Join Our Team

Business Development Manager 

(Ontario-Based – Independent Contractor)

Full-Time | Ottawa or Toronto, ON | Contract Position

About Discover Saskatoon:

Discover Saskatoon is the official destination marketing and management organization (DMMO) for Saskatoon, dedicated to increasing the city’s visibility and reputation as a premier destination for meetings, conventions, cultural events, and group travel.

We are seeking a highly motivated Manager, Business Development (Ontario-Based) to drive national business event sales and secure high-value conventions for Saskatoon. As an independent contractor, this role will lead destination sales efforts in Ontario, focusing on association, corporate, and third-party meeting planners to position Saskatoon as a top-tier host city.

If you are an experienced sales leader with a strong national network, a strategic mindset, and a passion for destination marketing, this opportunity is for you!
Position Title: Business Development Manager
Contract Duration: 3 years 
Reports to: Vice President, Destination Management
Application Deadline: Monday, March 31st, 2025

Overall Purpose:

The Business Development Manager (Ontario-Based) will spearhead Discover Saskatoon’s business event lead generation and sales efforts across Eastern Canada, with a primary focus on national association and corporate meetings. Reporting directly to the Vice President, Business Development, this position is responsible for prospecting, managing full bid cycles, fostering key industry relationships, representing Discover Saskatoon, and ensuring Saskatoon remains competitive as a business events destination.
The ideal candidate is a highly skilled sales professional with a deep understanding of the meetings, conventions, and business events landscape. They must be a proactive self-starter who thrives in a remote, independent contractor role while remaining highly engaged with the Discover Saskatoon team.

Key Responsibilities:

Business Development & Sales Strategy
•    Identify, qualify, and develop high-value business event leads aligned with Saskatoon’s economic and sectoral strengths.
•    Manage full bid cycles, from prospecting and proposal development to securing contracts.
•    Cultivate and maintain a national client pipeline, proactively engaging with key accounts to drive business to Saskatoon.
•    Develop compelling bids and incentive packages, positioning Saskatoon competitively in the Canadian meetings and conventions marketplace.
•    Represent Discover Saskatoon at key industry trade shows and events, including: 
     o    Tête-à-Tête
     o    Canadian Meetings & Events Expo (CMEE)
     o    PCMA Events
     o    CanSPEP Events
     o    Ottawa Meet Week
     o    MPI and CSAE Events
     o    Cities in Sync confirmed events

Industry Influence & Relationship Management
•    Develop and maintain strong relationships with national association executives, corporate meeting planners, and third-party event organizers.
•    Serve as the primary liaison between Discover Saskatoon and the Ontario-based business events community.
•    Leverage partnerships with Cities in Sync and industry associations to enhance Saskatoon’s market positioning.

Bid Development & Incentive Strategy
•    Identify and evaluate bid opportunities based on market intelligence and feasibility.
•    Develop and execute bid presentations that effectively communicate Saskatoon’s strengths.
•    Oversee bid documentation and stakeholder coordination, ensuring seamless execution.
•    Track bid success rates and refine sales strategies to improve conversion.

Event & Trade Show Management
•    Plan and attend client networking events, industry conferences, and sales missions.
•    Host familiarization (FAM) tours and site visits for key decision-makers considering Saskatoon as a host city.
•    Support Discover Saskatoon’s in-market activations to maximize engagement with meeting planners and industry stakeholders. 

Reporting & Market Intelligence
•    Provide monthly sales reports, detailing: 
    o    Leads generated and conversion progress
    o    Market trends and competitive insights
    o    Event pipeline updates
    o    Financial performance against KPIs
•    Deliver ongoing intelligence on competing destinations and new opportunities for Saskatoon.
•    Submit post-event reports and strategic recommendations to drive continuous improvement in sales strategies.

Qualifications & Skills:

•    10+ years of experience in business event sales, meeting planning, or destination development.
•    Proven success in securing high-profile conventions and business events through strategic sales efforts.
•    Extensive network in the Canadian association, corporate, and third-party planning sectors.
•    Strong bid management expertise, from lead generation to contract negotiations.
•    Ability to present and influence at an executive level, positioning Saskatoon as a premier destination.
•    Experience working with national industry associations (e.g., PCMA, MPI, CSAE, CanSPEP).
•    Exceptional communication and negotiation skills.
•    Self-motivated and results-driven, with the ability to operate independently as a contractor while staying aligned with Discover Saskatoon’s goals.
•    Proficiency in CRM systems (Simpleview preferred), Microsoft Office Suite, and virtual presentation tools.
•    Ability to travel nationally and internationally to represent Saskatoon at industry events, conferences, and client meetings.

Additional Information:
•    This is a contract-based position, with an initial term of three years (2025–2027) and potential for renewal. 
•    The successful candidate will operate independently in Ontario (Ottawa or Toronto preferred) while maintaining close collaboration with Discover Saskatoon’s head office team. 
•    Travel is required to attend industry events, trade shows, and client meetings. 
•    Compensation: Competitive contract rate, with performance-based incentives.
 

Why Join Discover Saskatoon?

•    Work with an ambitious and forward-thinking team that is passionate about growing Saskatoon’s visitor economy.
•    Lead high-profile national sales efforts and make a significant impact on Saskatoon’s business events sector.
•    Enjoy a flexible, autonomous work environment while being part of a dynamic and innovative organization.
 

To apply:

Please submit a cover letter and resume by 11:59 pm Monday, March 31st, to [email protected]    

We thank all applicants for their interest but only those being interviewed will be contacted. Any information submitted will be managed with the strictest of confidentiality.