working with accommodation and venue partners across Southport.
• Supporting sales reporting, forecasting and business development activity.
• Helping deliver ambitious growth targets for Southport's conference and events sector.

Why Join Us?

This is more than a sales role.

It's an opportunity to be part of a team helping to deliver one of the most important economic developments in Southport's history.

The opening of MLEC presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow Southport's profile as a nationally recognised business events destination. You'll play a direct role in bringing new conferences, delegates and investment into the town, supporting local businesses and contributing to Southport's long-term economic success.

You'll join a passionate and supportive team that is committed to innovation, partnership working and delivering real impact for the visitor economy.

About You

We're looking for someone who can combine strong relationship-building skills with commercial awareness and a proactive approach to business development.

You will have:

• Experience in a sales, business development or customer-focused environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to build long-term relationships and influence stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Confidence in managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
• A proactive and solution-focused approach.
• Strong written, presentation and ICT skills.

Experience within conferences, events, hospitality, tourism or destination marketing would be advantageous, but we welcome applications from individuals with transferable sales and business development experience.

If you're excited by the prospect of helping launch a major new events venue, securing high-profile conferences and contributing to the growth of Southport's visitor economy, we'd love to hear from you.

Join us and help put Southport on the map as one of the UK's leading conference and events destinations.

Please see Appendix A (page 10) for a full copy of the Job Description and Person Specification.

The closing date for this vacancy is Tuesday, 28^th August (or earlier in the event of high volume of applications being received).

Provisional interview dates are week commencing 31^st August 2026.

Equal Opportunities

Sefton Council strives to ensure that our workforce is inclusive and representative of our communities. A diverse workforce is important to us, our staff bring with them a wide range of experiences, views, ideas, and innovations, and we are committed to providing an environment that recognises, respects, and values everybody’s identity, where individual differences are strengths and where everyone can thrive and maximise their potential. We are always open to learning and growing as an organisation, and we welcome new ideas and initiatives that promote equality, diversity and inclusion.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer; all candidates will receive equal treatment. Our decision to appoint will be based upon whether an individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, and abilities make them the most suitable candidate for the role.

GUARANTEED INTERVIEW SCHEME

Please note that all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for these jobs (as given in the Person Specification) and who want to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme will be invited to interview.

If you are currently in care or have previously been in care, we provide a guaranteed interview scheme for care experienced people if you meet the essential requirements for the role.

If you’re an unemployed Sefton resident, register with our Sefton@Work service for free support to help you into employment.  You may be eligible for extra assistance such as funding for travel, work clothing, or vouchers to make starting your new job easier.  Call Sefton@Work on 0151 934 2610 or visit seftonatwork.net to find out more and get started today!