Business Development Manager - Rydges Latimer

About EVT: Rydges Latimer Christchurch is part of EVT, one of Australasia's market-leading experience creators offering careers that can take you wherever you want to go across entertainment, ventures, and travel. In a world of cookie cutter experiences, here at EVT we believe in changing the game. It's why we all call ourselves Daymakers - because each day is a chance to add the wow factor for our customers and continually grow in our own careers.

Proudly owned and operated in Australia and New Zealand, Rydges offers refreshingly local stays in city, regional and resort-style hotels. We're not just in the neighbourhood, we're part of it. Every hotel is designed for ease, connection and quality. From check-in to check-out, our local heroes bring a can-do attitude and "too easy" service. Whether it's for work or a well-earned break, our place feels like home with the charm of somewhere new. Join us to help make every moment memorable.

Overlooking the green expanse of Latimer Square in the heart of Christchurch, Rydges Latimer is a 4.5 star hotel with 175 stylish rooms, the Bloody Mary's steakhouse and one of the city's largest conference and events venues. With eleven flexible meeting spaces hosting up to 400 guests, it's a property with plenty to sell, and plenty of reasons for clients to choose us.

EVT has an endless range of roles and career paths to explore across over 140 entertainment experiences like Event Cinemas and Moonlight Cinemas, 150 award winning restaurants and bars, and 80+ hotels, including QT, Rydges, Atura, LyLo, Independent Collection and Australia's most loved year round alpine resort, Thredbo. Our ventures include a ~$2.3B property portfolio and hotel management, just to name a few. Once you're in, there's no limits on where your career could take you.

The Opportunity

This role has opened up thanks to an internal promotion, so you'll be stepping into a high performing team with great momentum. As Business Development Manager, you'll drive demand for Rydges Latimer, win new business and grow existing accounts, with the backing of a supportive General Manager and a strong sales network.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead proactive sales for the hotel, completing a minimum of 10 sales calls, site inspections or face-to-face client meetings each week, with regular joint calls alongside the General Manager
• Win new corporate room night and MICE business, converting leads and shifting business from the competition through active customer engagement
• Grow and retain key accounts, building strong relationships with decision makers, meeting planners, event organisers and local industry networks
• Partner with the Revenue Manager, General Manager and Front Office Manager to understand forecasts and deliver targeted sales campaigns that fill low demand periods
• Track market mix, pricing and competitor activity, reporting monthly on sales activity, conversions and P&L results against targets
• Support national sales with tenders and rate contracting, and keep iVvy and Tableau up to date following every client conversation

What You'll Bring

• Proven sales experience in hotels, conferencing, events or a similar hospitality environment
• A track record of winning new business and growing existing accounts, with a strong network in the Christchurch market
• Confident communication skills, comfortable building relationships face to face and by phone
• Commercial awareness, including the ability to read P&L reports, analyse market trends and report on results
• Strong organisation and follow through, with working knowledge of CRM and sales systems (iVvy and Tableau experience is a bonus)
• A collaborative approach to working with the General Manager, department heads and the national sales team

How You Work

• Daymaker ethos — no one's too big for the small things.
• Owner's mindset — acts on data/feedback; ships improvements.
• Resilient and solutions-focused — stays calm, moves fast.
• Growth mindset — learns, shares, and levels up others.

Perks from Day One

As part of EVT, you unlock Elevate Perks from your first day. Parity for all levels - no ivory towers.

• 50% off dining and stays across EVT hotels – QT, Rydges, Atura, LyLo and more.
• $2 movie tickets + discounts on Gold Class, Moonlight Cinema and Candy Bar.
• Seasonal perks at Thredbo.
• Rapid career growth across our hotel & entertainment network.
• Paid parental leave; community & volunteering opportunities.
• Monthly and annual sales incentives.
• Delicious staff meals.
• Complimentary dry cleaning.
• Free CBD parking.

Apply Now

Join Rydges Latimer Christchurch and become an EVT experience creator, opportunity taker, the ultimate Daymaker.

Join and make a positive impact on our people, communities, and environment every day.

Send your CV and a short cover letter. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and review applications as they come in - don't wait! We can't wait to see the places your career will go with EVT.

When you click apply, you'll be taken to our secure EVT careers portal (powered by Dayforce). This is our official system for managing applications across the EVT Group. You'll simply enter your details and answer a few quick screening questions so we can get to know you better.