We are currently recruiting for a Business Development Executive to join our growing team here at Kilkea Castle 

Kilkea Castle Hotel is a 140-bedroom resort set on 180 acres of landscape, gardens and ancient woodland. This family-owned and managed estate offers a tranquil spa, a challenging 18-hole championship golf course and a world-class culinary experience. We are proud to be Great Place to Work Certified 2026, recognised among the Best Workplaces in Hospitality 2026, and awarded Best in Class through the IHF Quality Employer Programme

Our team members are the heart of our hotel and the core of our success, and we believe that by creating a positive and supportive environment, we can deliver outstanding service to our guests.

Our mission is to provide exceptional guest experiences through excellent service, integrity while ensuring that every guest feels valued, safe, and at home.

Job Title:

Business Development Executive

Reporting to:  

Director of Sales

Job Description:  

Support the continued growth of Kilkea Castle Resort by identifying and developing new business opportunities, generating leads, building strong client relationships, and assisting the Director of Sales in expanding key market segments. The role involves researching prospective clients, maintaining an active sales pipeline, conducting proactive outreach, attending sales appointments and industry events, and supporting the development of new and existing accounts.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Director of Sales to grow commercial awareness, sales capability, and client management skills, while gaining exposure to account management, revenue generation, market analysis, and business development activities. This role requires a confident, professional, and commercially minded individual with strong communication and relationship-building skills, excellent organisational ability, and a proactive approach to achieving business targets. Ongoing coaching, training, and structured development will be provided, with opportunities to progress into managing key accounts, market segments, client portfolios, and revenue targets as experience and capability develop.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Prospecting

• Identify and research new business opportunities and target clients. 
• Build and maintain prospect lists across key markets and sectors. 
• Proactively contact potential clients via phone, email, LinkedIn and networking. 
• Arrange meetings, site visits and presentations with prospective clients. 
• Support the Director of Sales in securing new corporate, leisure, group and event business. 
• Follow up with prospects and confidently promote Kilkea Castle's facilities and services.

Client Relationship Development

• Build and maintain positive client relationships.
• Assist with client meetings, site visits and events.
• Identify client needs and business opportunities.
• Provide professional follow-up on enquiries and visits.
• Represent Kilkea Castle Resort professionally at all times.

Sales Activity

• Work towards sales and business development targets.
• Maintain an organised sales pipeline and client records.
• Support sales campaigns and business development initiatives.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activity.
• Attend sales calls, networking events and trade shows as required.

Learning & Development

• Participate in a structured sales development programme.
• Build knowledge of hotel sales, account management and revenue principles.
• Develop skills in negotiation, client engagement and closing business.
• Attend training and respond positively to coaching and feedback.
• Take on increasing responsibility for accounts and market segments as experience grows.

Internal Collaboration

• Work closely with departments to deliver an excellent client experience.
• Develop knowledge of all resort facilities, services and experiences.
• Communicate client requirements effectively to operational teams.
• Contribute positively to the Sales & Marketing team.

Skills/Requirements

• Previous experience in hospitality, sales, events, customer service or a similar environment.
• Full clean driver's license required.
• Strong communication, relationship-building and organisational skills.
• Interest in sales and business development with a commercial mindset.
• Proficient in using technology and learning new systems.
• Self-motivated, professional and willing to learn.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience with sales, account management, corporate/event clients or knowledge of the Irish hospitality market is advantageous.
• Minimum 12 months’ valid work permit required.

Benefits

• Discounts across entire resort
• Performance-related bonus based on the achievement of agreed KPIs
• Competitive salary
• Meals while on duty
• Employee recognition
• Bike to Work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme and PRSA scheme
• Continuous training and development

Kilkea Castle is an equal opportunities employer