General Manager - Birr Castle Demesne
Overview
We are seeking an experienced General Manager to lead the commercial success of the Birr Castle Demesne, a unique tourist attraction in Ireland. Reporting to the Board of the Birr Scientific & Heritage Foundation, the successful candidate will be responsible for driving growth and revenue.
Location - Birr Castle Demesne, Birr, Co Offaly
Contract Type - Permanent Full Time - 4-5 days per week. Hybrid work is an option.
Job Description
Sales & Revenue Growth
* Drive revenue growth by achieving and exceeding monthly and annual sales targets.
* Promote and deliver tailored proposals and presentations to prospective tourism partners and internal stakeholders.
* Work in partnership with Tourism organizations to drive awareness and tourism growth in the region of Offaly and the Hidden Heartlands.
Client Acquisition & Relationship Management
* Identify and engage new business opportunities within the tourism sector, including hotels, tourism attractions, agencies, tour operators, and other providers.
* Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with clients to foster repeat business and referrals.
* Act as a primary point of contact for the Birr Castle Demesne at all levels, including community and local partners, national, and international.
Strategic Planning & Market Analysis
* Create and implement sales & business development strategies to achieve company growth objectives.
* Conduct market research to identify industry trends, potential clients, and competitor activities.
* Provide regular reports, analysis, and insights to senior management on segment performance, market opportunities, and challenges.
* Together with internal stakeholders and external providers, identify and aim to secure relevant funding opportunities for Birr Castle Demesne.
Team Management
* Lead and support the senior leadership team responsible for key departments such as Gardens, Visitor Experience, Operations, and Finance.
* Communicate the Birr Castle Demesne strategy to drive growth, ensuring the vision is understood, and all team efforts are aligned.
* Manage and measure the Team Leaders and their respective teams.
* Oversee project managers, where applicable.
* Ensure workplace compliance in line with all relevant legislation.
Requirements
* Minimum of 3-5 years' experience in a general management role with a background in sales and business development in the tourism or related industry.
* Knowledge of key players in the tourism or related industry, including private and public organisations.
* Ability to develop and execute sales strategies.
* Previous success in client acquisition and achieving revenue targets.
* Exceptional commercial and negotiation skills.
* Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present effectively to diverse audiences.
* Strong relationship-building skills, including stakeholders, team, and external partners.
* Strategic mindset with the ability to align business goals with market trends and analyse visitor and market data.
* High level of commercial acumen and ability to identify and capitalize on income-generating opportunities.
* Highly motivated, proactive, positive, and goal-oriented.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a strong drive to meet and exceed targets.
Preferred requirements
* Degree in Business, Tourism, Finance, or discipline-related area.
* Working knowledge of the non-profit sector, including funding opportunities and governance.