Vice President of Business Development

JOB TITLE: Vice President of Business Development – Mereté Hotel Management

SUMMARY: The Vice President of Business Development leads the sourcing and execution of new third-party hotel management contracts to support the organization's growth goals, reporting to the Chief Operating Officer at Mereté Hotel Management. This role evaluates opportunities and negotiates contracts, working closely with the Mereté leadership team to ensure each opportunity is appropriate for the services the management company offers. The Vice President also builds relationships, attends industry events, and engages in activity that increases business opportunities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: The Vice President of Business Development leads the negotiation of new third-party hotel management contracts and maintains long-term relationships with owners, investors, brand contacts, and real estate developers. To support negotiations, this role uses industry analysis and financial models to evaluate opportunities and inform assessment of the opportunity. The role may participate in the underwriting process for capital partners and ownership groups, collaborating with Mereté leadership as appropriate. The Vice President manages the business development budget and works closely with the Chief Operating Officer of Mereté Hotel Management, Inc. to grow the business in a sustainable and profitable manner. Skills required to support this work include contract negotiation, financial and market analysis, clear written and verbal communication with owners and other stakeholders, sound judgment, and discretion with confidential business information. The Vice President works independently and collaboratively on special, recurring, and nonrecurring projects and sets and communicates SMART goals. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential. Performs other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Travel required up to 75% of the time, including client meetings, industry events, and conferences, with the ability to travel independently throughout the US by airplane and motor vehicle. Work is performed in a home office, on the road, and in social and business settings such as restaurants, hotels, and boardrooms, with the ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time. Repetitive use of hands and wrists for data entry and computer work; use of phone; occasional climbing of stairs. Lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling: average weight frequently 10 lbs., maximum weight occasionally 20 lbs.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Works in a variety of environments, including a home office (computers, printers, telephone and video calls), airports, airplanes, hotels, restaurants, social and networking events, and boardrooms and other meeting spaces. Exposure to noise, varied lighting, and changing environments while traveling. Must adhere to all safety standards and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred. Ten (10) years of business development experience in hospitality, commercial real estate, or a similar field. Proficiency with Microsoft Teams, Excel, and Word. Excellent organizational, managerial, and attention-to-detail skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including business writing, editing, and proofreading, and the ability to communicate effectively with varied stakeholders, management, and team members. Ability to read, write, and speak English. Specific knowledge of third-party hotel management contracts and a thorough understanding of hotel operations are preferred. Valid driver license with acceptable driving record. Must pass criminal background check.

SUCCESS FACTORS: Sound judgment, discretion, ethics, confidentiality, and integrity. Goal-oriented, with effective time management (e.g., planning, prioritizing, and delegating). Effective verbal and written communication. Follows all appropriate policies and procedures.